VPA Monitoring Expert

Organizational Setting

In 2013, in the context of the European Union (EU) Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) initiative, the Government of Lao PDR started the process of negotiating a Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) with the EU, having originally expressed interest in 2010. This led to the first face-to-face negotiation meeting between Lao PDR and the European Commission in April 2017. The main objectives for Lao PDR in engaging in the FLEGT-VPA process are to combat illegal timber logging (and trade), facilitate the export of legal timber/wood products from Lao PDR to the EU and other international markets, improve forest governance and support sustainable forest management.

Reporting Lines

The consultant reports to the Forestry Officer for the FAO Laos

Technical Focus

There has been considerable progress in developing the main components of the EU-Lao FLEGT VPA, including in the development of the Timber Legality Definitions (TLD) and the Timber Legality Assurance System (TLAS). As next steps, work will focus on the strengthening the TLAS Annex and development of remaining Annexes. The TLAS is being tested in pilot provinces with private sector participation: in Sayaboury with a focus on plantations; in Khammoune with a focus on Production Forest area from Log Landings 1-3 and Conversion Areas; and in Attapeu with a focus on the wood processing supply chain control, and using a draft chain of custody system.

The VPA-FLEGT includes important commitments to monitoring and evaluation. There are different approaches to monitoring the implementation and impacts of the VPA which can be broadly categorized into four main types of monitoring: • Independent auditing/ Periodic Evaluation • Independent observation • Independent market monitoring • Impact monitoring by the parties to the agreement

Civil Society could have a role to play in independent observation and in Impact Monitoring. In Lao PDR, Independent Observation and Impact Monitoring have not yet been addressed by the stakeholders, and the role of CSO in participating in monitoring has not yet been clarified. As Lao progresses in the VPA negotiation process, it would be important to assess the expected roles for CSOs during the transition from negotiation to implementation, including some of the options for CSOs to engage in monitoring the VPA and to understand the capacity and interest of CSOs to play a role in Independent Observation and Impact Monitoring of the VPA.

Tasks and responsibilities

The assignment will be carried out by a National Consultant with the support from GIZ ProFEB’s international consultants who will provide an international context to this assignment and from EFI EU FLEGT Asia Programme expert who will provide technical feedback.

Key tasks and activities are:

• Task 1: Assess position and capacity of the Lao CSO FLEGT Network (LCFN) to support its members and the Lao FLEGT VPA process: a. To assess the status and institutional capacity of the LCFN to participate in the FLEGT-VPA. b. To engage in discussion and consultation with the LCFN members in order to: i. Assess expectation of the members of the LCFN and its members in supporting the Lao FLEGT VPA process ii. Systematically assess the current area of work and capacity of the LCFN and its members to actively engage in and meaningfully contribute to the different elements of the Lao FLEGT VPA. iii. Assess the funding situation of the Network and its members and implications on the potential to support the Lao FLEGT VPA process. • Task 2: Assess future position and potential role of CSOs in Laos to support the Independent Observation and Impact Monitoring function of the VPA: a. Assess commitments/regulations stipulated in the VPA text, VPA annexes and Joint Implementation Framework of other VPA countries in the region (Indonesia and Viet Nam and Thailand) for civil society led Independent Observation and Impact Monitoring of the VPA. b. Asses LCFN’s interest and expectations in relation to Independent Observation and Impact Monitoring of the VPA. c. Assess the current expertise and capacity of CSOs to potentially observe and assess the implementation of the VPA (participation, transparency, livelihood, comply with LD, forest conversion/loss, etc.) • Task 3: Develop a proposed Framework for CSO supported Independent Observation of the Lao FLEGT VPA a. Based on findings from Tasks 1 and 2, develop a CSO position for involvement in the Lao FLEGT VPA in general and in Independent Observation and Impact Monitoring of the Lao FLEGT VPA in particular b. Support the LCFN to develop a position statement and presentation which will be presented to the FLEGT Standing Office or at the Technical Working Group meetings for consideration and uptake.

Key Responsibilities:

• Carry out interviews and discussions with all relevant stakeholders. • Ensure that there ample and effective consultation with the LCFN and its members and that their interests and positions are appropriately reflected in the outputs. • Integrate international experience on FLEGT-VPA monitoring and evaluation into the recommendations and proposed framework, and to ensure these follows international standards and best-practice. • Ensure that the recommendations and proposed CSO position is adequately adapted and suited to the particular requirements of the Lao-EU VPA and to the institutional context in Lao PDR. • Ensure smooth coordination and cooperation with different national partners and stakeholders during the process of conducting the assignment. • Engage with other consultants working on similar topics to ensure coherence in findings and recommendations

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Under-graduate qualification in a relevant discipline and at least 10 years professional experience in forestry and/or other relevant sectors. • Excellent inter-personal and written communication skills in English and Laos. • Nationality of Laos or resident in the country with a regular work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Demonstrated understanding and prior experience in designing and implementing multi-dimensional and multi-stakeholder monitoring and evaluation frameworks in forestry and/or other relevant sectors. • Demonstrated understanding and experience in FLEGT and VPA objectives, processes and contents in a global perspective. • Good understanding of the country context and forestry sector in Lao PDR, and direct work experience in Lao PDR is required • Proven skills, experience and sensitivity in working in multi-stakeholder contexts with both government, non-government and international partners