National Forest and Climate Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Government of Suriname is undertaking its readiness activities for accessing Green Climate Fund (GCF) resources for addressing climate change. The project will involve strengthening capacity of the Government to access climate finance through an extensive mentoring program for staff members of the Ministry of Spatial Planning and the Environment (the NDA) and staff from other Government Ministries as well as stakeholders from civil society organizations. The activities under this Readiness project will provide important baseline information needed for future decision making on climate change priorities for Suriname.

Reporting Lines

The specialist will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative for Suriname based in Trinidad and under the technical guidance of the International Climate Change Expert based in Suriname. She/he will be based at the Ministry of Spatial Planning and the Environment (ROM) (or at NIMOS/NMA) and will liaise with other concerned government and non-government stakeholders in Suriname.

Technical focus

In the general context to strengthen the capacity of the Ministry of Spatial Planning and the Environment (ROM) the specialist will be responsible to:

• Conduct a capacity and institutional assessment of government institutions related to climate finance from the Forests. • Develop and Implement a capacity building program based on the gap analysis • Liaise with other government entities such as SBB and GBB to strengthen cooperation on forest and climate • Recommend policies and practices to increase the efficiency of the Ministry of ROM and other concerned government agencies to attract and coordinate climate financing from forests in Suriname.

Tasks and responsibilities

Under the guidance of the FAO International Climate Change Consultant, the national specialist will:

• Co-organize regular training sessions with the FAO international consultant for the taskforce members and civil society on subjects related to REDD implementation, carbon credits, VCM and compliance markets, etc. • Liaise with SBB to help prepare subsequent data related to forests and deforestation, and the production of FREL’s and Technical annexes. • Support the Ministry of ROM in the follow-up of the Forest and Climate Roadmap for Suriname with the Coalition for Rainforest Nations. • Liaise with SBB, CELOS, Tropenbos, MI GLIS and other institutions on additional data needed for FREL related to soil carbon (and carbon removals) and co-design a protocol regarding soil carbon measurements. • Analyze international forest carbon markets in order to advise the government on wise decisions linked to forest related carbon credits and financial partnerships. • Liaise with the indigenous and tribal communities representatives and the Ministry of ROS on matters related to REDD and carbon credits, as well as FPIC and BSM. • Key focal point in the search for national and international support and funding for Suriname’s Forest and Climate Strategy (REDD Strategy) in Suriname. • Support the development of the online/offline REDD interoperability between input data and Geo-services from FREL, NFMS, SIS, SFISS, CIU, RBP-BSM, etc. • Support efforts towards the establishment of a REDD Fund (eventually as part of the National Environmental Fund), as well as the establishment of a National Carbon Register. • Support the Ministry of ROM and the Taskforce in the organization of key visits to countries such as Guyana. • Support the preparation of an investment plan that capitalizes on Suriname’s potential to access climate finance, through Suriname’s forest resources. • Support the development of climate change communication products related to Forests and Climate. • Ensure the integration of gender consideration into the above-mentioned tasks and project outputs.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Environment, Forests, Climate Change or a related subject • At least 5 years of experience in REDD , Climate Change and Forests • Good knowledge of Sranan and indigenous/tribal languages is an asset • National of the country or a resident with valid work permit

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Good analytical skills and conceptual thinking • Experience in preparing and delivering training workshops • Excellent written and oral communication skills in English • Experience of working in or with Ministries in Suriname (ROM, GBB,…) • Strong analytical skills and ability in both oral and written communication • Proven ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders and present ideas clearly • Experience with working with indigenous and tribal peoples is an asset

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• 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.