Regulatory framework for Charcoal Value chain Specialist

Organizational Setting

The FAO Representation in Uganda provides technical assistance to the Government of Uganda in the agriculture, forestry, fisheries and related sectors. The Consultant- regulatory framework for Charcoal Value chain, supports the implementation of the project GCP/UGA/063/EC project entitled “Forest Management and sustainable charcoal value chain in Uganda” and the TCP/UGA/3805. These projects aim at promoting best practices and mitigating negative environmental and social impacts associated with unsustainable charcoal production practices. The projects also seek to raise awareness and promote cleaner energy alterntives to increase the share of alternative sustainable energy sources in Uganda`s energy mix. In line with supporting improvements in the regulatory framework of the charcoal value chain, FAO would like to recruit a short-term consultant to conduct a comprehensive review of the regulatory framework of the charcoal value chain in Uganda. Findings of this study will support the ongoing efforts by the government to enhance institutional, and policy framework for improved regulation of the charcoal value chain.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR), in consultation with the Deputy FAOR, the incumbent reports to the Technical Advisor-Standards Development and Certification.

Technical Focus

To conduct a comprehensive review of the regulatory framework of the charcoal value chain in Uganda, with a specific focus on conducting an assessing existing charcoal ordinances and related by laws and evaluating the effectiveness of these ordinances and related by-laws in providing an appropriate mechanism for regulating the charcoal value chain in Uganda.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Conduct a comprehensive review of the regulatory system of the charcoal value chain in Uganda at both national and sub- national level. • Assess the status of charcoal ordinaces at District Local Governments (DLGs) and categorize them based on operational status of the ordinances ; i.e (i) districts with ordinances approved by solicitor general and are operational; (ii)ordinances approved by district council but pending approval by solicitor general; (iii) ordinances in draft form and not gone through any approval process ( iv) No ordinances. • Review and analyse existing charcoal ordinances and related regulatory instruments such as by laws and assess their effectiveness in regulating charcoal production, transport and trade. • Assess the extent of alignment of these ordinances and related regulatory instruments, to the Forestry Policy, Forestry and Tree Planting Act (2003) and Renewable Energy Policy (2007) and other related policy and legal instruments. • Identify information gaps and key issues of concern relevant to charcoal ordinances based on lessons from some districts and propose how these gaps and issues of concern can be addressed. • Asses the level of stakeholder awareness of stakeholder’s awareness of existing charcoal value chain regulatory mechanisms. • Assess Gender Gaps in regulations related to charcoal production, transport and trad • Identify cases where local ordinances have been effective and analyze reasons of success in particular incentives provided for best practices that help tackling deforestation, forest degradation and sustainable charcoal production and document good practices on sustainable charcoal production and trade. Draw lessons from districts that already have charcoal ordinances in place to guide districts that are yet to embark on charcoal production ordinances • Identify and document success cases of improved charcoal production regulation and innovation (policies, institutions and extension/advocacy) . • Analyse and assess the feasibility for certification of charcoal produced in a sustainable manner: Identify the existing regulations and licensing process, and how these can support charcoal certification scheme; If not, identify the gaps that need to be addressed to aid the certification scheme. • Formulate actionable recommendations for better harmonizing regulation related to charcoal production movement and trade and certification across districts. Explore the relevancy and feasibility of a national charcoal regulation system for improved governance of the charcoal value chain.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• An Advanced degree in Natural resources management, Forestry, environmental studies, environmental law, or a closely related field. • At least 7 years of professional experience in Natural resources management, Forestry, environmental management, environmental governance , or a closely related field with excellent understanding of biomass energy production. • Working knowledge of English is required • Ugandan National or Resident of the Country

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience in forest regulation and policy • Experience in forestry with emphasis on forest management and biomass production. • Experience in energy/alternative-renewable energy options • Ability to listen, interpret and integrate different opinions and views • Experience with activity and routine performance reporting. • Ability to work with people of different professional, national and cultural backgrounds. • Ability to work independently, analyse and solve problems and priorities issues. • Ability to be flexible, versatile and adapt to changing environments. • Ability to plan and deliver work according to time-scales and required milestones with a strong commitment to quality and paying attention to detail. • Working knowledge of policy and legal aspects affecting the charcoal value chain . • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills • Ability to work in an environment with minimum supervision, • Proven analytical capacity and drafting of high quality reports • Good computer skills (word-processing, spreadsheets, and databases)