Tomasita Reyes (née Osgalla)

1. Background

Government of Belize Blue Bond and Finance Permanence Unit Office of the Prime Minister

Terms of Reference Project Manager

Assumes direct responsibility for planning and managing the grant budget by ensuring that:

Sunrise: December 21, 1943

Sunset: May 13, 2023

Tomasita Reyes was born to Ramona Cabrera (née Osgalla) on December 21, 1943. From an early age, she displayed remarkable intelligence and a thirst for knowledge. Though she was unable to attend high school, Tomasita's love for reading and mathematics was evident throughout her life.

At the tender age of 15, Tomasita began working to support her mother and siblings. It was during this time that she crossed paths with the love of her life, Arturo Reyes. Their marriage blessed them with five wonderful children: Arturo, Carlos, Marcia, Leidy, and Mimi.

Tomasita was a dedicated mother, wife, grandmother, friend, and community worker. Her infectious joviality endeared her to everyone she met. She possessed a heart of gold, radiating compassion, humility, kindness, discipline, and self-control like no other.

An ardent supporter of the People's United Party, Tomasita dedicated herself to various initiatives within her community. She played an instrumental role in the celebration of Belize's independence, the formation of the United Women's Group in Orange Walk Central, and the growth of the PUP Orange Walk Central Committee. Her unwavering admiration for the father of the Nation, coupled with her commitment to humble living, exemplified her character.

Tomasita delighted in attending parades, meetings, campaigns, and patriotic celebrations, always offering her unwavering support to the People's United Party. Among her cherished activities, reading The Belize Times from cover to cover held a special place in her heart, particularly the Editorials section.

A progressive woman, Tomasita served as an advisor, mentor, and friend to many. Her willingness to help others, providing fair opportunities without regard to race, creed, or party affiliation, was a testament to her belief in second chances and lifting up those who had stumbled.

In 1987, Tomasita joined the St. Vincent de Paul Group, furthering her work as a community helper. Her charismatic charm lives on in the lives of those she touched through her selfless acts of kindness.

On May 15, 2023, Tomasita bid her final farewell, leaving behind cherished memories in the hearts of the Orange Walk community. Her legacy of love, compassion, and unwavering dedication will forever be missed and remembered.

In November 2021, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the Government of Belize (GOB) finalized the single largest debt conversion agreement through the Blue Loan Agreement (BLA) and the Conservation Funding Agreement (CFA). These agreements referred to as the Belize Blue Bond has enabled the country to reduce its debt burden and increase its long-term investment in Ocean conservation for 20 years and beyond with a commitment to protect up to 30% of Belize’s ocean, in addition to other conservation commitments, beneficial to the country’s economy and people.

1. Background

9. Expenditures are in accordance with the grant agreement, the work plan and other grant documents, and adjustments (if any) are made with due consultation and approval.

In November 2021, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the Government of Belize (GOB) finalized the single largest debt conversion agreement through the Blue Loan Agreement (BLA) and the Conservation Funding Agreement (CFA). These agreements referred to as the Belize Blue Bond has enabled the country to reduce its debt burden and increase its long-term investment in Ocean conservation for 20 years and beyond with a commitment to protect up to 30% of Belize’s ocean, in addition to other conservation commitments, beneficial to the country’s economy and people.

As an indication of the Government’s highest commitment to fulfilling the commitments of these agreements, the Prime Minister has established the Blue Bond Coordination Unit (the “Unit”) within the Office of the Prime Minister with the principal objective to ensure that the Government of Belize (GoB) meets all commitments outlined in the Blue Loan Agreement (BLA) and Conservation Funding Agreement (CFA) in collaboration with the Belize Blue Investment Company (BZBIC) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC).

Monitoring, Reporting and Evaluation:

10. Finalize and submit to the BBFP the monitoring and evaluation plan for the GSA including the budget and mechanism for data collection and responsibilities; and ensure monitoring, reporting, and evaluation are undertaken as per the Monitoring and Evaluation Plan.

As an indication of the Government’s highest commitment to fulfilling the commitments of these agreements, the Prime Minister has established the Blue Bond Coordination Unit (the “Unit”) within the Office of the Prime Minister with the principal objective to ensure that the Government of Belize (GoB) meets all commitments outlined in the Blue Loan Agreement (BLA) and Conservation Funding Agreement (CFA) in collaboration with the Belize Blue Investment Company (BZBIC) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC).

11. Finalize and submit to the BBFP the annual work plans and the procurement plan.

The Unit is headed by the CEO in the Office of the Prime Minister and led by a Director. The CEO shall be authorized in accordance with applicable procedures the employment or engagement appropriate personnel to provide requisite support for the fulfillment of obligations under the BLA and the CFA and the successful design of Finance Permanence for Belize.

The Unit is headed by the CEO in the Office of the Prime Minister and led by a Director. The CEO shall be authorized in accordance with applicable procedures the employment or engagement appropriate personnel to provide requisite support for the fulfillment of obligations under the BLA and the CFA and the successful design of Finance Permanence for Belize.

