SNV/ Netherlands Development Organization is one of the foremost international organizations which has been active in Ghana since 1992. We specialize in providing high quality, professional advisory services. Our clients are organizations whose work is to help local communities improve the way they are governed, develop income generating capacity and to benefit from the natural resources surrounding them, while sustaining the environment for future generations.

National Associate Advisor Carbon/Climate Projects Development

Based in Burkina Faso/Cameroon/DRC/Ghana
(Consultancy contract)

Background
In the majority of Sub-Saharan African countries agricultural expansion and biomass energy needs are important drivers of deforestation and thus a chief agent in accelerating climate change. Deforestation reduces the capacity of ecosystems to provide ecosystem services that support livelihoods and community development and is thus a precursor to deepening levels of poverty. However, it is equally clear that agriculture -especially in the form of commodity crops (cocoa, palm, coffee etc.) and livestock production form critical livelihoods for over 62% of Africa’s rural population, whilst biomass energy [fuel wood], is often the only source of energy supporting businesses and households in both urban and rural settings. Within development programs and projects, it therefore becomes crucial to strike a balance between agriculture and biomass energy needs as both drivers of deforestation and source of revenues and livelihoods.

In this light, SNV has launched the REDD+ Energy and Agriculture Program (REAP) in order to advance the understanding on the interface between agriculture and energy use across different forest landscapes and to introduce contextualized solutions within the development sector. REAP aims to bring about reduced deforestation related carbon emissions, and improved livelihoods and incomes. The REAP Program has four key components: (i) knowledge development; (ii) building SNV capacity; (iii) demonstrating contextualized solutions; and (iv) partnerships for impact at scale. In Africa REAP currently focuses on four countries: Burkina Faso, Cameroon, DRC and Ghana.

Against this background SNV seeks to engage a REAP Africa Associate Advisor Carbon/Climate Projects Development, to principally provide support to the SNV REAP efforts in its interventions in the 4 focal countries and potentially to initiatives in other SNV Africa supported offices.

Responsibilities

•   Providing technical guidance and advice on carbon markets in the assessment of REAP related projects, research and design interventions as well as in implementation mechanisms.
•   Spearhead identification of REDD+ compatible agriculture and energy opportunities
•   Assist in identifying partnerships with key clients, donors and government officials especially on climate finance issues.
•   Support carbon/climate knowledge products development and dissemination especially through the production and reviewing of training manuals and guidance for SNV staff, partners and clients.
•   Facilitate training sessions to SNV Advisors of REDD+ compatible agriculture and energy solutions.
•   Conduct any other duties as prescribed by the REAP Africa Coordinator for further development of the program

Qualification Required & Experience

Candidate profile

•   The REAP Africa Associate Advisor should have the following skills and experience.
•   Broad knowledge of climate change science, international climate policy, climate finance, REDD+, carbon markets and forest carbon issues.
•   Specific experience in community carbon project development, baselines establishment, carbon accounting, CDM, VCS, Gold Standard, PDD development and monitoring methodologies in Africa.
•   At least three years’ experience living and working in Africa on carbon, climate change, REDD+ or other natural resources management activities and conversant in developing African based solutions.
•   Excellent writing and communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of audiences (from field staff to policy makers) from different cultures.
•   Good public speaking skills and demonstrated ability to give technical presentations on climate change and forest carbon issues.
•   Fluency in spoken and written English is a must; with working knowledge French considered to be a distinct advantage.
•   Willingness to travel especially to the REAP focal countries.
•   A master’s degree in Natural Resource Management, Forestry, Global Change, Climate Studies,
•   Contract type and duration: SNV will offer a national Associate Advisor consultancy contract for one year with possibility of extension.

Location: Burkina Faso/Cameroon/DRC/Ghana

How To Apply For The Job

•   Desired start date: 1 October 2013
•   Duty station: Preferably in one of four countries covered by REAP Africa. Optionally, the Associate Advisor can be based at another SNV office in Africa.
•   Reporting: The incumbent will report to the SNV REAP Africa Coordinator who is based in Burkina Faso

Please apply by clicking on http://snv.devhire.devex.com/jobs/328168 and completing your application in our in-house recruitment system before 11 September 2013.

More information about SNV
SNV is an international not-for-profit development organisation. We believe that no-one should have to live in poverty and that all people should have the opportunity to pursue their own sustainable development.

Starting out in the Netherlands more than 40 years ago, we now work in over 30 of the poorest countries worldwide. Our global team of local and international advisors work with local partners to equip communities, businesses and organisations with the tools, knowledge and connections they need to increase their incomes and gain access to basic services - empowering them to break the cycle of poverty and guide their own development.

By sharing our specialist expertise in Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Water, Sanitation & Hygiene, we contribute to solving some of the leading problems facing the world today – helping to find local solutions to global challenges and sowing the seeds of lasting change. SNV aims to make a lasting difference in the lives of 40 million people living in poverty over the period 2011-2015.

For more information, please refer to our website: www.snvworld.org

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