Business models and finance solutions for conservation, restoration and sustainable use of high Andean wetlands, Ecuador

Background and Rationale:

The objective of the project to improve the regulatory, technical and financial framework conditions for the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of high Andean wetlands (understanding wetlands as the whole “Páramo” ecosystem and considering a special focus on wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar convention).

The target group is the predominantly poor rural population in selected landscapes in the high Andean provinces of Cotopaxi, Tungurahua, Chimborazo and Cañar, as well as Bolívar and Azuay.

Tasks of the expert

  • Advise on the preparation and organization of the innovation contest, regarding aspects like the economic sustainability of the projects to be proposed
  • Support the preparation and subsequent implementation of the methodology and materials for capacity building for the local population on nature+ business, market access, production and business model development in coordination with the rest of the team
  • Organize meetings with the private sector to present the available tools to contribute to the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of high Andean wetlands
  • Reach agreements (together with the team) with private companies to work with associations in the project’s area of intervention and contribute to the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of high Andean wetlands
  • Organize meetings with financial institutions in coordination with the team to link initiatives related to the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of high Andean wetlands with financing alternatives
  • Conduct or revise economic analyses of the business models of the projects proposed in the contest and of the ones in the area of intervention
  • Organize, in coordination with the team members located in the intervention areas, field trips when necessary to conduct meetings with the local population/public institutions/companies in the provinces
  • Establish collaborative relationships with partners, non-governmental organisations and institutional bodies at local and regional level to develop and implement project actions
Qualifications: 
  • Master’s degree in economics, finance or equivalent with a focus on environmental issues
  • Knowledge of English, B2-level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, and Spanish language skills, C2 level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages 
  • 6 years of professional experience in value chain development and promotion of sustainable production and business models, with a particular focus on biodiversity-based supply chains
  • 5 years of professional experience in the development of business and finance plans for small and medium enterprises and producer associations, matchmaking with financial institutions, and support on introducing standards and accessing markets. 
  • 5 years of professional experience in collaborating and liaising with the private sector (e.g. agricultural, tourism sector) including facilitation of dialogues with providers. 
  • 5 years of professional experience in the design, piloting and scaling of new and innovative finance mechanisms for conservation, restoration and sustainable use of ecosystems, including for the transition towards nature-positive production and business models. 
  • 8 years of professional experience in the Andean Highlands Region (Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile or Argentina)
  • 5 years of experience in development cooperation projects
  • 1 year of work experience with Autonomous Decentralized Governments (GAD)
Start / Duration: 

To start in September 2025 over 24 months 

Please upload your current CV here