Payment for Forest Services Specialists

Payment for Environmental Services Specialists

Case study of the Payment for Forest Environmental Services (PFES)

USAID Learns Contract

Hanoi, Vietnam

Apply here

https://phg.tbe.taleo.net/phg02/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=SOCIIMPA2&cws=39&rid=4811 [1]

Note: This post is open to local candidates only.

About Social Impact

Social Impact (SI) is a global development management consulting firm. We provide monitoring, evaluation, strategic planning, and capacity-building services to advance development effectiveness. We work across all development sectors including democracy and governance, health and education, the environment, and economic growth. Since 1997 we have worked in over 100 countries for clients such as US government agencies, bilateral donors, multilateral development banks, foundations, and nonprofits.

Project Objective

SI is implementing the USAID/Vietnam Learns Contract (USAID Learns). The scope of the five-year project is to support USAID/Vietnam staff and partners to implement more efficient, effective, and transparent programs by improving: (1) USAID and Implementing Partner (IP) capacity to achieve expected results; (2) USAID’s understanding and tracking of project performance; and (3) collaborating, learning, and adapting (CLA).

Background

Vietnam’s Payment for Forest Environmental Services (PFES) is a major breakthrough for Vietnam’s forestry sector. Its success can serve as an example for rolling out and sustaining other similar initiatives. Since inception, the PFES system was designed, launched, and implemented with support from USAID. After a successful pilot phase, in 2010, the Government of Vietnam became the first country in Asia to institutionalize a nationwide policy on PFES. PFES underwent numerous refinements and improvements since the pilot phase. USAID has provided continuous support for PFES through various activities implemented by a range of USAID implementing partners. Major achievements of these interventions include facilitating the establishment of legal frameworks and institutional arrangements, generating revenue for community investments, and gaining political commitment and interest in supporting PFES at both central and provincial government levels and among local people. As such, the PFES experience could serve as a template for other related development initiatives in Vietnam.

Purpose and Use of the Case Study

While the success and impact of PFES have been studied and discussed widely, less studied and discussed are the conditions that needed to be in place in order for the scheme to be successfully introduced, implemented and sustained. This case study will serve as a retrospective exercise, with two main purposes: (i) to document the process and best practices, and draw lessons learned from the PFES case; and (ii) to serve as a best practice toolkit for the design and implementation of similar future programming by USAID and other international development partners, particularly in the environmental sector.

Position Description

USAID Learns seeks a number of short-term local consultants as PFES Specialists to support this assignment. The PFES Specialists will work closely with the Team Leader and the Research Coordinator to conduct the case study. USAID Learns will provide additional support in terms of project management, quality assurance, event facilitation, and interpretation/translation if necessary.

Research Questions

1. What was unique about the actions of different actors that contributed to the successful creation and implementation of PFES? 
2. What was the set of conditions that needed to be in place for PFES to be successfully created and implemented?
3. What are the key lessons learned and best practices from the PFES case that could be applicable for similar future programming of USAID and other international development partners? 

Methodology

The study will start with an extensive desk review of various studies and evaluations previously completed related to PFES. The case study will employ a qualitative approach. Consultation and validation meetings will be used to fill in any relevant gaps in our understanding.

Deliverables and Timelines

The study’s inception took place in January 2024, allowing for desk reviews and consultation meetings to happen in March - April 2024. Report drafting and finalization will happen from May to June 2024. An indicative list of deliverables and their corresponding timelines is set out in the table below.

Timelines: March 2024 – June 2024

Level of effort (LOE): up to 03 days/consultant

Responsibilities

The PFES Specialists are expected to be the ones who contributed to the formalization of PFES and helped it navigate through challenges to its success. PFES Specialists will contribute to the PFES case study by:

• Prepare relevant materials as requested by Learns’ research team. Walk the team through the materials and provide further insights if needed. 
• Participate in the facilitated validation workshop to brainstorm about lessons learned from the PFES case and co-create the guidelines for similar programming in the future, particularly in the environment sector.
• Provide feedback for the draft report and guidelines developed by Learns’ research team.

Qualifications 

• A senior professional with at least 8 years of experience working in the forestry sector.
• Profound knowledge and extensive work experience related to PFES.
• Good communication skills.  

The closing date for application: March 20, 2024. Selection and interviews will be performed constantly and interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

To apply, please submit your CV through the online portal.

To learn more about Social Impact, please visit our website:http://www.socialimpact.com [2]

SI is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Only selected candidates will be contacted for an interview. Please, no phone calls, no visit