Consultant to PES and REDD Capacity Buidling Associate
Background
The Asia Regional Biodiversity Conservation Program (ARBCP) is a USAID-funded project implemented by Winrock International in the
Greater Mekong Subregion and headquartered in Hanoi, Vietnam. ARBCP has been active since 2005. ARBCP will increase its activities
during Fiscal Year 2010 focusing on four broad objectives: (a) consolidate policy and field activities in Vietnam, in anticipation of scaling up across the nation and a formally-legislated policy in the post-2010 period; (b) support Cambodia and Lao PDR’s requests for technical
assistance and policy advice to develop their own national Payment for Environmental Services (PES) policies, and work with partners to
initiate pilot activities on the ground in those countries; (c) build capacities to implement reduced emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD) programs in Mekong countries; and (d) strengthen cooperation and exchange of lessons learned with key regional platforms, including the Asian Development Banks’ Biodiversity Corridors Initiative, ASEAN Center for Biodiversity, UNESCAP, and regional REDD efforts.
Position Description
Full time between when filled– 25 September 2010
This part time consultancy would assist in developing the capacity to implement reduced emission from deforestation and degradation
(REDD) programs in Laos/Thailand. Consultant must have strong familiarity with the government structure in Laos/Thailand, land cover
change issues facing the country, and a desire to improve expertise in the areas of Payment for Environmental Services (PES) and REDD.
Major Responsibilities
1. Assist in designing and implementing a ‘REDD Capacity Comprehensive Needs Assessment’ for Laos/Thailand/Cambodia/Vietnam. This assessment will: a) identify existing entities within the government, universities, and non-gov’t sector currently associated with land cover/land use change and forestry practices; b) determine existing capacity within relevant entities and summarize gaps; c) analyze the factors that determine existing land use policies. A report of the needs assessment will be created.
2. Meet with representatives in relevant governmental and non-governmental agencies to discuss REDD capacity needs.
3. Coordinate in-country actions on improving REDD capacity with overseas technical advisors
4. Design and conduct a series of national and local level consultations designed to raise awareness of REDD and the implications of REDD for the country.
5. Assist to design and implement outreach measures for all REDD stakeholders
6. Assist in creating REDD awareness raising published materials
7. Attend national and regional workshop(s) on the development of regional monitoring, reporting, and verification program for REDD.
Qualifications and background
Education: BA, BS required in Ecology, Forestry, Sociology, Anthropology or related field. Masters degree preferred.
Experience: Strong knowledge of government and institutions within Thailand, particularly those related to land use, agriculture, and forestry
Experience in stakeholder consultations processes
Experience in project management
Experience with creating reports and communications materials
Experience in teaching and/or training, preferably teaching the use GIS and/or Remote Sensing
Knowledge of land cover change modeling desired
Experience in analysis and design of projects using information technology and GIS required.
Familiarity with government and institutions within Laos/Thailand/Cambodia/Vietnam, particularly those related to land use, agriculture, and forestry.
Skills:
- High written and oral proficiency in English
- Written and oral fluency in Thai
- Personal computer applications including Microsoft Word, Excel spreadsheets, email, presentation, and database software.
- Excellent organization and management skills essential, including ability to coordinate a variety of tasks, meet deadlines and work effectively under pressure.
- Excellent interpersonal skills are required including the ability to interact effectively with others taking into account cultural sensitivities.
- Good oral and written communication skills.
- Self-motivated and able to work independently.
Other: Must be willing and able to travel without dependents to national and regional workshops
Location
This position will be based in Bangkok, but will require extensive travel.
Applications:
Applicants should send current resume and cover letter by February 1, 2010 to [email protected]. Please indicate in your letter (in
English) the position of applying and why you are interested in the position.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Please do not contact by phone.