Forest Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) Expert
Organizational Context
Indonesia is enhancing its forest and land monitoring systems for sustainable management and climate action, supported by the Ministry of Forestry and FAO. FAO's AIM4Forests and MERANTI projects aim to improve methodologies, data systems, and MRV readiness. This role supports coherence across national (NFMS, SIMONTANA, NFI 2.0) and subnational initiatives, focusing on land-cover monitoring, accuracy assessment, and climate finance readiness, including support for the GREEN for Riau Initiative.
Job Purpose
The Forest MRV Expert will provide crucial technical support to strengthen Indonesia's National Forest Monitoring System (NFMS), with a focus on SIMONTANA, and to ensure coherence between national and subnational forest and land monitoring approaches. Working under FAO supervisors, the expert will contribute to data processing, technical reviews, document preparation, and methodology documentation. The role involves participating in project activities, providing task-based support to FAO initiatives, and preparing technical materials for internal review, aligning with established workplans and guidance to advance Indonesia's forest monitoring capabilities.
Responsibilities
Develop and refine the SIMONTANA Improvement Roadmap, identifying technical needs, data requirements, and interoperability opportunities. Consult with stakeholders to finalize the roadmap and explore extending SIMONTANA/NFMS applications to cross-sectoral needs like restoration, climate reporting, and commodity transparency. Improve SIMONTANA's technical foundation by recommending advanced remote sensing and monitoring solutions for accuracy and automation, including enhanced minimum mapping units for deforestation and degradation monitoring. Strengthen sample-based area estimation by processing data, supporting guidance development, and assisting in capacity-building for government staff through training materials and practical exercises. Review and document national FOLU sector MRV processes, linking them to REDD+, NDCs, and FOLU Net Sink 2030. Provide technical support to the GREEN for Riau Initiative, including FREL establishment and subnational MRV integration. Promote the use of SIMONTANA/NFMS for thematic applications by preparing technical materials, processing data, and contributing to workshops. Participate in project meetings, consultations, and field visits as required.
Work Experience
A minimum of 10 years of professional experience is required in forest monitoring, National Forest Monitoring Systems (NFMS), SIMONTANA, National Forest Inventory (NFI 2.0), remote sensing, forest carbon accounting, REDD+, and MRV. This experience should be complemented by an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Forestry, Remote Sensing, or Environmental Science.
Skills
Demonstrated experience in developing/implementing national forest monitoring systems (SIMONTANA), forest inventories (NFI 2.0), or methodologies. Advanced knowledge and experience in forest/land monitoring, MRV, and geospatial approaches. Proven experience developing/reviewing FREL/FRL and REDD+ MRV documentation, preferably in tropical contexts. Experience working with government and international organizations on forest monitoring or climate change. Skilled in facilitating consultations and workshops, providing technical advice, and translating complex requirements into practical recommendations. Familiarity with FAO or UN agencies is an asset.