Peatland Fire Management Specialist

Organizational Context

The FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) leads the organization's response to regional priorities in food security, agriculture, and rural development. RAP identifies, plans, and implements priority activities, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach and strategic response to regional needs. It fosters regional policy dialogue, partnerships, and capacity development. Peatland fires are a significant emission source in Southeast Asia, impacting vital carbon sinks. Despite global recognition, peatland targets are underrepresented in national climate commitments, highlighting a critical need for improved fire management and emission measurement techniques.

Job Purpose

This role supports the implementation of the regional Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) project titled “Enhancing peatland management through measuring peatland fire emissions and scaling it regionally.” The project aims to address critical gaps in peatland fire management by developing and applying new methodologies for measuring peatland fire emissions. This involves establishing simplified processes for estimating greenhouse gas emissions from peatland fires, leveraging new satellite and remote sensing data, and collaborating with ASEAN countries to implement these techniques. The specialist will contribute to improving peatland GHG inventories and informing international climate change frameworks.

Responsibilities

The Peatland Fire Management Specialist will develop a comprehensive review report on peatland fire measurement techniques over the past 15 years, focusing on area, depth, and emissions profiles from Indonesian research. They will prepare and deliver technical presentations for project workshops in Indonesia and Thailand. The specialist will technically lead the review of satellite and LIDAR data specifications, providing guidance to a remote sensing analyst, and collaborate with project teams to develop feasible peatland fire emission monitoring methodologies. Responsibilities include leading the preparation of field-testing procedures in Indonesia, training field teams, and reviewing collected data. Furthermore, the role involves transferring peatland fire measurement techniques to Thailand, offering technical advice, conducting training, and reviewing compiled data. The specialist will also provide technical inputs for regional and global peatland and fire events, including preparing and delivering presentations.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in peatland fire management, fire prevention and suppression, or landscape fire management is necessary. Experience with peatland fire measurement techniques and working with government counterparts, local communities, or international organizations on fire management or land-use issues is also required. Experience in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly Indonesia and Thailand, is considered an asset.

Skills

Key skills include demonstrated experience in planning and implementing peatland fire prevention, preparedness, and response measures, especially in tropical peatland ecosystems. Proficiency in peatland fire measurement techniques is crucial. Proven ability to work collaboratively with government counterparts, local communities, and international organizations on fire management or land-use issues is essential. Experience in the Asia-Pacific region, capacity development, policy support, or technical advisory roles is advantageous. Knowledge of an additional UN language is a strong asset. Core competencies include results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing.

Explore related opportunities