Call for Applications - France Volontaires

Program: VIES - Caribbean

Theme: Natural Heritage and Biodiversity

Position: Project Officer for the Promotion of Sensitive Natural Areas and the UNESCO Site

Location: Caribbean – Martinique – Territorial Collectivity of Martinique (CTM)

Mission Duration: 12 months

Sending Organization: France Volontaires

Type of Volunteer Work: International Solidarity Volunteer (VSI)

Mission Start Date: January 2025

Application Deadline: November 17, 2024

Pre-departure Training Dates: December 16-18

Mission Context:

 Within the Directorate of Major Risks and Territorial Resilience, the Natural Heritage and Biodiversity Service leads public policies in collaboration with many stakeholders. As a leader in biodiversity, the CTM is also tasked with protecting and promoting the island's landscapes, including “The Forests and Volcanoes of Montagne Pelée and the Pitons of Northern Martinique,” recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Operation Grand Site (OGS) of France “from Salines to the Bay of the English,” as well as natural reserves and Sensitive Natural Areas (ENS). These particularly fragile or threatened ENS require more focused attention, promotion, and oversight. The evolving environmental challenges within our context of ecological transition and sustainable development also demand increased vigilance regarding regulations and the development of blue and green tourism. It is essential to rethink and strengthen synergies and environmental dynamics, implementing them harmoniously and adhering to the precautionary principle.

Main Activities to be Carried Out by the Volunteer:

Sensitive Natural Areas (ENS):

• Conduct diagnostics and define a multi-year action plan for ENS in coordination with strategic missions.

• Develop monitoring, evaluation, and outcome indicators, as well as gather and track scientific information on ENS.

• Participate in working groups.

• Assess the impact of existing public policies.

• Create communication materials and develop an ENS inventory.

UNESCO Site:

 • Participate in the management of the UNESCO site and evaluate its territorial impacts.

• Draft summary and communication documents.
• Facilitate the UNESCO network, working groups, manage projects, and oversee action follow-up.

Candidate Profile:

 Desired Education: Minimum Bac +2/3 level in environment, ecological transition, biodiversity, life sciences, earth sciences, or geography.

Desired Professional Experience:

Experience in one of the following areas: environment, conservation and promotion of natural spaces, biodiversity preservation and promotion, ecological transition, or territorial planning. Experience in project management and leading meetings.

Skills/Knowledge:

 • Familiarity with Martinique and the Caribbean region.

• Knowledge of ecological transition practices.

• Understanding of the UNESCO process and natural world heritage management.

Abilities:

Strong interpersonal and writing skills, ability to lead workgroups, create communication materials, produce reports, manage projects, and use IT tools.

Personal Qualities:

Environmentally conscious, excellent communicator, autonomous, rigorous, proactive, and pedagogical.

Languages Required and Proficiency:

 • French (B2 level: fluent in reading, speaking, and writing)

• English (B2 level: fluent in reading, speaking, and writing)

VSI Contract Conditions:

 • International Solidarity Volunteer status (law of 2005)

• Installation and resettlement allowances upon return

• Monthly subsistence allowance: not considered a salary but ensures decent living conditions during the mission

• Basic social coverage (health, maternity, disability, work accident, old age), mutual insurance, repatriation insurance, provident fund, and civil liability

• Housing allowance

• Travel expenses for one round trip between the place of residence and the assignment location

How to Apply:

 • Send your CV and cover letter to: antilles@france-volontaires.org