The Climate Change Initiatives Program is seeking a Technical Advisor of Forest Carbon Projects and REDD initiatives to provide strategic, targeted technical support to the development of large-scale forest carbon projects and preparation for countries and governments in the implementation of policies relevant to national-level Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD). As part of the Conservation Strategies Division, the Climate Change Initiatives Program develops and supports a diverse portfolio of forest carbon projects that conserve biodiversity, sustain rural livelihoods and mitigate climate change. The Climate Change Initiatives Program is responsible for providing scientific and technical support to Conservation International field programs in the design and implementation of multiple-benefit, climate change mitigation activities, building regional and partner capacity in climate change mitigation and providing high-level support to emerging national REDD programs.

The Technical Advisor will catalyze high profile activities across CI priority regions through the development of proposals and initiatives for large-scale forest carbon projects for donors, corporations, multi-lateral institutions and others, and provide support to existing efforts.  In close collaboration with CI field programs and local governments, the Advisor will assist in the design of national-level climate change policies that incorporate forests as a mitigation and adaptation measure into national development plans and strategies.  

As a member of CI’s institutional, multi-disciplinary Climate Change Team, the Technical Advisor will provide technical and policy support to implement the core components of CI's dynamic climate change strategy. Utilizing superior communication and presentation skills, the Technical Advisor will represent the Climate Change Initiatives program and Climate Change team at high-level international and national policy meetings, engaging with partners, institutions, donors, and governments.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Catalyze the development and implementation of large-scale forest carbon initiatives and national-level climate change strategies by developing proposals, providing technical support and coordinating efforts, internally and externally
• Support select governments implement their REDD readiness plans supported by the World Bank's Forest Carbon Partnership Facility by providing technical support in project and program design and implementation and capacity-building
• Provide technical and capacity-building support on forest carbon issues to the broader CI Climate Team, and partners and other CI teams working on forest carbon issues    
• Represent the Climate Change Initiatives program at UNFCCC and other policy meetings, technical workshops and at the government level

REQUIREMENTS:

Education Level:  Doctorate Degree

Years of Experience:  3

Working Conditions: The position will include frequent international travel (up to 35%), including visits to remote forest areas in developing countries.

Required Skills:     

• Ph.D. with 2 years of experience, or M.Sc. with at least 4 years of relevant work experience.
• Broad knowledge of climate change science, international climate policy, REDD, carbon markets and forest carbon issues, with understanding of evolving REDD policies and the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility of the World Bank desirable
• Experience designing, managing and supporting international field projects in reforestation, afforestation, agroforestry and/or forest conservation, with experience in both technical aspects (project development, baseline establishment, carbon accounting, PDD development, monitoring methodologies) and managerial aspects (partner identification, development of project structure, financial flows, etc.)
• Ability to effectively build partnerships and manage relationships with key partners, donors and government officials
• Excellent writing and communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse range of audiences (from field staff to high-level policy makers) from different cultures
• Excellent public speaking skills and demonstrated ability to give detailed scientific and technical presentations on Forest Carbon issues
• Ability to work collaboratively within a dynamic, multi-cultural, and interdivisional team comprised of a variety of professionals from different disciplines
• Ability to multi-task, learn new material, and manage time effectively in a dynamic and fast-paced environment

Preferred Skills:

• Fluency in Spanish, French or Portuguese
• Experience in delivering technical training and capacity building

 Applicants should send:  Resume and cover letter