*_Job Description_*

*_Position Title:_ *Coastal Environmental Advisor

*_Location:_ *Majuro, Marshall Islands

*_Effective Date:_* October 1, 2011 (Duration of 2 years with a
possibility of extension)

*_General Objective of Post:_*
To provide general scientific and technical advice on the range of technical issues related to environmental including managing the overall operation of the Coastal and Land Management Division of the National Environmental Protection Authority ("RMIEPA").

*_Specific Duties and Responsibilities:_*
1. Supervises surveying and characterizing the coastal zones of the Republic of the Marshall Islands;
2. Review of, and advises on developmental activities and projects;
3. Ensure the Costal Management Framework and regulations under the Coastal and Land Management Division are being implemented and or provide advice to EPA Management of needing of amendments if needed;
4. Ensuring land developers and construction firms, and the Government conduct and develop impact statement, by providing them with detailed structure processes;
5. Provide training opportunity to potential proponents and EPA
staff on impact statements and assessments;
6. Develop a detail process to assist EPA in the assessment of impact statement and develop an agency structure in line with relevant legislation (i.e. the Costal Conservation Act).
7. Provide awareness materials and information to the Education Awareness & Information Division on current developments, assessment materials and information, related information on coastal management and erosion, and environmental impact assessments.
8. Provide technical assistance and advice to other departments within the RMIEPA on other environmental related issues such as: water quality, environmental health, solid & hazardous waste and etc.
9. Carry out strategic planning and program planning in conjunction with the Costal Management Framework, EIA Regulation, Sustainable Regulations and other related matters within scope of work of the RMIEPA
10. Coordinate GIS data collection and database development. For utilization in coastal and environmental management;
11. Build capacity of the staff in the Costal & Land Management Division to continue the implementation of the RMI Coastal Management National Framework;
12. Provide general scientific and technical advice on the range of technical issues that the EPA faces over the course of a year;
13. In cooperation with a local counter-part, coordinate and evaluate Environmental Impact Assessments for major infrastructure projects;
14. Conduct technical audit of currently unpermitted industrial activity on island and incorporate into EPA permitting system including: Power Plant, Coconut Processing Plant, Tuna Loining Plant, Sewer Outfall, Dry-dock(s), Waste Dumps, etc.; and
15. Perform other duties that may be assigned by the General Manager and/or the Board of Directors.

*_Reports to:_*
General Manager

*_Salary Level:_*
Salary commensurate with experience, housing will be provided for non-Marshallese hired from overseas

*_Qualifications:_*
-Master's Degree, preferably Ph.D in Environmental Science, Engineering, Management, Policy, or similar;
-Minimum 3 years international experience;
-5 Years experience with Environmental or Coastal Management;
-Experience coordinating Environmental Impact Assessments;
- Scientific understanding of tropical marine ecosystems;
- Certified SCUBA diver with research diving experience;
- Experience with broad environmental issues and management is highly
desirable;
- Ability to live and work in a foreign country for a minimum of 2
years; and
- Demonstrated understanding of the issues and needs of a developing
country.
- Coastal/Environmental Engineering knowledge and at least 2 years
experience

Background : While the majority of the over 30 islands and atolls of the Marshall Islands are in pristine condition, the urban environment of the atoll nation is severely degraded due to a range of issues including overpopulation, intensive infrastructure development, historic lack of environmental oversight, and its naturally vulnerable character. Foreign assistance arrives to the country in great amounts for infrastructure
development, including airports, seaports, coastal dredging, reclamation
and a variety of other projects. The Agency involved in ensuring the environment is protected, the RMI Environmental Protection Authority, does not currently have the technical capacity or experience to handle the range of development activities. Assistance is sought for a Coastal Environmental Advisor for a range of duties that continue a capacity building process at the organization to build its self-reliance.

Recently, a national coastal management framework for action has been adopted to deal with a range of coastal environment issues. This program includes full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for development projects, development of a Geographic Information System (GIS) for land-use planning, project management, conservation, and development of strategic steps of coastal management including: solid waste, dredging, marine water quality and coastal construction.

A suitable candidate will be experienced in environmental management in coastal areas, preferably small island states, or tropical ecosystems. Flexibility and creativity in the workplace are extremely important to facilitate the implementation of unique island solutions for unique atoll problems. Located in the capital of the Marshall Islands, Majuro Atoll, the EPA consists of nearly 20 staff members on three urban centers (Majuro, Ebeye and Jaluit Atolls). Majuro Atoll is populated by roughly 30,000 people on a 30 mile extremely narrow reef rim. Management activities are prioritized in these urban centers and outer islands. Some travel to outer islands is expected, as well as some international travel.