Work LocationHome-based
Expected duration14 months
Duties andResponsibilities
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. As part of the UN-REDD Programme jointly implemented by UNEP, UNDP and FAO, UNEP has engaged in increasing commitments and ambition worldwide in the response to the climate crisis through forest protection and restoration. The UN-REDD programme plays a pivotal role to deliver on this ambition. In this regard, UN-REDD aims to achieve four outcomes: • Outcome 1: Forest-based GHG emission reductions and enhanced removals, of increasing quality unlocked at a level of 1 GtCO2e by 2025 [forest solutions realized] • Outcome 2. Enabling USD 5 billion mobilized for REDD+ from results-based payment schemes, carbon markets and other transactions under Art. 6 of the Paris Agreement [forest solutions rewarded] • Outcome 3. More than 15 countries significantly enhance the forest component of their NDCs in the 2020-2025 cycle, including quantitative targets [forest solutions enhanced] • Outcome 4. Connecting actors and knowledge for forest solutions [Nature-based Solutions movement to accelerate climate action The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), under the UN-REDD Programme, is providing technical assistance on finance and carbon markets to assist regional governments in Asia and the Pacific in optimizing their country-level decisions concerning their engagements with forest carbon markets to access REDD+ Results-Based Finance (RBF). The Technical Advisor on Forests, Carbon Markets and RBF will specifically support the delivery of outcome 2 and work closely with UN agencies, government stakeholders, and other relevant partners to ensure high-quality inputs on forests, carbon markets and RBF. The Technical Advisory on Forests and Carbon Markets will be particularly responsible for: • Providing high quality technical and policy advisory services on Forest Carbon Markets and REDD+ RBF to Asia Pacific countries (Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Nepal, Lao PDR, and Viet Nam). • Expand on strategic initiatives and partnerships on forests, carbon markets and RBF Knowledge generation on forests, carbon markets and RBF Under the supervision of the Asia and the Pacific Regional Coordinator – Forests and Climate Change based in Bangkok. The Technical Advisor on forests, carbon markets and RBF will focus on UNEP’s efforts under the UN-REDD Technical Assistance and supporting stakeholders to engage in forest carbon markets and other sources of REDD+ RBF. The major tasks and responsibilities of the Technical Advisor will be to: Provision of technical and policy advisory services to Asia Pacific countries and other stakeholders • Provide dedicated and high quality technical expertise to the Asia Pacific countries (Lao PDR, Nepal, PNG, Viet Nam, Indonesia) on Forest Carbon Markets, REDD+ RBF and other sources of innovative finance • Promote advancements in the forest carbon markets and RBF on a global scale, with a primary focus on assisting Asia Pacific countries in effectively participating in these markets. • Offer strategic policy guidance on the design and implementation of forest carbon markets and RBF to countries, considering critical factors such as national policy targets, the legal and regulatory framework, timeframes, geographical scales, monitoring and verification of emission reduction and removal activities, the role of Indigenous People and Local Communities (IPLCs), Safeguards, and nesting (i.e., integrating projects within larger national or jurisdictional efforts). • Identifying capacity gaps and data requirements related to various forest carbon market standards, working collaboratively to propose solutions to close the capacity gaps • Advise the Regional UNEP Staff and Senior Management on the regional trends and issues with respect to Forest Carbon Markets and REDD+ RBF • Contribute to work plans, annual progress reports, final reports, and other monitoring reports related to Asia Pacific UN-REDD TA Expand on strategic initiatives and partnerships on forest carbon markets • Contribute to a strategic understanding of, and engagement with, the technical issues, institutions, and processes in the Asia Pacific the region; • Establish contact and develop strategic partnerships with other agencies, NGO’s, the private sector, scientific institutions on forest carbon markets and RBF; • Prepare technical concept notes and country needs presentations • Contribute technical expertise to UNEP policy position papers and internal briefing notes; • Participate in retreats, regional planning, etc. Knowledge generation on forest carbon markets: • Global and regional developments related to climate change and forests, with an emphasis on access to markets (including carbon markets) and finance researched and presented to the UN-REDD team. • Share knowledge and experiences with other members of the UN-REDD team and build mechanisms for transfer of lessons learnt and best practices at the regional level in Asia Pacific • Contribute with technical inputs to the development of knowledge products (including guidelines, articles, briefing notes etc.) • Sharing of up-to-date information and knowledge through Community of Practice meetings; • Contribute to training courses on forest carbon markets and RBF to facilitate capacity development and knowledge sharing.
Qualifications/special skillsEducation: • Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in forestry, conservation sciences, development planning or related fields is required (a mix of professional academic qualifications will be an asset) . • Additional professional academic certifications in REDD+ or Carbon Forestry will be preferred Experience: • A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in REDD+, forest carbon projects, climate change mitigation, and forest carbon market development is required. Skills: • Proven expertise in international climate policies, REDD+, forest carbon market standards, carbon accounting methodologies, and related frameworks. • Experience working in the Asia and Pacific region and familiarity with regional context and challenges. • Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to provide evidence-based recommendations. • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in REDD+, forest carbon projects, climate change mitigation, and forest carbon market development is required.
Languages• Fluency in written and spoken English is required
No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
