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.
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 with Forestry Officer NFO.ย
Technical Focus
The objective of this assignment is to provide specialized technical support for developing the TMR and navigating the VV process. ย 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 responsibilities
โข ย ย Coordinate the collection, compilation, and analysis of data required for the TMR (2023-2024).
โข ย ย Assist in the drafting and finalization of key sections of the TMR, ensuring compliance with ART/TREES requirements, particularly sections 5-11 of the templates.
โข ย ย Provide primary technical support in responding to queries from the VVB (AENOR) during the VV process.
โข ย ย Coordinate and support the development and revision of MRV-related sections of the Program Operations Manual (POM).
โข ย ย Contribute to the development of MRV training materials and the delivery of training workshops.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements ย ย
โข ย ย Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in Forestry, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.
โข ย ย Minimum of 7-10 years of professional experience in MRV systems for REDD , forest carbon accounting, and international climate finance reporting mechanisms (especially ART/TREES or similar high-integrity standards).
โข ย ย Working knowledge of English and Vietnamese
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.