Asia Pacific REDD+ Safeguards Expert

This consultancy provides targeted technical assistance on social and environmental safeguards related to REDD+ in Asia Pacific countries. The expert will support safeguards processes, capacity building, and strategic expansion of UNEP's regional portfolio, working closely with national counterparts and UN-REDD partners.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical advice to deliver on in-country safeguards activities for the Asia Pacific region in targeted countries, in line with the UN-REDD annual workplans.
• Work closely with UNEP-WCMC, UNEP Safeguards Officer and Regional Coordinator to coordinate support efforts across the region.
• Organize and participate in country missions and liaise with national safeguards experts, government counterparts and other international partners involved in REDD+.
• Draft, review and improve technical documents and outputs related to social and environmental safeguards (e.g. ART-TREES TRD/TMR, VVB findings & responses, benefit sharing plans, FPIC and stakeholder engagement plans, Summary of Information, national SIS systems).
• Provide advice to strengthen implementation of policies and measures for addressing and respecting REDD+ safeguards in supported countries.
• Draft terms of reference and provide technical backstopping on deliverables of national consultants engaged under the Programme.
• Support national and regional coordination on safeguards, ensuring timely and high-quality technical advice is provided by UNEP and UN-REDD.
• Coordinate preparation of TREES Monitoring Reports and the Validation and Verification process in Nepal.
• Contribute to UNEP and UN-REDD planning, coordinating monitoring and reporting processes.
• Support coordination of national and regional events with UN-REDD agencies and other partners in Asia Pacific.
• Contribute to communications products and outreach, including inputs to knowledge products, presentations and documentation of results.
• Plan design of safeguards-related capacity-building support in target countries in collaboration with UN-REDD partners.
• Provide technical support for ART-TREES 3.0 related capacity building including practical guidance on its application.
• Develop tools, presentations and guidance materials on social and environmental safeguards.
• Plan and deliver capacity-building events and training sessions on social and environmental safeguards.
• Provide technical support to strengthen safeguards-related capacity for REDD+ financial intermediaries and fund management arrangements.
• Contribute to strategic expansion of UN-REDD across Asia Pacific from a social and environmental safeguards perspective.
• Help identify safeguards-related resource mobilization opportunities and outline needs and gaps.
• Identify priority actions and recommendations to strengthen application of safeguards at national, subnational and local levels.
• Support design and organization of regional knowledge exchange and learning events on safeguards.
• Strengthen coordination with UNEP Regional Office and identify areas for collaboration.
• Maintain and deepen partnerships with strategic stakeholders in the region to support programme expansion and enhance quality of delivery.

Requirements

• An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental science, social science, forest policy, forest management, natural resources management, international development, environmental economics or related field is required.
• A first-level university degree level in the above-mentioned fields, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• A minimum of five years REDD+, forestry and climate mitigation, environmental law, forest policy, forest management, climate change, or related fields is required.
• Experience in social and environmental safeguards in the context of climate change, forest conservation and REDD+ (e.g. to build capacity, ensure compliance, implement safeguards measures, etc.), is required.
• Experience with ART-TREES process and documentation is an advantage.
• Previous experience working in the Asia Pacific region is an advantage, including advising governments, engaging with stakeholders at the local level and partnering with diverse public and civil society stakeholders.
• Prior work experience with an international organization is an advantage.
• Understanding of laws and national policies associated with the forestry sector and human rights is desirable.
• Knowledge of report writing and editing, including computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Good communication, adaptability and time management skills.
• Excellent sense of teamwork.
• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to provide evidence-based recommendations.
• Fluency in oral and written English is required.

Skills

• REDD+ Safeguards
• Forest Management
• Climate Change Mitigation
• Environmental Law
• Social Safeguards
• Environmental Safeguards Policy
• Capacity Building
• ART-TREES Process
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Report Writing
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Research Skills
• Analytical Skills
• Policy Analysis
• Natural Resource Management
• Climate Mitigation
• International Development

Languages

English