International Landscape Restoration Associate

Contract

This is a UNV International Youth contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Youth contracts.

There is an accelerating global momentum in forest and landscape restoration (FLR), as part of achieving the targets set by the Sustainable Development Goals, the Bonn Challenge and the United Nation’s Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. FLR is also an important component under FAO’s Programme Priority Area (PPA) Better Environment, aiming to protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial and marine ecosystems and combat climate change through more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems. Accordingly, FAO RAP is contributing to enhance the role of FLR for a meaningful transition to more sustainable, inclusive, equitable and resilient food systems. FAO RAP and partners have developed a regional strategy and action plan for FLR (FLR strategy), and is currently leading a regional Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) project with the objective to strengthen the knowledge and implementation of FLR in seven countries in Asia and the Pacific (Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Lao PDR, PNG, Timor-Leste, and Myanmar), that are part of FAO’s Hand-in-Hand Initiative. A key output of the TCP project is to develop a Regional Portfolio for FLR focussing on FAO’s Hand-in-Hand Initiative (FLR-HIHI) that comprises projects, programmes and initiatives in collaboration with key partners in the entire Asia-Pacific region.

The Youth Volunteer will contribute to the development of the FLR-HIHI, in line with the six strategic priorities in the FLR strategy. The work will include research and context analysis on FLR in the focal countries, especially on the strategic approaches to FLR at country level and related resource mobilization, and organizing dialogues with key policy/decision makers and other relevant stakeholders. The Volunteer will support the development of tools and resources needed for this, in collaboration with relevant FAO country offices, relevant technical units in FAO RAP and FAO headquarters, and relevant Government counterparts and partners.

Under the direct supervision of the Regional Forestry Officer and in close collaboration with the Senior Forestry Officer in the Forestry and Biodiversity Team at FAO RAP, relevant technical divisions at FAO headquarters and partners and experts, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks focusing on seven countries in Asia and the Pacific (Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Lao PDR, PNG, Timor-Leste, and Myanmar). • Support collecting inputs to shape the FLR-HIHI, with special focus on the six strategic priorities in the FLR regional strategy with clear linkages with climate change mitigation and adaptation. • Help identify how existing FAO projects and programmes can fit well in a programmatic approach on FLR and the linkages can be strengthened further.
• Assist in identifying strategies and tools to operationalize FLR-HIHI, in line with the strategic priorities in the FLR regional strategy . • Support to formulate projects and initiatives under the FLR-HIHI, with special focus on GCF and GEF from climate change mitigation and adaptation perspective and with financial assistance from resource partners in the region. • Assist in fostering partnerships and engagements with stakeholders for expanding FLR in the FLR HIHI target countries for climate change mitigation and adaptation benefits. • Participate actively in organizing evidence-based policy dialogues for shaping FLR-HIHI. Also, assist in delivering webinars on FLR related innovations to relevant stakeholders. • Assist in preparing and publishing the knowledge and information products on FLR and climate change mitigation and adaptation. Results/Expected Outputs • Information for shaping FLR-HIHI as per the strategic priorities in the FLR regional strategy • A database of existing FAO projects and programmes within a programmatic approach on FLR.
• A spreadsheet with tools and resources to help operationalize FLR-HIHI. • Compilation of ideas for projects and initiatives under the FLR-HIHI. • List of potential partnerships and engagements with stakeholders for expanding FLR. • Supported at least two evidence-based policy dialogues/webinars for shaping FLR-HIHI.

☒ Accountability ☒ Adaptability and Flexibility ☒ Building Trust ☒ Client Orientation ☒ Commitment and Motivation ☒ Commitment to Continuous Learning ☒ Communication ☒ Empowering Others ☒ Ethics and Values ☒ Integrity ☒ Judgement and Decision-making ☒ Knowledge Sharing ☒ Managing Performance ☒ Planning and Organizing ☒ Professionalism ☒ Respect for Diversity ☒ Technological Awareness ☒ Vision ☒ Working in Teams

(up to three years) or demonstrated interest in forest and landscape restoration • Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded. • Field experience related to forest and landscape restoration preferred. • Data collection and analysis. • Stakeholder dialogue and communication. • ICT skills

Seasons: Bangkok has a tropical monsoonal climate with high humidity. The average rainfall is between 100 and 150 centimeters and the annual mean temperature is 28 degrees Celsius. The widespread use of air-conditioners alleviates the heat.

Culture: The Thai people are traditionally noted for their politeness, tolerance and peaceful way of life and love of freedom. It is a society of relationships. To understand Thai culture, knowledge of Buddhist philosophy is helpful.

Money: Currency is Thai Baht (THB). Foreign banks in Bangkok include the ANZ Bank, Bank of America, N.A, CitiBank, Standard Chartered Bank, and HSBC. The Siam Commercial Bank has a branch at 10 min walk from FAO RAP. All major credit cards are accepted in Thailand.

Health: Clinics and hospitals of a relatively high standard are available in Bangkok. Many public and private hospitals are staffed by internationally qualified, English-speaking physicians. Travellers must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 with an approved vaccine at least 14 days before travelling to Thailand - see updates on Thailand’s entry requirements: https://www.tatnews.org/2022/05/thailands-entry-requirements/.

Transportation: Bangkok has two airports; see http://www.airportthai.co.th. Suvarnabhumi Airport is Bangkok’s main domestic and international airport. The airport is located about 30 km outside of the city. It is modern and well connected to the centre of the city by public transport. Travel time from the airport to Bangkok’s city centre is usually between 45-16 minutes. Don Muang Airport is used by budget airlines on domestic and international routes (Air Asia, Thai Air Asia, Nok, etc.). The airport is located about 25 km from the city centre in the north of Bangkok in Don Muang District. Buses are the main form of transport for many Thais in the city. It is a cheap way to get around. The bus stop near the FAO office is Phra Arthit bus stand. Boats can, in many cases, be the quickest way around Bangkok and fares are very reasonable. The boat pier at FAO RAP is: Phra Arthit (pier number 13).

Housing: Finding accommodation in Bangkok is usually a straightforward process. There are several apartment complexes in close proximity to FAO that offer short-term housing. Monthly rents can vary from 20 000 baht for a room to over 200 000 baht for superior accommodation.

Supervision, induction and duty of care of the Volunteer The Volunteer will be placed in the Forestry and Biodiversity team. The Volunteer will have plenty of opportunities to gain various competencies and skills and improve networking. The Volunteer will be provided equal duty of care as extended to all host entity personnel. Host entity support to the UN Volunteer includes, but is not limited to: • Introductory briefings about the organisation and office-related context including security, emergency procedures, good cultural practice and orientation to the local environment; • Support with arrival administration including setting-up of bank accounts, residence permit applications and completion of other official processes as required by the host government or host entity; • Structured guidance, mentoring and coaching by a supervisor including a clear workplan and performance appraisal; • Access to office space, equipment, IT support and any other systems and tools required to complete the objectives of the assignment including a host entity email address; • Access to shared host entity corporate knowledge, training and learning; • Inclusion of the volunteer in emergency procedures such as evacuations; • Leave management; • All changes in the Description of Assignment occurring between recruitment and arrival or during the assignment need to be formalized with the United Nations Volunteer Programme.