Belize Participates in Americas Competitiveness Exchange (ACE) in Seattle, Washington

Dr. Leroy Almendarez, Executive Director of BELTRAIDE is among 60 senior-level government, business, policy and economic decision-makers from 20 countries across the Americas who are attending the Americas Competitiveness Exchange (ACE). The exchange being held from May 14 – May 19, 2023, grants participants a first-hand look at the greater Seattle, Washington region’s economic, innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) is hosting ACE Greater Seattle in partnership with the Washington State Department of Commerce. The program was developed in collaboration with Greater Seattle Partners (GSP), under the guidance of the Organization of American States (OAS), United States Economic Development Administration (EDA), International Trade Administration and Department of State. The delegates will meet with leaders from established and emerging economic sectors to explore the region’s dynamic and inventive sectors including information technology, aerospace, space, maritime, higher education, life sciences and global health. Additionally:

• Microsoft will invite the group to their Redmond campus to discuss AI and Cloud platform technology.

• Chateau Ste. Michelle and Woodinville Wine Country will host a reception for the delegation and highlight Washington’s thriving viniculture industry.

• University of Washington Seattle and Tacoma will showcase technology innovation education opportunities and efforts to accelerate adoption of clean energy technology.

• Boeing will host the group for a tour of their Everett factory facility followed by a discussion of the public-private partnership that has led to commercial aviation success at Snohomish County Paine Field Airport.

• The Suquamish Tribe will share about tribal revitalization efforts at the House of Awakened Culture Community Center.

• The Port of Tacoma will host a boat tour of the waterfront focused on supply chain and logistics and the Port of Seattle will facilitate a discussion on aviation sustainability technology.

• Amazon will facilitate a discussion about Amazon Web Services and innovation in the Americas and will invite the delegation to the Amazon Spheres for a closing ceremony to solidify collaboration fostered throughout the week.

Dr. Almendarez stated that ACE gives Belize an opportunity to “explore partnerships that can derive mutually beneficial outcomes; to discuss, learn, adopt and customize, where necessary methodologies and programs that can lead to economic development.”

1. Background

Government of Belize Blue Bond and Finance Permanence Unit Office of the Prime Minister

Terms of Reference Project Manager

Assumes direct responsibility for planning and managing the grant budget by ensuring that:

1. Background

In November 2021, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the Government of Belize (GOB) finalized the single largest debt conversion agreement through the Blue Loan Agreement (BLA) and the Conservation Funding Agreement (CFA). These agreements referred to as the Belize Blue Bond has enabled the country to reduce its debt burden and increase its long-term investment in Ocean conservation for 20 years and beyond with a commitment to protect up to 30% of Belize’s ocean, in addition to other conservation commitments, beneficial to the country’s economy and people.

9. Expenditures are in accordance with the grant agreement, the work plan and other grant documents, and adjustments (if any) are made with due consultation and approval.

In November 2021, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the Government of Belize (GOB) finalized the single largest debt conversion agreement through the Blue Loan Agreement (BLA) and the Conservation Funding Agreement (CFA). These agreements referred to as the Belize Blue Bond has enabled the country to reduce its debt burden and increase its long-term investment in Ocean conservation for 20 years and beyond with a commitment to protect up to 30% of Belize’s ocean, in addition to other conservation commitments, beneficial to the country’s economy and people.

As an indication of the Government’s highest commitment to fulfilling the commitments of these agreements, the Prime Minister has established the Blue Bond Coordination Unit (the “Unit”) within the Office of the Prime Minister with the principal objective to ensure that the Government of Belize (GoB) meets all commitments outlined in the Blue Loan Agreement (BLA) and Conservation Funding Agreement (CFA) in collaboration with the Belize Blue Investment Company (BZBIC) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC).

Monitoring, Reporting and Evaluation:

As an indication of the Government’s highest commitment to fulfilling the commitments of these agreements, the Prime Minister has established the Blue Bond Coordination Unit (the “Unit”) within the Office of the Prime Minister with the principal objective to ensure that the Government of Belize (GoB) meets all commitments outlined in the Blue Loan Agreement (BLA) and Conservation Funding Agreement (CFA) in collaboration with the Belize Blue Investment Company (BZBIC) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC).

10. Finalize and submit to the BBFP the monitoring and evaluation plan for the GSA including the budget and mechanism for data collection and responsibilities; and ensure monitoring, reporting, and evaluation are undertaken as per the Monitoring and Evaluation Plan.

11. Finalize and submit to the BBFP the annual work plans and the procurement plan.

The Unit is headed by the CEO in the Office of the Prime Minister and led by a Director. The CEO shall be authorized in accordance with applicable procedures the employment or engagement appropriate personnel to provide requisite support for the fulfillment of obligations under the BLA and the CFA and the successful design of Finance Permanence for Belize.

The Unit is headed by the CEO in the Office of the Prime Minister and led by a Director. The CEO shall be authorized in accordance with applicable procedures the employment or engagement appropriate personnel to provide requisite support for the fulfillment of obligations under the BLA and the CFA and the successful design of Finance Permanence for Belize.