2. Project Description

2. Project Description

In 2022 as stipulated by the BLA and CFA, a Conservation Fund was established known as the “Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future”. The Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future (BFSF) has two (2) funding mechanisms: (i) Government Strategic Allocation (GSA), and (ii) the Grant Awards Program (GAP). The GSA is earmarked for the Government and its agencies to support the achievement of the milestones and conservation commitments included in the CFA. The GSA is to be coordinated by a single government entity the Blue Bond and Finance Permanence Unit for the development of the Government’s proposal to the BFSF.

12. Finalize and submit to the BBFP the quarterly and annual progress reports against set targets and indicators, with an analysis of evidence of progress towards planned outputs according to schedules, budgets, and inputs provided by the project and with respect to the Monitoring and Evaluation Plan, and according to the reporting requirements of the BFSF and the BBIC.

13. Reports regularly to Director of the BBFP and keeps the PSC up to date on progress and problems.

In 2022 as stipulated by the BLA and CFA, a Conservation Fund was established known as the “Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future”. The Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future (BFSF) has two (2) funding mechanisms:

5. Education and experience

(i) Government Strategic Allocation (GSA), and (ii) the Grant Awards Program (GAP). The GSA is earmarked for the Government and its agencies to support the achievement of the milestones and conservation commitments included in the CFA. The GSA is to be coordinated by a single government entity the Blue Bond and Finance Permanence Unit for the development of the Government’s proposal to the BFSF.

• Minimum of a Master’s Degree in Project Management, Business Administration or any other related fields;

• At least two years of practical experience in project management.

The GSA proposal aims to ensure the successful and timely delivery of the timebound Milestones and other conservation commitments for the Government of Belize with a focus on establishing t he enabling environment for the development of a Marine Spatial Plan through strengthened governance, improved management, and enhanced monitoring of Belize’s coastal and marine resources.

The GSA proposal aims to ensure the successful and timely delivery of the timebound Milestones and other conservation commitments for the Government of Belize with a focus on establishing the enabling environment for the development of a Marine Spatial Plan through strengthened governance, improved management, and enhanced monitoring of Belize’s coastal and marine resources.

• Proven experience working in the natural resources/ environmental field.

• Experience in budgeting/ payments or general project finance or accounting

• Working experiences/familiarity with the Government of Belize process and procedures is an asset.

The proposed projects within this GSA submission will be executed over the 202 3-2025 period with a total budget of $11,692,815.20 BZD.

• Strong leadership, management, and interpersonal skills with proven ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team, motivate quality work and promote team building.

The proposed projects within this GSA submission will be executed over the 2023-2025 period with a total budget of $11,692,815.20 BZD.

3. Duties and Responsibilities

The overall objective of the assignment is to coordinate the implementation of the Government Strategic Allocation (GSA) activities with key Government agencies.

Key Function:

1. Coordinate and oversee the project activities defined in the GSA, providing strategic inputs and ensuring compliance with the terms and procedures outlined in the Grant Agreement, including the environmental and social safeguards policies, and any other relevant documents associated with the Grant.

2. Manage the day-to-day operations of the GSA, including the supervision of consultants (if any) hired to work on project implementation and the coordination with key stakeholders.

Planning and Implementation of GSA:

3. Lead the preparation and implementation of annual work plans with the inputs from the various government entities, with budget and clearly stated milestones contributing to the achievement of target outputs consistent with the GSA and fulfillment of the Blue Bond Agreements and ensuring their clearance by the Project Steering Committee (PSC).

4. Organize, facilitate, and provide technical and logistical support to and participate in meetings relevant to GSA, including Steering Committee (PSC) and the CEO Committee (upon request).

5. Participate and represent the BBFP in workshops/meetings for stakeholders relevant to the GSA and its implementation.

6. Ensure that all GSA program activities are fully mainstreamed into the national development agenda and contributing to the fulfillment of the Belize Blue Bond Agreements.

7. Lead the preparation of the GSA submission based on a process of interministerial coordination.

8. Any other Blue Bond and Finance Permanence Unit related activities as appropriate.

• Proven ability to manage human resources within a project context and to follow the rules of consultative and adaptive management.

• Fluency in written and spoken English is indispensable; Spanish would be an additional asset.

• Ability and willingness to undertake extensive local travel.

• Sound computer skills including Microsoft Office, QuickBooks, and other relevant applications.

6. Supervision

The Project Manager will report directly to the Director of the BBFP.

7. Duty Station Belize City

8. Payment Arrangements

The salary of the contract commensurate with experience and qualifications.

9. Estimated Starting Date and Duration

Start date will be effective at contract signature. A contract will be renewed biannually based on an assessment of performance and requires full-time commitment.

10. Presentation of Resumes

Those interested in filling the vacancy for the position of Project Manager should send a statement of capability and CV along with three references to email: executiveassistant.bbfpunit@opm. gov.bz or printed to the address 3rd Floor, Eleanor Hall Building, Lake Independence Boulevard, Belize City by Friday, 2nd June 2023 no later than 4:00 p.m.

Applications will be reviewed by a Selection Committee. Those shortlisted will be invited to an interview with the Committee. The evaluation will be made taking into account the selection criteria and respective capabilities. Due diligence will be done to validate the information included in the CV or the information provided during the interviews.