Ecosystem/Biodiversity Expert

Organizational Context

FAO Viet Nam's Country Programming Framework (2022-2026) prioritizes Climate Change Response, Disaster Resilience, and Environmental Sustainability. The Country Office, with RAP GEF support, secured Global Environment Facility resources for water, fisheries, environment, biodiversity, and ecosystem restoration. FAO Viet Nam, in partnership with APMB, is formulating the GEF-8 project to safeguard critical marine ecosystems and reverse coastal biodiversity loss. This project aims to mainstream Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management and Aquaculture into spatial planning, expand conservation measures, and scale biodiversity-positive production systems.

Job Purpose

The incumbent will play a crucial role in supporting the formulation of the Project Document for the Global Environment Facility (GEF). This involves generating and collating comprehensive information to inform the technical content, structural design, and implementation approach of the project. The expert will ensure that all gathered data contributes effectively to a robust and well-defined project framework, aligning with GEF objectives and local environmental priorities. This position is central to developing a project that effectively addresses critical environmental challenges in Viet Nam.

Responsibilities

The Ecosystem/Biodiversity Expert will support the GEF Design Expert by reviewing and documenting proposed interventions' potential impacts and risks, ensuring alignment with biodiversity conservation objectives within and around national parks and protected areas. This includes identifying measures to minimize negative impacts on water resources, forests, wildlife habitats, and ecological connectivity. The role involves contributing to the development of practical screening criteria and safeguards to protect critical habitats and ecosystem functions, while also identifying opportunities to promote biodiversity-friendly and climate-resilient practices. The expert will integrate biodiversity considerations, environmental safeguards, and sustainable natural resource management principles into the project design. Key tasks include collating, analyzing, and documenting ecosystem information and related baseline policies, providing technical input for the Project Document, and synthesizing information on ecosystem changes, good practices, and lessons learned. The expert will help rationalize the project's connections with GEF focal areas (Biodiversity, Land Degradation, Climate Change, Ecosystem Restoration) and its contribution to Global Environment Benefits. Participation in field visits and workshops, supporting project documentation drafting, responding to reviews, and developing relevant monitoring indicators are also essential. Additionally, the expert will support the development of the Vietnamese ProDoc and its annexes, addressing feedback from relevant departments and ministries.

Work Experience

The position requires at least ten years of progressively responsible professional experience within the biodiversity and fisheries sector or a related field in Viet Nam. Excellent written and oral communication skills in both English and Vietnamese are mandatory. Applicants must be a national of Viet Nam or a resident with a valid permit.

Skills

Required competencies include Results Focus, Teamwork, Communication, Building Effective Relationships, and Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement. Preferred technical skills encompass previous experience with GEF or other international donor projects, working in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, particularly in multilateral organizations. Experience collaborating with Vietnamese partners at all levels (Ministries, provinces, private sectors) is essential, alongside good computer skills, strong research, analysis, and report writing abilities, and a proven capacity to deliver quality outputs under tight deadlines.

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