Forest Carbon and Climate Coordinator

WWF Central Africa Programme Office (CARPO) supported by the WWF Network implements a conservation strategy called the Green Heart of Africa Network Initiative (GHOA NI). The vision for the GHOA is that, by 2020, the forest, freshwater landscapes and species resources in the GHOA are managed sustainably so that biodiversity is conserved, ecosystem functions and services are maintained, global climate is stabilized, and sustainable development and economic growth improves the livelihoods of the people of Central Africa.

In order to achieve this vision, WWF works with Governments and other important partners in the region to implement the following strategies:

• develop and implement sustainable funding mechanisms supporting a representative network of protected areas in priority landscapes, and to provide incentives for protected area stakeholders to increase management effectiveness;
• mobilize incentives and expertise for sustainable resource use by local people by developing an enabling policy environment, capacity for CBNRM, and supporting sustainable economic development at the local level;
• promote viable certification schemes, legal and sustainable trade, and environmentally responsible policies and processes to ensure the responsible and sustainable development and operation of production forests, extractive industries and infrastructure developments in the Congo Basin, and minimize their environmental impacts, including the reduction of CO2 emissions.

The WWF is currently accepting applications from outstanding candidates with a passion for nature conservation to fill the position of Forest Carbon and Climate Coordinator for its Central Africa Regional Programme Office (CARPO).

Location: Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Main Function: 

Coordinate the development and implementation of a forest carbon and climate strategy that defines the road for growth in WWF’s forest carbon and climate portfolio in the Congo Basin and addresses issues of institutional capacity, risk mitigation and knowledge management, in line with WWF’s global programmes, priorities and principles. 
Guide WWF engagement in global, regional and national policy formulation relating to REDD+ for Congo Basin countries.
Provide a focal point in CARPO for WWF activities on forest carbon in coordination with FCI, GHOA, CEA and other relevant national and programme offices.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:
 

Policy/Partnership

• Coordinate the engagement of WWF offices and partners from the Congo Basin in the global policy agenda and dialogue on REDD+ and ensure that relevant issues and conclusions are translated into policy actions at the regional and national levels;
• Provide support to COMIFAC and Congo Basin countries in UNFCCC negotiations for the inclusion of REDD in the post-2012 climate treaty, including the development of position statements and submissions for the UNFCCC negotiation meetings, as well as for meetings of the subsidiary working groups on technical advice (SBSTA) and implementation (SBI);
• Assist COMIFAC and the Congo Basin countries in their engagement with international finance mechanisms in order to secure funds to support REDD+ and other forest-based carbon programme activities, and the effective governance arrangements to support them,
• Represent WWF as needed in external events within the region, UNFCCC processes, and other relevant meetings, etc.
• Establish close cooperation with stakeholders and institutions crucial to the success of this component of the GHOA NI especially decision-makers within governments, inter-government agencies, private sector, and develops and/or nurtures institutional relationships and partnerships where appropriate

Internal Support 

• Lead technical input into regional (COMIFAC, etc.) and national processes, and work with REDD+ policy specialists and NO/PO teams to ensure appropriate input to regional and national policy agreements, strategies and activities;
• Lead technical input from CARPO country teams into national Readiness Preparation Plans (development/implementation)
• Contribute to high quality of development, inception and implementation of a portfolio of REDD+ projects/programmes delivered by country teams/ implementation and provides technical backstopping to WWF country teams;
• Ensure establishment of clear linkages between REDD+ pilot projects and “traditional” biodiversity protection and management projects” to align REED projects with WWF conservation priorities
• Lead on the development of, and contribute to delivery of a regional programme of capacity building (including recruitment of new capacity/expertise where required) and training on REDD+ among key staff offices;

Development

• Investigate, in coordination with sustainable financing specialists, financial mechanisms that could be used to manage carbon credits payment in perpetuity, e.g. Trust Funds;
• Identify key underpinning research/feasibility activities to be undertaken, prepare ToRs and supervise consultants when needed on topics such as synthesis and analysis of the past and current research results on the drivers and underlying causes of deforestation and degradation to help support public policy analysis and advocacy; and potential governance mechanisms/scenarios for equitable distribution of funds from carbon finance to communities, Indigenous peoples and governments.

Others

• Prepares regular reports on progress towards objectives
• Works with WWF programme communicators to develop campaign approaches as necessary, and communication outreach to support the NI’s objectives.
• Other tasks as required.
   

Profile: 

Required Qualifications 

• An advanced degree in political science, natural science, biological science, public policy or related field;
• Technical proficiency in the field of conservation, natural-resource management or international development;
• A minimum of 5 years related professional experience, including some in Africa, ideally in the Congo Basin region.

Required Skills and competencies

• Strong working knowledge of forest management, REDD+ policy and project development and carbon finance;
• Demonstrated experience in public policy related to climate and/or biodiversity conservation, including the UNFCCC processes;
• Demonstrated experience in proposal development and fundraising;
• Successful experience in working closely with Government counterparts and other key partners from national to community level;
• Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills in French and English;
• Excellent negotiation, diplomacy and lobbying skills;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to deal with multiple teams located in multiple locations (virtual teams);
• Ability to operate with independence, under time pressure, in order to meet deadlines and commitments.
• Adheres to WWF’s values, which are: Passionate & Optimistic, Challenging & Inspiring, Credible & Accountable, Persevering & Delivering Results.
• Team player in a culturally diverse context
• Establishing strategic direction
• Setting high goals for personal and group accomplishment;

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements should apply by sending an application letter and CV together with the names prior to June 27th, 2011 toRecruitcarpo@wwf.panda.org