Post of Duty: Belize

The IDB Group is a community of diverse, versatile, and passionate people who come together on a journey to improve lives in Latin America and the Caribbean. Our people find purpose and do what they love in an inclusive, collaborative, agile, and rewarding environment.

About this position:

Belize has recognized the need and potential of developing a sustainable Blue Economy (BE) and in 2020, the Ministry of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation (MBECA) was established. The MBECA’s mission is “to increase the gross domestic product through a thriving Blue Economy development pathway that is harmonized, innovative and socially-just, supported by a robust, science-based management regime of our aquatic resources and spaces to improve the livelihood of all Belizeans.”

To achieve this mission, there is a need for robust policy implementation and institutional strengthening to guide the developmental processes and objectives expected under a BE scenario. Stakeholders across the economy and society are integral to Belize’s sustainable development and must be engaged and empowered allowing them to take ownership of the process.

The technical cooperation (TC) BL-T1145 is supporting Belize in strengthening its policy and institutional framework for the development of the Blue Economy. Additionally, RG-T4017, a regional TC, is supporting the increase in Belize’s capacity to attract private sector investment into the Blue Economy to generate employment, economic growth and diversification, and achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets. Through close coordination with MBECA and related Blue Economy stakeholders, the planned results of RG-T4017 will complement the intended outcomes of this TC.

Component I, “Strengthening the policy and strategy framework for the development of the Belize Blue Economy,” has delivered key outcomes under the guidance of an International Legal Expert and Legislative Drafter. These include a Policy and Institutional Framework Regulatory Impact Assessment, a Legislative Brief, and a draft outline of a proposed Blue Economy Bill for Belize. The Local Legal Expert will, therefore, complement and enhance the ongoing efforts by providing essential support in contextualizing the drafted legislative framework. The expert will offer invaluable insights into the cultural landscape, existing Blue Economy management arrangements in Belize, and a comprehensive understanding of the current legislative framework. This collaboration aims to ensure that the legislative framework being proposed for Belize align seamlessly with the local context, ensuring its relevance and effectiveness within Belize’s unique socio-cultural and legal landscape.

The objective of the consultancy is to assist in the development of an overarching BE legal framework, consolidating the draft Blue Economy Bill as a cornerstone that fosters cooperation and collaboration among diverse stakeholders and also exhibit the necessary agility to adapt to an evolving Blue Economy landscape.

What you’ll do:

• Review the outputs of previously conducted stakeholder engagements, and where necessary, conduct new stakeholder interviews and consultations to describe the general national understanding of the Belize Blue Economy Development Policy, Strategy and Action Plan identifying major concerns held by stakeholders.
• Support stakeholder analysis including identification, rationalization and reconciliation of key concerns, main expectations of, and level of engagement with the Belize Blue Economy Development Policy, Strategy and Action Plan. It is critical to highlight common themes as well as any unique positions (e.g., comments, issues, grievances, recommendations, etc.) held by specific key stakeholders and/or agencies.
• Develop a Stakeholder Analysis Report detailing findings and analyses in respect of tasks (a) and (b).
• Document the Institutional arrangements, segregation and allocation of roles and responsibilities of the various sectors and industries that constitute the BE.
• Identify and define the roles and responsibilities of all government departments, ministries, authorities, and other entities that play key roles in the BE.
• Outline the current arrangements for the enforcement of the various laws relating to the Blue Economy. Identify any gaps, challenges, and weaknesses in those arrangements to strengthen the current enforcement capacity of local authorities.
• Develop an Institutional Analysis Report based on the findings of activities (d) to (f), with the requisite analyses and recommendations presented.
• Provide recommendations on legal strategies and frameworks that would facilitate establishment of systems to comply with international agreements and accords.
• Identify private sector partners and existing partnerships with government agencies for Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
• Identify required consequential amendments further to the development and implementation of the Belize Blue Economy legislation to be drafted.
• Identify policy prescriptions and national legislative provisions or enactments which conflict with the principles, precepts, or provisions of the Blue Economy legislation to be developed.
• Develop recommendations for Implementation with recommendations and considerations preferred in respect of the findings and analyses of activities (h) to (k).

Deliverables and Payments Timeline: