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