National Climate Change Specialist

Organizational Setting

Bangladesh is rich in natural resources with diverse ecosystems and biodiversity. Like other developing countries, Bangladesh is also facing tremendous pressure on the conservation of forests and natural resources. The forest department has undertaken several initiatives to reduce pressure on the existing forest resources. The country is also obliged to report to international platforms like UNCCD, CBD, IPCC, etc. on the progress it made in the restoration and reduction of the degradation of natural resources. In doing so, the country is trying to develop a National Forest Monitoring System (NFMS). The forest department has already conducted the first national forest inventory during the period 2016-2019. Now it is planning for the 2nd cycle of the inventory. With the support of the Sustainable Forests and Livelihoods (SUFAL) project of the World Bank, the 2nd cycle of forest report assessment has been planned. The forest inventory will generate metadata of the forest resources that will be analyzed and comprehensive reports will be generated which will give a full picture of the country’s forest resources. In addition, the project also envisions developing the national land cover map and preparing forest management plans for forest divisions and protected areas. It will also prepare an updated report on the National Forest Reference Emission Level. All the information generated from the process will help the country better manage the forest resources with a functional monitoring system in place.

Reporting Lines

The National Climate Change Specialist is a SC 09 position who will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative, the direct supervision of the Environment Climate Change Specialist (Team Leader), and in close collaboration with national and international consultants in the project team,

Technical Focus

The National Climate Change Specialist will be a part of a national team with expertise on MRV systems in the forestry sector, Climate Change impacts and mitigation options, REDD mechanism, IPCC protocols, Assessment of Forest Reference Emission Level, and different FAO tools/Software used for carbon accounting and reporting

Tasks and responsibilities

• In close collaboration with the International Consultant - Forest Reference Level strengthen government capacities in MRV procedures and methodologies under the UNFCCC, Carbon Accounting, and the use of NDC software;
• In close collaboration with the International Consultant - Forest Reference Level support the Bangladesh Forest Department in preparing FRL/FREL update reports and Forest Inventory reports as necessary;
• Assist the International Consultant - Forest Reference Level and GIS Expert to organize validation workshops of the updated map and updated FRL/FREL;
• Coordinate activities to share knowledge and inform partners, particularly government agencies about climate change negotiations under the UNFCCC, IPCC processes, climate change adaptation, and REDD ;
• Review existing manuals and guidance documents regarding climate change in Bangladesh and suggest improvements as needed;
• Communicate with and prepare presentations for national stakeholders on issues related to climate change in Bangladesh;
• Assist in any other tasks under the project at the instruction of the FAO Representative, the LTO, and the Team Leader.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree in Forestry, Environmental Science, Environmental Economics, or a closely related field;
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in environment and natural resource management in developing countries;
• Working knowledge (level C) of English and Bangla;
• National of Bangladesh

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Excellent knowledge of climate change negotiations, REDD , MRV procedures and methodologies under the UNFCCC, and IPCC processes;
• Demonstrate knowledge on Carbon Accounting and NDC software;
• Proven track record of supporting, advising and collaborating with government institutions in Bangladesh;
• Familiarity of working with the UN or development sector actors an advantage;
• Demonstrated experiences in developing countries;
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to deliver results within deadlines.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION