National REDD+ Safeguards Consultant

TERMS OF REFERENCE:

NATIONAL REDD+ SAFEGUARDS CONSULTANT

B?KGROUND AND RATIONALE

Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks (REDD+) is an international policy initiative, developed through international negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). REDD+ will provide results-based financial incentives to developing countries for actions that reduce emissions from forested lands and invest in low-carbon paths to sustainable development. Vietnam has demonstrated considerable interest in REDD+ and has made important progress to date in terms of preparing for REDD+ implementation at both the national and sub-national levels.

SNV, in partnership with the State Steering Committee Office (SSCO) for the National Target Programme on Sustainable Forest Management and REDD+, is implementing a project titled “Operationalising National Safeguards Requirements for Results-based payments from REDD+”, funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU). The project aims to support Vietnam to become eligible for results-based payments, through the establishment of a country safeguard framework, and improve institutional capacity for the implementation of REDD+ safeguards, monitoring and reporting at national and sub-national levels.

The project was already successfully implemented between 2016-18 and contributed significantly to Vietnam’s meeting the UNFCCC safeguards requirements for REDD+ readiness i.e. submission of the country’s first Summary of Information (SoI) on REDD+ safeguards outlining the country’s approach to REDD+ safeguards and the development of Safeguards Information System (SIS). In the extension phase, the project will support the development and piloting of practical approaches for sub-national operationalisation of the safeguards as well as monitoring and reporting on their implementation.

SNV requires a REDD+ Safeguards Officer to support the coordination and implementation of the project throughout the extension phase. The appointee shall also possess a relevant technical background and experience, and is expected to contribute technically towards the development of guidelines for sub-national operationalisation, monitoring and reporting on REDD+ safeguards.

OBJECTIVES

The REDD+ Safeguards Officer will support the coordination and implementation of project activities, and provide technical inputs for project delivery.

TASKS

The REDD+ Safeguards Officer will report to the SNV REDD+ Safeguards Project Manager and work closely with the SSCO to coordinate and ensure the timely implementation of project activities. Principal tasks are as follows:

• Work with the SNV Project Manager to elaborate detailed and costed work plans for project components and activities.
• Detailed planning and organisation of project activities and events such as workshops, field work etc.
• Work closely with technical specialists and consultants to implement project activities e.g. development of safeguards procedures, indicators, monitoring templates, design/delivery of training courses, assisting the organisation of safeguards piloting in the field etc..
• Monitoring of project activities implementation and regular reporting to the SNV project manager.
• Support with the preparation of project progress and final reports.
• Coordination and liaison with SSCO to ensure the operations of the SIS.
• Support the SSCO to prepare the SOI for REDD+ RBP proposal applying for the GCF under the pilot program for 2014-2018 period.
• Coordination and liaison with SSCO to ensure smooth and timely delivery of project activities.
• Work with the SNV Communications Officer to develop and produce relevant project communications products (e.g. stories for IKI Newsletter in Vietnam, IKI global website/online newsletter, SNV website/blogs, project brochures, social media articles etc.)

TIMEFRAME AND DUTY STATION

The REDD+ Safeguards Officer is a full time position from 1st January – 31st September 2020 (9 Months).

The position is based in Hanoi with some travel to field sites (mostly in North Central Region).

REQUIREMENTS

• Masters’ Degree in Forestry, Environmental Science, Climate Change, Development Studies or other relevant discipline.
• Demonstrable detailed understanding of REDD+ and associated international safeguards requirements
• At least 5 years’ experience in the environment/forestry sector with specific experience on the development of Vietnam’s REDD+ safeguards approach
• Fluent in Vietnamese and English

APPLICATION

Please send your application letter and CV, together with an indication of your expected remuneration, to the link https://smrtr.io/3F5ww by 10th December, 2019.

CVs received after this date will not be considered.