National Coordinator for UN-REDD Technical Assistance to Lao PDR

Organizational Setting

Under the UN-REDD Programme, FAO is leading the coordination of delivery of the UN-REDD Technical Assistance (TA) in Lao PDR. The latest UN-REDD framework was established for the 2022-2025 period, and commits to the Programme’s support to countries to deliver a set of outcomes that are stated the UN-REDD Results Framework, this includes Outcome 2 “Forest Solutions Rewarded” which includes support activities to facilitate countries’ access to REDD results-based payment schemes, carbon markets and other transactions under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. The UN-REDD TA 2023 will focus on assisting the government to position themselves strategically to access and leverage forest carbon financing.

Reporting Lines

The National Coordinator reports formally to the Assistant FAOR-Programme in the FAO Representation in Lao PDR. Operationally and technically, the National Coordinator will work with the responsible Forestry Officer, the UN-REDD regional teams of FAO and UNEP, as well as other colleagues within the UN-REDD team. The incumbent operates independently and takes decisions on work priorities and exercises initiative.

Technical Focus

The National Coordinator performs technical analysis and drafting work, as well as a range of coordination functions to support the government, namely REDD Division and the Planning and Cooperation Division of Department of Forestry (DOF) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF). Technically, the incumbent should be familiar with REDD ’s architecture in general. Forest carbon markets, and related matters on the Lao legal framework as well as benefit sharing experiences is an asset, but not a pre-requisite for this assignment. The incumbent will need to be fluent in English including in technical terminology to comprehend technical constructs of forest carbon markets and potentials through exposure to existing literature and other means.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Developing workplans, concept notes, Terms of References (as relevant) to ensure timely delivery of activities; • Liaising with the government focal point on technical and operational aspects to ensure timely and quality delivery including in organizing meetings/workshops, field visits, study tours, missions etc.; • Coordinating the activities of the national consultants and service providers to be recruited, when and as required, and promoting close coordination and collaboration with government focal points; • Engaging key country stakeholders in discussions related to the TA, where relevant; • Contributing to drafting of legal and operational procedures to enable nesting of forest carbon projects within jurisdictional REDD programmes; • Contributing to the organization of a forest certification workshop involving FDIs in the forest plantation sector (tentative); • Drafting of options paper identifying opportunities and risks for nesting forest carbon projects • Performing other related duties as required (provisionally, including tasks related to a fire management project component for Lao PDR).

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree/ University degree/technical diploma/high school diploma. • At least 7 years of relevant experience in forestry land and natural resource. • Working knowledge of English. • National of Lao PDR.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Extent and relevance of experience in forestry and natural resources sector • Familiarity with Department of Forestry priorities • Good oral and writing skills in English language

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help please contact: [email protected]
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.