Tropical Forestry Specialist, Cambodia Payments for Ecosystem Services Project

Tropical Forestry Specialist,
Cambodia Payments for Ecosystem Services Project
Fauna & Flora International

Salary: Circa EUR 40,000
Start Date: As soon as possible
Duration of contract: One-year fixed-term contract
Location:Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Founded in 1903, Fauna & Flora International (FFI) is the world’s longest-established international conservation organisation.  Our vision is to create a sustainable future for the planet where biodiversity is conserved by the people living closest to it.  We aim to do this through the conservation of threatened species and ecosystems worldwide, choosing solutions that are sustainable, based on sound science and take account of human needs. We operate primarily in developing countries where there is little capacity to conserve endangered and threatened habitats and species.  We have become a trusted entity in the world of conservation.  Today FFI is active in over 40 countries.

Since 2006, FFI has been exploring ways in which emerging Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) mechanisms, including Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) projects,  can be harnessed for the benefit of conservation and local communities.  Building on over 100 years’ experience of working in collaboration with developing country governments, civil society and the corporate sector, we have been developing conservation projects that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions whilst improving local livelihoods and conserving biodiversity by securing financing from PES linked markets.

The Cambodia Payments for Ecosystem Services project will focus on developing PES schemes at two hydroelectricity sites located within protected areas (PAs) of the Cardamom Mountain Landscape (CML). The Royal Government of Cambodia’s (RGC) National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP) emphasizes the importance of the private sector, good governance and macro economic development in achieving poverty reduction. The Cambodia – European Community Strategy Paper 2007-2013 highlights deforestation and biodiversity loss as the principle environmental challenge that must be met in order to achieve NSDP objectives. This project will address challenges highlighted in the NSDP and the Cambodia – European Community Strategy Paper. It will do so by strengthening awareness and capacity at all levels to design, implement and effectively monitor PES projects. The project will substantially strengthen support for biodiversity conservation and ensure that pro-poor and multi-stakeholder benefit-sharing and consultation mechanisms are integrated throughout the conceptualization, design and implementation of PES projects. This will result in improved governance, local livelihood development and macro-economic development without negatively impacting biodiversity conservation.

FFI is seeking a results-orientated individual, experienced in the tropical forestry field, PES, corporate engagement and pro-poor forest management to act as the tropical forestry specialist of a truly innovative PES project in Cambodia.

S/he will have strong practical experience in tropical ecosystem classification, and expertise in tropical forests flora.  S/he will also have demonstrable skills in valuing tropical forest ecosystem services as well as significant experience in designing pro-poor PES benefit sharing schemes. S/he will have an advanced degree or equivalent level qualification in a relevant discipline such as tropical forestry and/or substantial experience in a related role. Experience working in the south-east Asia region is required.

For further details and to apply please visit: Job opportunities | Fauna & Flora International

The closing date for applications is Friday 14^th October 2011.  Previous applicants need not re-apply.  No agencies please.

FFI values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity