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Regional Forest Carbon and Climate Coordinator

World Wide Fund for Nature
Seeks
One (01) Regional 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, 2011to Recruitcarpo@wwf.panda.org