Subnational Project Specialist (MRV and Forest Carbon)

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has been a specialized agency since 1945, dedicated to agricultural development, sustainability, and food security. FAO Indonesia, with over 40 years of operation, enhances agricultural productivity and resilience to climate change through sustainable practices and resource access. The organization collaborates with government and local communities, supporting policies for sustainable development and poverty reduction. The UN-REDD Green for Riau project, initiated in 2024, aims to build provincial capacity in Riau, Indonesia, for accessing climate finance for REDD+ implementation. FAO's role focuses on establishing sub-national forest reference levels and monitoring arrangements.

Job Purpose

The Subnational Project Specialist will ensure the effective execution of the GREEN for Riau project's FAO component. This role involves facilitating seamless communication between the project team and sub-national stakeholders, including provincial and district governments. A key responsibility is providing technical expertise in forest carbon inventory and monitoring. This support is crucial for developing an initial sub-national Forest Reference Emission Level (FREL) for Riau province, which will be used to evaluate its suitability for future climate finance instruments under relevant REDD+ standards. The position contributes to strengthening institutional capacities for climate finance readiness.

Responsibilities

Coordinate engagement with provincial stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and collaboration between the project team and subnational counterparts. Support the review of data availability, quality, and gaps pertinent to subnational MRV and FREL development. Assist in improving data collection, validation, integration, and harmonization between national and subnational systems. Contribute to the development of the TREES Registration Document by compiling data, describing methodologies, ensuring analysis compliance, preparing technical annexes, and gathering supporting evidence in coordination with counterparts. Prepare technical documentation, presentations, and communications for national and subnational stakeholders, including government agencies and technical teams. Provide technical, logistical, and coordination support for meetings, workshops, and capacity development activities. Perform other related tasks as required to support project objectives and FAO's mandate.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of relevant experience in project coordination, stakeholder engagement, or field implementation is required. For candidates with a Bachelor's degree, a total of five years of relevant experience is necessary. Experience in Indonesia is essential.

Skills

Proficiency in Results Focus, Teamwork, Communication, Building Effective Relationships, and Knowledge Sharing. Desirable experience includes working in multiple locations or areas. Essential knowledge/experience in carbon markets, nature-based solutions, forest carbon inventory, forest monitoring, or MRV processes. Familiarity with GHG emissions calculation methodologies in the AFOLU sector. Significant experience in implementing technical assistance projects, particularly in national/subnational development planning, environmental, or forestry sectors. Proven experience in coordinating and liaising with government officials. Technical knowledge in GHG inventory, carbon accounting, nature-based solutions, and spatial analysis. Strong understanding of local governance structures and policy implementation. Excellent communication, facilitation, organizational, and negotiation skills. Proficiency in MS Office and digital collaboration tools; GIS/remote sensing experience is highly desirable. Ability to work independently and remotely.

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