Organizational Setting
The LEAF program in Viet Nam is a jurisdictional REDD program operating under the framework of the LEAF Coalition and the Architecture for REDD Transactions (ART) through its TREES framework. The program is led by the VNFOREST within the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE).
As a key requirement of the ART/TREES framework, the program is committed to regular monitoring and reporting of its performance in reducing emissions and enhancing removals from the forestry sector. To this end, Viet Nam has already successfully completed and submitted its Initial TREES Monitoring Report (IMR), which covered the reporting period from January 1st, 2021, to December 31st, 2022.
This support is provided in the context of the ongoing assistance that the UN-REDD Programme is delivering to the Government of Viet Nam to strengthen its forest monitoring and REDD implementation capabilities, especially in supporting Viet Nam's LEAF jurisdictional area to receive Results-Based Payments (RBP).
The LEAF program is now proceeding with the development of its second TREES Monitoring Report (TMR) to cover the subsequent reporting period from January 1st, 2023, to December 31st, 2024. This report will provide an updated assessment of the program's progress within its sub-national accounting area, which includes 11 contiguous provinces of Quang Ngai, Binh Dinh, Phu Yen, Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan, Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, and Dak Nong.
Completing the TMR and undergoing the independent Validation and Verification (VV) process by the appointed VVB (AENOR) are complex tasks requiring rigorous data collection, compilation, analysis, and documentation, as well as robust internal processes and clear communication to address verification queries.
Therefore, this Terms of Reference (TOR) outlines the need of technical support for critical activities required for successfully developing the TMR (2023-2024) and navigating the VV process.
Reporting Lines
Under the overall supervision by the FAO Representative, technical supervision by the Forestry Officer, Forestry Division in FAO Rome, day-to-day management by Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) and in collaboration with the Project Coordinator at FAO in Vietnam and the international consultant for the project. The specialist will report to the FAO Representative, in close collaboration ย with Forestry Officer NFO.ย
Technical Focus
The MRV & Carbon Accounting Specialist will provide specialized technical expertise in Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) and carbon accounting processes for forest-related activities. This includes providing technical inputs for monitoring reports, supporting the Verification and Validation (VV) process for ART/TREES, developing technical MRV sections for the Program Operations Manual (POM), and enhancing national capacity in carbon accounting and uncertainty assessment. The incumbent will work to ensure the timely implementation of the project and timely providing all relevant deliverables of the project. ย ย
Tasks and responsibilitiesย
โข ย ย Contribute to the development of MRV sections for the Program Operations Manual (POM) with a focus on technical aspects and alignment
โข ย ย Provide technical expertise and direct support in the compilation, analysis, and quality assurance of activity data and emission factors required for the Second TREES Monitoring Report (TMR 2023-2024).
โข ย ย Support the development and delivery of specialized training on advanced MRV topics, including statistical analysis for carbon accounting uncertainty and quality control procedures.
โข ย ย Providing comprehensive support for responding to queries arising from the Verification and Validation (VV) process led by the appointed VVB - AENOR.
โข ย ย Provide ongoing technical guidance and capacity building to VNFOREST and other relevant national agencies involved in forest monitoring and carbon accounting for REDD within the LEAF program context.
โข ย ย Participate in technical meetings and discussions with national and international stakeholders relevant to the LEAF program's MRV and carbon accounting components.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements ย ย
โข ย ย Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in forestry, environmental science, remote sensing, geographic information systems, carbon accounting, or a closely related field.
โข ย ย Minimum 5 yearsโ experience in carbon accounting, MRV systems for forestry/land use, or related fields.ย
โข ย ย Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., R, Python) for data analysis and modelling relevant to carbon accounting.
โข ย ย Working knowledge of English and Vietnameseย
โข ย ย National of Viet Nam or resident in the country with a valid work permit.
FAO Core Competencies
โข ย ย Results Focus
โข ย ย Teamwork
โข ย ย Communication
โข ย ย Building Effective Relationships
โข ย ย Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
โข ย ย Proven experience in leading the development of national or sub-national REDD monitoring reports or similar technical documents.
โข ย ย Strong analytical skills and experience in managing and analyzing large datasets related to forestry and land use.
โข ย ย Demonstrated experience in developing Program Operations Manuals (POMs) or similar procedural documents for complex programs.
โข ย ย Experience in designing and delivering technical training workshops on MRV and related topics.
โข ย ย Familiarity with the Vietnamese forestry sector, policies, and institutional landscape is highly desirable.
โข ย ย Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Vietnamese.
โข ย ย Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and to meet tight deadlines.