Biogas Advisor/Officer (two full time positions)

Company Description

SNV is a not-for-profit international development organisation that makes a lasting difference in the lives of people living in poverty by helping them raise incomes and access basic services. We focus on three sectors and have a long-term, local presence in over 25 countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Our team of more than 1,300 staff is the backbone of SNV. For more information: www.snv.org

SNV has been working in Viet Nam since 1995. Using market-based approaches, SNV is committed to reducing poverty by catalysing environmentally sustainable solutions for the poor in agri-food, renewable energy, water sectors.

The three phased Project “Biogas Program for Animal Husbandry Sector of Viet Nam 2003-2020 (BP) was implemented by the Department of Livestock Production and managed by MARD, with technical assistance from SNV, and financial contribution through ODA from the Netherlands’ Government and other donors. Its overall objective was in line with the development situation of the country and Viet Nam's strategy on renewable energy development and climate change prevention and green growth. It contributed to improve the livelihood and quality of life of rural people in Viet Nam 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 contributed with 180,000 biodigesters. By developing a stronger involvement of the private sector in the biogas market, Viet Nam 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 Viet Nam. 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 ODA, thus SNV looked into new green financing modalities.

Considering the great achievement of three phase Biogas program, Shell International Eastern Trading Company (SIETCO) provided funding through SNV to continue supporting Viet Nam’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 labour, contributing to rural development and environmental protection. The “Biodigesters Programme for a low-carbon livestock sector in Viet Nam (BioLive)” expected to contribute to GHG emissions reduction for livestock sector to combat the climate change. The project is governed and implemented by SNV over a 12-year period from 2022-2033. The BioLive project 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 continue implementing the BioLive project, SNV is looking for two full time Biogas Advisor/Officer who will be in charge of trainings to biogas entrepreneurs (BE), biodigester installation verification, coordination with provincial departments and promotion of the biogas market with specific scopes of work and deliverables as well as tasks and responsibilities below:

Job Description

• Close coordination and support to BEs during the implementation of the project, as troubleshoot application problem, technical advice, promote more BEs into the construction/installation of biodigesters, among other support to promote the market.
• Organize the technical training courses for IQCs (Independent Quality Control) & provincial technicians on using of LogAlto; Q-assurance and reporting; training course for Biogas masons & installers on bio-digester construction & assurance, using of LogAlto.
• Closely collaboration with Technical Officer in charge of QC to review, update and finalize the QC procedures and implementation contracts.
• 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.
• Support project teams on other tasks when required.

The advisor/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.

Qualifications

• Proficiency level equivalent to) Bachelor’s degree in environment, energy, developments, or relevant subject.
• At least 5 years of relevant working experience at international organization(s); experience working in biogas sector is a plus.
• Understanding on the biogas sector in Vietnam, their challenges and opportunities.
• Experience in working with provincial governments and departments is desired.
• Experience on monitoring and evaluation is desired.
• Understanding and experience in Result Based Finance mechanism is a plus.
• Good oral and written communication skills (English and Vietnamese).
• Good computer skills in MS-applications (Word, Excel, Internet, Outlook).
• Willing to travel to provinces.

Additional information

Contract Duration: SNV Vietnam offers one year employment contract with possible extension upon the performance-based.

Desired start date: ASAP

How to apply?

A highly qualified Vietnamese candidate with international experience is encouraged to apply. If you believe that your credentials meet the outlined profile, we invite you to apply by uploading your CV and letter of motivation in English to THIS LINK until 30th November 2023, 5:00 P.M. Hanoi time.

Applicants will be requested to provide us with the contact details of three people who are willing to act as a reference. We will only contact these references after your explicit permission.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Should SNV wish to proceed with your application, two interviews with a Selection Committee will take place.