National Forestry Specialist

Organizational Setting

Under the UN-REDD Programme, FAO is 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 legal 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.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will be responsible for developing a report determining ER results for each province in the Central Highlands and South Central region to provide reliable information and data for the draft Benefit Sharing Plan.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Refer to TREES registration documents and report on ER results for the first reporting period (2021-2022); Collect relevant data, documents, maps, standardize and process data; Draft Report outline • Determine ER results for each province; draft reports and databases; consult 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 and completing the draft Report determining ER results for each province • Coordinate and support information and documents for Finance Expert and Forestry Policy Expert to complete tasks as required • Support providing information to the DOF /ERPA Negotiation Team

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in forestry or a related field • Have at least 10 years of work experience in forestry, including a minimum of 7 years of intensive work in forest investigation and planning • 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

• Possess in-depth knowledge of international requirements for greenhouse gas inventories in the LULUCF and REDD fields. • Demonstrate strong skills in analysing, synthesizing, reporting, and presenting research results, along with effective communication and networking skills with stakeholders. • Preference is given to experts with experience in reducing emissions and absorbing and storing carbon in forests.