Biogas Training Officer

SNV Vietnam is looking for a:

Biogas Training Officer

BIOLIVE - “Biodigesters Programme for a low-carbon livestock sector in Vietnam

SNV (www.snvworld.org) is a not-for-profit international development organization. Founded in the Netherlands 50 years ago, we have built a long-term, local presence in 38 of the poorest countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Our global team of local and international advisors work with local partners to equip communities, businesses and organizations with the tools, knowledge and connections they need to increase their incomes and gain access to basic services – empowering them to break the cycle of poverty and guide their own development.

SNV has been working in Vietnam since 1995. Using market-based approaches, SNV is committed to reducing poverty by catalysing environmentally sustainable solutions for the poor in agriculture, energy, water & sanitation, and REDD+. 

The three phased Project “Biogas Program for Animal Husbandry Sector of Vietnam 2003-2020 (BP) was implemented by the Department of Livestock Production (Project Owner) and managed by the Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Development with ODA grant from the Government of Netherlands and other donors through the technical assistance provided by the Netherlands Development Organization SNV. Its overall objective was in line with the development situation of Vietnam, Vietnam's strategy on renewable energy development and climate change prevention and green growth. It had contributed to improve the livelihood and quality of life of rural people in Vietnam through exploiting the market and on-market benefits of the domestic biogas plants and sector by developing a market-based biogas sector. The main project intervention was to support the construction and installation of biogas plants at household level with high quality to ensure the effectiveness of biogas plant use of households.

The Third Phase (BP III 2016 - 2020) developed a strategy to phase out ODA support, phase in carbon financing, and explore incentive mechanisms (Results Based Financing) to support the development of biogas enterprises; empowering masons and bio-digester installers to become independent sellers. By end of 2020, the Biogas program has contributed 180,000 biodigesters. By developing a stronger involvement of the private sector in the biogas market, Vietnam benefited from a more reliant and self-sustaining sector.

To pursue the sustainability of the biogas sector, the Biogas Program was registered under the Gold Standard (GS) and has become an important contributor to the global carbon market, as its total credits account for 2.6% of the global credits issued. By the end of BP III in 2020, a total of 3.07 million GS VERs (Verified Emission Reductions) were issued for the BP, accounting for 75% of the total GS carbon credits issued in Vietnam. Over the period 2016 – 2020, the VERs revenue streams contribution to the total BP budget grew from 10% in 2017 to 63% by the end of 2020. Carbon revenue, therefore, played a critical role in leveraging ODA and enabled the BP to become more self-reliant over time. However, the deployment of the carbon revenue has been contingent to the BP receiving Official Development Assistance (ODA), the continuation of the BP post-2020 remains uncertain.

Considering the great achievement of three phase Biogas program, Shell International Eastern Trading Company (SIETCO) will provide finance through SNV to continue supporting Vietnam’s livestock sector in seeking biogas solution for small holders to provide clean and affordable energy to rural households, continue promoting the biogas market to create jobs for rural labor, contributing to rural development and environmental protection. The “Biodigesters Programme for a low-carbon livestock sector in Vietnam – BioLive” expected to contribute to GHG emissions reduction for livestock sector to combat the climate change.

The project will be governed and implemented by SNV over a 12-year period from 2022-2033. The BioLive project will builds on the capacities and expertise of SNV after 18 years of experiences in the implementation of the Biogas Programme. Aiming to support the installation of 50,000 new biodigesters for smallholder farmers. 

To implement the BioLive project, SNV is looking for full time Project Training Officer who will be in charge of Biogas related trainings with specific scopes of work and deliverables as well as task and responsibilities below.

Nature of work

The Biogas Training Officer will work closely with the Project team in developing the detailed work plan, provide coordination in arranging the preparation activities that serves the implementation of project and to ensure project will run smoothly and effectively from its beginning and reach the target as set out for the BioLive project

Role and Responsibilities

• Preparations for starting up the new project are in place
• Closely work with Team on developing the training manual on LogAlto application and using for project database and QC works.
• Coordinate with other staff members to develop the project implementation guidelines; training program including preparations of training materials and tools.
• Closely collaboration with Technical Officer in charge of QC to review, update and finalize the QC procedures and implementation contracts.
• Organize the technical training courses for IQCs & provincial technicians on using of LogAlto; Q-assurance and reporting; training course for Biogas masons & installers on bio-digester construction & assurance, using of LogAlto;
• Provide technical support to provincial partners to implement the construction of biogas digester in accordance with workplan and ensure the application of project technical standards.
• Provide guidance and support to provinces to participate in new project when required.
• Conduct on-line and on-site data verification.
• Data base and reporting system maintenance

Requirements

• University degree in environment, energy, developments, or relevant subject.
• At least 10 years of relevant working experience at international organization(s); experience working in biogas sector is a plus.
• Understanding and experience in Result Based Finance mechanism.
• Initiative and creative in solving problems.
• Ability to work independently and with the team with multi-tasking and “can-do” attitude.
• Good organizing skills and interpersonal skills.
• Good oral and written communication skills (English and Vietnamese);
• Good computer skills in MS-applications (Word, Excel, Internet, Outlook);
• Willing to travel to provinces.

Contract Duration: SNV Vietnam offers one year employment contract with possible extension up to 5 other years on performance-based.

Desired start date:  ASAP

How to apply?