Location: El Estor, Izabal, Guatemala
Organization: Fundación Defensores de la Naturaleza (FDN)
Project: PROCARIBE+
Opportunity type: Scientific & Environmental Consultancy
Field: Ecology · Environmental Science · GIS · Aquatic Ecosystems
Duration: 3 months
Deadline: September 7, 2026, at 2:00 PM Guatemala time
APPLICATION STATUS: OPEN
The Fundación Defensores de la Naturaleza (FDN) is seeking a consultant or consulting team to conduct a technical-environmental study on the spatial distribution of aquatic vegetation in the Bocas del Polochic Wildlife Refuge (RVSBP), in Izabal, Guatemala.
The consultancy is part of the PROCARIBE+ project, which supports the establishment of a Fisheries Recovery Area within the refuge and aims to strengthen the sustainable management and conservation of aquatic ecosystems.
About the consultancy
The selected consultant or team will combine field-based biological information, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), spatial analysis and cartographic products to characterize the distribution of aquatic vegetation in a prioritized area of the refuge.
The resulting information will contribute to the environmental diagnosis and planning of the proposed Fisheries Recovery Area. Aquatic vegetation is particularly relevant because it provides refuge, food and breeding sites for numerous fish species.
Main responsibilities
The consultancy will include:
- Characterizing the aquatic vegetation present in the study area.
- Analyzing its spatial distribution using GIS.
- Producing maps and editable geospatial layers with metadata.
- Conducting field validation of aquatic vegetation patches identified through geospatial analysis.
- Preparing technical reports integrating the field and spatial analyses.
- Identifying technical, climatic and seasonal limitations affecting the analysis.
- Providing recommendations relevant to environmental diagnosis and fisheries management.
The methodology should include, among other elements, a review of available information, selection of satellite imagery or other remote-sensing inputs, classification of aquatic vegetation, taxonomic identification criteria, field validation and georeferencing.
Expected deliverables
The selected consultant or team will be expected to produce four main deliverables:
1. Work plan
Including methodology, schedule and logistical requirements.
2. Technical-environmental study
Including characterization of aquatic vegetation, GIS analysis, distribution maps and editable geospatial layers with metadata.
3. Field validation report
Documenting validation of vegetation patches, with photographs and observations.
4. Final report
Including methodology, results, maps, interpretation, limitations, conclusions and recommendations, together with databases, geospatial layers, metadata, photographs and other editable files.
Who can apply?
The consultancy is aimed at professionals with a background in:
- Biology
- Environmental Management
- Environmental Engineering
- Natural Resources
- Ecology
- Related fields
Required experience
Applicants should have:
- At least 10 years of experience with GIS and geospatial analysis.
- At least 10 years of experience in environmental studies, aquatic ecosystem characterization or research related to aquatic resources.
- At least 5 years of experience developing potential distribution models.
- Demonstrable experience preparing technical-scientific reports.
- Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team.
Contract and working conditions
The consultancy has a duration of three months, starting from the date the contract is signed.
FDN will provide the boat, pilot and local logistical and technical support required for field visits, including local transportation within the study area, fuel and food during fieldwork.
However, the consultant or consulting team must cover transportation from their place of origin to El Estor, Izabal, return travel and accommodation, and include these costs in the financial proposal. The consultant must also provide the necessary computer equipment, specialized software and applicable licenses.
Payment
Payment will be made against delivery and approval of the required products:
- 30% — advance payment, following the start of the contract and submission of the work plan.
- 40% — approximately 1.5 months after the start of the contract, following submission of the technical progress report.
- 30% — final payment at the end of the three-month contract, following approval of the field validation and final report and associated deliverables.
Important: The Terms of Reference do not specify a fixed consultancy fee. Applicants must submit their economic proposal in Guatemalan quetzales (GTQ) and include all necessary costs, including materials, travel, accommodation, meals and applicable taxes.
How to apply
Applicants must submit a technical and financial proposal including:
- Cover letter.
- Proposed results and deliverables.
- Work methodology.
- Professional CV or CVs of the consulting team.
- References for similar work.
- Signed declaration of commitment.
- Financial proposal in Guatemalan quetzales.
Proposals must be submitted both physically and electronically.
Electronic applications
Send the proposal to:
[email protected]
[email protected]
Physical submission
Fundación Defensores de la Naturaleza
18 calle 18-70, zona 12
Calzada Atanasio Tzul, 3rd Floor
Guatemala City, Guatemala
Attention: Licda. María Lorena Roca, Director of Human Resources, with attention to Celeste Bautista (PROCARIBE+ Project).
Deadline
September 7, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Late submissions or proposals that do not comply with the requirements of the Terms of Reference will not be considered.
Why this opportunity may be interesting
This is a senior-level consulting opportunity at the intersection of ecology, aquatic ecosystems and geospatial analysis.
It may be particularly relevant for professionals with extensive experience in GIS, remote sensing, ecological modelling and aquatic ecosystem research who are interested in applying these skills to conservation and sustainable fisheries management.
The position also offers an interesting combination of field validation and spatial analysis, with the final outputs intended to support environmental planning and management of a protected area.
Official source
Fundación Defensores de la Naturaleza (FDN)
Terms of Reference – PROCARIBE+
View the official Terms of Reference (PDF)
Last checked: August 26, 2026