2. Project Description

2. Project Description

In 2022 as stipulated by the BLA and CFA, a Conservation Fund was established known as the “Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future”. The Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future (BFSF) has two (2) funding mechanisms: (i) Government Strategic Allocation (GSA), and (ii) the Grant Awards Program (GAP). The GSA is earmarked for the Government and its agencies to support the achievement of the milestones and conservation commitments included in the CFA. The GSA is to be coordinated by a single government entity the Blue Bond and Finance Permanence Unit for the development of the Government’s proposal to the BFSF.

12. Finalize and submit to the BBFP the quarterly and annual progress reports against set targets and indicators, with an analysis of evidence of progress towards planned outputs according to schedules, budgets, and inputs provided by the project and with respect to the Monitoring and Evaluation Plan, and according to the reporting requirements of the BFSF and the BBIC.

13. Reports regularly to Director of the BBFP and keeps the PSC up to date on progress and problems.

In 2022 as stipulated by the BLA and CFA, a Conservation Fund was established known as the “Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future”. The Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future (BFSF) has two (2) funding mechanisms:

5. Education and experience

(i) Government Strategic Allocation (GSA), and (ii) the Grant Awards Program (GAP). The GSA is earmarked for the Government and its agencies to support the achievement of the milestones and conservation commitments included in the CFA. The GSA is to be coordinated by a single government entity the Blue Bond and Finance Permanence Unit for the development of the Government’s proposal to the BFSF.

• Minimum of a Master’s Degree in Project Management, Business Administration or any other related fields;

• At least two years of practical experience in project management.

• Proven experience working in the natural resources/ environmental field.

The GSA proposal aims to ensure the successful and timely delivery of the timebound Milestones and other conservation commitments for the Government of Belize with a focus on establishing t he enabling environment for the development of a Marine Spatial Plan through strengthened governance, improved management, and enhanced monitoring of Belize’s coastal and marine resources.

The GSA proposal aims to ensure the successful and timely delivery of the timebound Milestones and other conservation commitments for the Government of Belize with a focus on establishing the enabling environment for the development of a Marine Spatial Plan through strengthened governance, improved management, and enhanced monitoring of Belize’s coastal and marine resources.

• Experience in budgeting/ payments or general project finance or accounting

• Working experiences/familiarity with the Government of Belize process and procedures is an asset.

The proposed projects within this GSA submission will be executed over the 202 3-2025 period with a total budget of $11,692,815.20 BZD.

• Strong leadership, management, and interpersonal skills with proven ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team, motivate quality work and promote team building.

The proposed projects within this GSA submission will be executed over the 2023-2025 period with a total budget of $11,692,815.20 BZD.

3. Duties and Responsibilities

The overall objective of the assignment is to coordinate the implementation of the Government Strategic Allocation (GSA) activities with key Government agencies.

Key Function:

1. Coordinate and oversee the project activities defined in the GSA, providing strategic inputs and ensuring compliance with the terms and procedures outlined in the Grant Agreement, including the environmental and social safeguards policies, and any other relevant documents associated with the Grant.

2. Manage the day-to-day operations of the GSA, including the supervision of consultants (if any) hired to work on project implementation and the coordination with key stakeholders.

Planning and Implementation of GSA:

3. Lead the preparation and implementation of annual work plans with the inputs from the various government entities, with budget and clearly stated milestones contributing to the achievement of target outputs consistent with the GSA and fulfillment of the Blue Bond Agreements and ensuring their clearance by the Project Steering Committee (PSC).

4. Organize, facilitate, and provide technical and logistical support to and participate in meetings relevant to GSA, including Steering Committee (PSC) and the CEO Committee (upon request).

5. Participate and represent the BBFP in workshops/meetings for stakeholders relevant to the GSA and its implementation.

6. Ensure that all GSA program activities are fully mainstreamed into the national development agenda and contributing to the fulfillment of the Belize Blue Bond Agreements.

7. Lead the preparation of the GSA submission based on a process of interministerial coordination.

8. Any other Blue Bond and Finance Permanence Unit related activities as appropriate.

• Proven ability to manage human resources within a project context and to follow the rules of consultative and adaptive management.

• Fluency in written and spoken English is indispensable; Spanish would be an additional asset.

• Ability and willingness to undertake extensive local travel.

• Sound computer skills including Microsoft Office, QuickBooks, and other relevant applications.

6. Supervision

The Project Manager will report directly to the Director of the BBFP.

7. Duty Station

Belize City

8. Payment Arrangements

The salary of the contract commensurate with experience and qualifications.

9. Estimated Starting Date and Duration

Start date will be effective at contract signature. A contract will be renewed biannually based on an assessment of performance and requires full-time commitment.

10. Presentation of Resumes

Those interested in filling the vacancy for the position of Project Manager should send a statement of capability and CV along with three references to email: executiveassistant.bbfpunit@opm. gov.bz or printed to the address 3rd Floor, Eleanor Hall Building, Lake Independence Boulevard, Belize City by Friday, 2nd June 2023 no later than 4:00 p.m.

Applications will be reviewed by a Selection Committee. Those shortlisted will be invited to an interview with the Committee. The evaluation will be made taking into account the selection criteria and respective capabilities. Due diligence will be done to validate the information included in the CV or the information provided during the interviews.