ABOUT THE COMPANY:

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Our goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With over 194 member states, FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide. We believe that everyone can play a part in ending hunger.

JOB SUMMARY

Organizational Setting

Under the UN-REDD Programme, FAO has been leading the coordination of delivery of the UN-REDD Technical Assistance (TA) in Viet Nam, since 2017. The UN-REDD TA 2023 supports the Government of Viet Nam through the Department of Forestry (DOF) in accessing results-based payments under the LEAF Coalition, for a jurisdictional REDD project covering 11 provinces in Viet Nam. FAO’s support under the UN-REDD TA includes the support to filling gaps against the ART/TREES carbon standard, specifically to address the ability of the jurisdiction (Government of Viet Nam) to have their TREES credits (emission reduction and removals (ERRs)) issued on the ART registry, and ultimately sold to Emergent on behalf of the LEAF Coalition.
The current legal framework of Vietnam presents a gap regarding the transfer of Emission Reduction (ER) credits from natural forests under the LEAF program. While the mandate of MARD to manage and protect natural forests is well-established, the legal authority for MARD to transfer ERs generated from these forests remains unclear without a specific Prime Ministerial decree. This lack of explicit legal provisions creates uncertainty for potential buyers and could hinder the effectiveness of the LEAF program. In contrast, the legal framework surrounding ERs from planted forests (often under private ownership) is clearer, as ownership and transfer rights typically reside with the forest owners themselves.
A Prime Ministerial decree specifically addressing the transfer of ERs from natural forests under the LEAF program and referring to  a well-designed BSP as a condition for ERPA agreement would provide much-needed legal clarity. This decree would define MARD’s authority in this process and ensure a smooth and transparent system for ER transactions, ultimately facilitating the success of the LEAF program.
Currently, the Department of Forestry (DOF) is exchanging and discussing with Emergent to complete records and documents (draft ERPA and Report to the Prime Minister) to advise the MARD to get opinions from the relevant ministries, branches and localities for ERPA negotiation for submission to the Prime Minister. To complete the technical conditions and mobilize resources to implement ERPA, the task of developing legal regulations to implement the ERPA is crucial.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall guidance of the FAO Representative in Viet Nam, the direct supervision of the Assistant FAOR-Programme in the FAO Representation in Viet Nam. Operationally and technically, the incumbent will work with the responsible Forestry Officer (based in RAP), the National Coordinator, the UN-REDD regional teams of FAO and UNEP, as well as other colleagues within the UN-REDD team (based in Headquarters).

Technical Focus

The incumbent will be responsible for drafting the plan and financial issues: (1) Report on Investment Framework and Benefit Sharing Plan from ERPA; (2) Report on receiving explanations and comments from relevant agencies.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Refer to TREES registration documents; Collect data, documents, practical experiences of programs/projects on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and related reports; Draft report outline;
•    Provide information support to the DOF / ERPA Negotiation Team;
•    Coordinate with the forestry consultants to draft a proposal to develop options to transfer ER results (verified reductions in greenhouse gas emission) to be attached to the Letter of seeking permission for negotiating and signing the ERPA;
•    Draft documents for transferring ER results (financial items, Investment framework and Benefit sharing plan from ERPA), content includes but is not limited to: eligible beneficiaries (including list of forest owners who are organizations, commune-level People’s Committees and other organizations, number of households, individuals, communities, and other beneficiaries), eligible expenditures, use of proceeds, determine the proceeds amount to be paid to beneficiaries;
•    Contribute to develop a report on economic, social and environmental impact assessment (with comparison before and after payment is made);
•    Support consultions with relevant agencies at central level, LEAF/Emergent and 11 provinces in the Central Highlands and South Central regions;
•    Report on receiving and explaining comments from relevant parties;
•    Coordinate with forestry consultants to develop an Outline of the Report and Benefit Sharing Plan from ERPA, support other tasks as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements  

•    Holding a master’s degree in the fields of finance and forestry economics.
•    Possess at least 10 years of work experience, including a minimum of 7 years in the forestry industry, with a focus on forestry finance. Experience as a consultant in forestry finance.
•    Working knowledge of English
•    National of Vietnam or resident of the country with valid work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Experience working in UN agencies/INGOs/ international organizations/NGOs or in an international context is an asset.
•    Ability to take ownership and accountability for assigned processes and to work autonomously.
•    Excellent writing skills
•    Very good knowledge of the MS Office applications, Internet and office technology equipment.

Selection Criteria

•    Strong skills in analyzing, synthesizing, reporting, and presenting research results. Effective communication and networking skills with stakeholders. Proficiency in English for collaborating with international partners.
•    Preference given to experts with experience in reducing emissions and absorbing and storing forest carbon.

How to Apply
Step 1: Please re-read this job description from the beginning to the end.
Step 2: Click the APPLY FOR JOB button at the end of this job advert.
Step 3: After going to parent website, please read instructions carefully and ensure you apply as soon as possible.

Good luck!