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 supported 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, and 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 team of FAO and UNEP, as well as other colleagues within the UN-REDD team (based in Headquarters).

Technical Focus

Support the DOF to clarify the entity entitled to transfer ERs results and develop benefit sharing plan in accordance with the current  institutional framework
Be responsible to: (1) Support DOF in claryfing the entity entitled to transfer ERs results and establshing the basis for a sound ERPA benefit sharing plan – BSP (coordinate with Finance experts on the plan, finance issues), considering conducting a detailed comparison between Decree 107 and DOF’s specific needs for the LEAF program); (2) Prepare a report consolidating explanations and comments received  from relevant parties focusing of benefit-sharing arrangements/ERs transfer rights, taking into consideration in-house technical expertise,  and benefit-sharing mechanism (excluding planning and financial issues); (3) Prepare a policy Impact assessment report,  based on the potential effects on existing policies, institutional arrangements, and overall REDD strategy in Viet Nam.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Refer to TREES registration documents (REDD Environmental Excellence Standard that a project or program must meet); Collect data, documents, practical experiences of programs/projects on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and related reports;
•    Provide information support to the DOF/ERPA Negotiation Team.
•    Draft a proposal to develop options to transfer ER results by MARD to be attached to the Letter of seeking permission for negotiating and signing the ERPA.
•    Prepare a  Report providing the basis to develop provisions claryfing the entity entitled to transfer ERs results and establishing the foundation for the BSP, looking at key elements including: the institutional mandate of MARD to transfer ER results; the REDD Investment framework, existing Benefit sharing plan; list of potential beneficiaries and the amount to be paid to them  (including list of forest owners who are organizations, commune-level People’s Committees and other organizations, number of households, individuals, communities, and other beneficiaries), and eligible expenditures/costs;
•    Develop a report on economic, social and environmental impact assessment, includling land tenure (with comparison before and after payment is made);
•    Prepare a report consolidating the feedbacks and comments formulated by relevant agencies focusing on the draft set of provisions related to MARD’s mandaterelated to ERs transactions,and referring to the  policy impact assessment report.
•    Finalize the Letter submitting to the competent authority for approval;
•    Coordinate and support relevant information and documents generated by the Forestry expert and Finance expert to complete tasks as requested.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•    Hold a master’s degree in forestry, Policy, Law (commercial law, foreign trade law), Economics, or related fields.
•    Possess at least 10 years of work experience, including a minimum of 7 years in the forestry sector.
•    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 analysing, synthesizing, reporting, and presenting research results.
•    Experience working  on forestry policy.
•    Knowledge or experience in rights, transfer of ER results, transfer of property rights, and both international and domestic trade.
•    Strong communication and networking skills with relevant agencies, and proficiency in English for working with international partners.
•    Preference is given to experts with experience and knowledge in reducing emissions, absorbing, and storing carbon in forests.

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