Consultant for Payment for Forest Environmental Services (PfES)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment and has been operational since 197

• The organization works with various partners and has a presence in over 100 countries, focusing on issues such as climate change, sustainable development, and environmental governance. UNEP is committed to supporting countries in their efforts to achieve sustainable development goals and environmental protection through various programs and initiatives, including the UN-REDD Programme, which has been active since 2008, supporting 65 partner countries in their efforts to become 'REDD+ ready' and qualify for results-based payments.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in conducting a feasibility study and assessment on the potential for Payment for Forest Environmental Services (PfES) and improving fee collection in the forestry sector in Lao PDR. This position involves providing substantive inputs in the design and execution of the study, as well as developing presentation materials that share lessons and insights from Viet Nam, which are essential for the implementation of PfES in Lao PDR. The consultant will also be responsible for delivering a legal framework for PfES in Lao PDR, which will be presented to the government. The work is expected to be home-based and will last for approximately six months, requiring close coordination with various stakeholders, including the Department of Forestry in Lao PDR, UNEP, FAO, and GIZ. The consultant will report to the UN-REDD Project Coordinator and will work collaboratively with international experts and national coordinators in both Viet Nam and Lao PDR.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be tasked with a comprehensive set of responsibilities that include: 1) Reviewing and completing the table of forestry sector fees and charges according to the current legal framework, including preparing supplementary narratives and compiling legal documents; 2) Supporting the assessment of the implementation of fees and charges by reviewing consistency with legal provisions; 3) Drafting a framework of recommended definitions and objectives for forestry fees/charges, including rationales for payment and collection regimes; 4) Summarizing key lessons and insights from Viet Nam regarding Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) and environmental taxation; 5) Conducting an assessment of the impact and feasibility of the recommended fees, including estimating potential fee collection volumes and evaluating the willingness of companies to pay; 6) Drafting a legal document for the roll-out of PfES in Lao PDR, which will be consulted with the PfES steering committee members. The consultant will need to demonstrate flexibility and teamwork throughout the execution of these tasks, adapting to the expertise and skillsets of various team members.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master’s degree in finance, environmental/agricultural economics, business studies, or development studies, with a strong understanding of climate-related risks in agriculture. Additionally, the consultant must possess excellent written communication skills in both Vietnamese and English. A minimum of 10 years of experience in conducting participatory research or in areas such as agricultural/forest finance, climate change policy, environmental and natural resource management, agribusiness development, and agricultural insurance is required. Experience working on collaborative projects as part of an international team is beneficial, as is experience in a technical advisory role, preferably to government entities.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as finance, environmental/agricultural economics, business studies, or development studies. This educational background should be complemented by a solid understanding of climate-related risks in agriculture, which is essential for the role.

Experience:
The consultant is expected to have a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience, particularly in conducting participatory research and working in areas related to agricultural and forest finance, climate change policy, and environmental management. Experience in collaborative international projects and technical advisory roles to government bodies is highly desirable, as it indicates the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments and contribute effectively to policy development.

Languages:
Excellent written communication skills in both Vietnamese and English are mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, but the primary requirement is fluency in these two languages to ensure effective communication and documentation.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for six months and will be home-based. The position does not specify a deadline for applications, and it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not required to provide any financial information or pay any fees.