Institution: The Inter-American Development Bank
Country: The Republic of Suriname
Project: Foreign Investment and Export Promotion Program
Sector: Trade & Investment
Loan No.: 4801/OC-SU
Reference No.: SU-L1056-P00090-4.4.1.1
Open to: All Interested Individual Candidates / All Sources
Position: Individual Expert Consultant to Identify Three (3) Investment Projects Ready To Offer (IPROs) in the Eco-Tourism and Leisure Sector of Suriname
Contract duration: 70–80 person days over 12 weeks
Deadline: December 17, 2025
The Republic of Suriname has received financing from the Inter-American Development Bank toward the cost of the Foreign Investment and Export Promotion Program (FIEPP), project no. SU-L1056. This program is implemented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business and Cooperation (the Executing Agency), through an established Program Executing Unit (PEU). The Executing Agency invites all suitable and qualified candidates to apply for the position of Individual Expert Consultant to Identify Three (3) Investment Projects Ready To Offer (IPROs) in the Eco-Tourism and Leisure Sector of Suriname. The Consultant will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out by the Inter-American Development Bank.
BASIC FUNCTION OF CONSULTANCY:
The assignment will integrate Suriname’s reform agenda around: (i) global image building & connectivity; (ii) regulatory reform (data collection under a Tourism Development Act, flexible lease/concession frameworks, heritage incentives); and (iii) ecosystem development (workforce partnerships and a Sustainable Tourism Certification pathway). Priority screening geographies include Bigi Pan, Upper Suriname, Galibi, Coastal Albina, North Commewijne, and flagship nature/heritage assets (e.g., Brownsberg, CSNR, Paramaribo UNESCO core/buffer areas), subject to stakeholder validation and E&S screening.
The overall objective of the Consultancy is to identify and package three high potential eco-tourism IPROs that are commercially viable, environmentally responsible, socially inclusive, climate resilient, and ready for investor promotion.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Advanced degree in tourism development, business/finance, environmental management, economics, planning, or related field.
- 10+ years relevant experience, including at least 5 years leading ecotourism investment identification or resort/lodge development in emerging markets; Amazon/Caribbean experience is an advantage.
- Demonstrated capability in investment screening, financial modelling, and packaging projects for private investors/Development Finance Institutions (DFIs).
- Strong knowledge of E&S safeguards (e.g., IFC Performance Standards), biodiversity management, and participatory governance models, including FPIC process.
- Familiarity with spatial screening tools and climate-resilient design principles; use of open-source mapping tools is encouraged.
- Experience advising on tourism sector reform and ecosystem conservation (e.g., tourism data systems, certification schemes such as CST or equivalent, workforce programs with industry bodies like SHATA).
- Excellent stakeholder engagement skills and ability to obtain preliminary buy-in from communities, authorities, and private operators.
- Fluency in English required; Dutch and/or Sranan Tongo are assets.
The full Terms of Reference can be accessed through the following link:
https://sita.sr/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/TOR-IPRO-Eco-Tourism-IDB-08-Dec-2025.pdf
Applications for the consultancy must be submitted via e-mail by sending a Curriculum Vitae and Cover letter in English no later than December 17, 2025, before 15:00 hours Suriname Time (SRT) to the e-mail address fiepp-bids@sita.sr.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business and Cooperation
Suriname Investment & Trade Agency (SITA)
Brokopondolaan #97, Corner Mr. Jagernath Lachmonstraat, Paramaribo, Suriname
Program Executing Unit Foreign Investment and Export Promotion Program
Attn: Ms. Melissa Chin, Program Manager
E-mail: fiepp-bids@sita.sr
