Result of Service

By effectively executing these tasks, the technical writer will contribute to the creation of a comprehensive and impactful learning journal on forest carbon markets that aligns with the objectives of the REDD+ Academy 3.0. This journal will serve as an invaluable resource for stakeholders seeking to grasp the intricacies of forest carbon markets and their crucial role within the broader context of sustainable forest conservation and management.

Work Location

Home based

Expected duration

10 months

Duties and Responsibilities

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. The United Nations Programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, or UN-REDD Programme, is an interagency UN flagship partnership that supports nationally led REDD+ processes and promotes the informed and meaningful involvement of all stakeholders, including indigenous peoples and other forest-dependent communities, in national and international REDD+ implementation. In November 2022, the Korea Forest Service and the UN-REDD Programme signed a 5-year cooperation agreement to re-launch the “REDD+ Academy 3.0: a capacity building platform for forests and climate” with the aim of enabling and promoting full REDD+ implementation by addressing emerging issues around upfront financing, results-based finance and carbon markets, and new digital technologies. The key stakeholders of the REDD+ are mainly government practitioners in 65 UN-REDD partner countries. But because of the ever changing REDD+ landscape, the academy will also look to some extent at meeting the needs and demands of corporate /private sector as well as of local communities and IPs from different regions and contexts. Key considerations will also be given to geographical and gender balances in terms of audience targeting. In terms of content, the REDD+ Academy will offer updated learning objectives to reflect the need to shift from building the infrastructure to getting tangible outcomes, and moving beyond the readiness phase to supporting full REDD+ implementation. This comes at a time when additional steps towards developing the capacity of forest countries are needed to advance in the implementation of REDD+, in particular, jurisdictional REDD+ and to access results- based finance. This will guide the development of the learning journals. Based on the foundational knowledge gained from the learning journals and online courses, the Academy will also offer capacity development programmes in the form of learning labs and knowledge exchange events to allow for open and meaningful exchanges of ideas, experiences, innovations and practices. Additionally, it will bring together the experiences, learnings and innovation from the REDD+ learning journals and in-person labs for evidence-based policy dialogues and will make use of existing policy engagement processes such as UNFCCC COP and other UN or global/regional-led processes. UN-REDD is thus looking to engage a consultant who will draft the content of the learning journal on forest carbon markets. This position is home-based, under the overall guidance of UN-REDD Programme Management Officer. Tasks and Deliverables 1. Conduct a Comprehensive Literature Review on Forest Carbon Markets • Based on the content outline provided by UN-REDD, thoroughly research and gather all relevant resources related to forest carbon markets. • Analyze and synthesize the latest trends, developments, and regulatory changes in the field of forest carbon markets. • Incorporate insights from diverse reputable sources (Academic journals, UN publications, peer-reviewed articles, etc) to ensure a well-rounded understanding of the subject matter. 2. Draft Technical Content including Practical Insights, Examples/Exercises and Case Studies • Input into the existing draft outline for the journal with the learning objectives that are tailored to accommodate the specific perspectives of government practitioners, corporate/private sector stakeholders, local communities, and indigenous peoples. • Populate the content outline with well-researched and substantive text, transforming the provided structure into informative and engaging content. • Develop coherent explanations of complex concepts, mechanisms, and processes involved in forest carbon markets. • Create a seamless flow between sections, enhancing the overall readability and comprehensibility of the learning journal. • Identify compelling real-world examples that highlight successful forest carbon market initiatives, emphasizing both challenges faced and best practices employed. • Develop in-depth case studies that vividly illustrate the practical application of forest carbon market concepts across different regions and contexts. • Design exercises and thought-provoking reflection questions to encourage readers' engagement and application of theoretical knowledge to real-life scenarios. • Propose micro-learning tools and graphics to better explain the technical content of the journal 3. Incorporate and Re-draft Text Based on Feedback: • Collaborate with UN-REDD experts and reviewers to receive feedback on the initial content draft. • Incorporate feedback by revise and refine the learning journal, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and alignment with the desired objectives. • Engage in an iterative feedback process, seeking to continuously improve the content and address any gaps or suggestions provided by stakeholders.

Qualifications/special skills

Education: Advanced university degree in Environmental Studies, Sustainable Development, Economics, or related disciplines is required. • A focus on carbon markets, REDD+, conservation, environmental economics, or related fields is desirable. Experience: • A minimum of seven years of proven experience in technical writing, preferably in environmental or sustainability-related domains is required. • Demonstrated ability to create comprehensive and engaging content, particularly in educational materials is desirable. • In-depth Knowledge of REDD+ and Carbon Markets: Familiarity with REDD+ processes, forest conservation, and carbon markets, supported by practical experience or academic research. Skills: •Profound Understanding of Forest Carbon Markets and REDD+: The ideal candidate should possess a deep understanding of forest carbon markets and REDD+, gained through substantial experience or research in the field. This expertise should extend to the mechanisms, dynamics, and evolving trends within forest carbon markets. •Strong Research and Analysis: Demonstrated ability to conduct comprehensive research, synthesize information from various sources, and analyze complex trends and regulatory developments on forest carbon markets and REDD+. •Exceptional Writing Proficiency: Proficiency in technical and conceptual writing, with the ability to translate intricate concepts into clear and engaging content tailored to various audiences. •Communication: Effective communication skills to collaborate with subject matter experts, stakeholders, and UN-REDD experts for feedback and information exchange. A minimum of seven years of proven experience in technical writing, preferably in environmental or sustainability-related domains is required. Demonstrated ability to create comprehensive and engaging content, particularly in educational materials is desirable. In-depth Knowledge of REDD+ and Carbon Markets: Familiarity with REDD+ processes, forest conservation, and carbon markets, supported by practical experience or academic research.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this consultancy, fluency in spoken and written English is required. Knowledge of any other official UN languages would be an asset.

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

THE 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.