EMBASSY SCIENCE FELLOW (ECUADOR)

UNCLAS QUITO 000185 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KSCA TSPL AMGT OTRA APER SENV ECON EC SUBJECT: EMBASSY SCIENCE FELLOW (ECUADOR) ¶1. (U) Post seeks an Embassy Science Fellow (ESF) to assist USAID, USDA, and ECON with the development of projects for a viable biofuels sector in Ecuador. The ESF will perform studies on the viability of certain crops for use in biofuel production from both agricultural and industrial standpoints. Additionally, the ESF will perform studies on the environmental impact of developing a biofuels sector in Ecuador. The ESF will work with GOE officials from the Ministry of the Environment, the Ministry of Renewable Energy, and its Office of Biofuels, as well as with scientists at universities such as the Escuela Politecnica del Ejercito (ESPE),private sector businesses, producer associations, and the Corporation for Energy Investigation. The ESF will help establish more formal relations with similar research centers in the United States. The ESF will also give lectures to an extended audience within the Ecuadorian business and scientific community. This request has full country team support. ¶2. (SBU) Post proposes a stay of up to three months in Quito in the September-November time frame, with appropriate field visits. USAID will provide office space, computer, and secretarial support. FAS will provide funds for local housing and in-country travel expenses. Post will provide additional support through program funds for email/internet access, health unit access, cashier services, and mail services. Spanish speaking ability is strongly desirable and preferred. A security clearance is not necessary. ¶3. (SBU) Background: USAID/Ecuador has been assessing the possibility of establishing a commercial and technical cooperation package between the U.S. and private sector firms in the framework of the Summit of the Americas. This topic was also discussed in the Bilateral Dialogue meeting with the GOE and is one of the 10 key strategic sectors that President Correa has given priority in the GOE's development plan. As a first step, USAID will prepare a business and environmental assessment that will serve as the basis for requesting follow-up funding under initiatives to address global climate change currently being planned in USAID/W. The ESF will help prepare the request for a project follow-on activity, based on scientific and technical data that he/she will collect during the assignment in Ecuador. ¶4. (SBU) Post believes that ESF engagement with the Ecuadorian government, scientific, and business communities will help advance Ecuador's development priorities and is consistent with a number of mission objectives. The effort will help foster economic growth and incomes, as well as promote environmental conservation and sustainable development. With its focus on creating sources of clean and sustainable energy, the proposal supports USG efforts to prevent climate change by providing a low-carbon, low-sulfur fuel. The proposed partnership will promote a cost-effective biofuel alternative based strictly on market economics and environmental management, and encourage the maintenance of a sustainable natural resource base. U.S. and Ecuadorian scientific institution cooperate in a range of specific activities, and the ESF should help expand that range of relationships. ¶5. (SBU) Embassy point of contact will be Frederick Brust, Economic Officer, BrustFE@state.gov, tel: (593)2-398-5219 and fax: (593) 2-398-5557. HODGES