Provincial Coordinator for REDD+ Readiness

Terms of Reference (ToR)

Provincial Coordinator for REDD+ Readiness

1. Background

Indonesia, the third largest tropical forest country, is committed to combating global climate change by enhancing its Nationally Determined Contribution (eNDC) target from 29% to 32% with its own capacity and from 41% to 43% with international support. The government has launched the Forestry and Other Land-Use (FOLU) Net Sink 2030 Operational Plan, aiming to make the sector a net sink of 140 million tonnes of CO₂e by 2030. This increase in FOLU ambition aligns with the Long-Term Low-Carbon and Climate Resilience Strategy 2050 (LTCRS), known as the Low-Carbon Compatible with Paris (LCCP) scenario.

REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) is a critical global initiative aimed at combating climate change through the conservation and sustainable management of forests. This program incentivizes developing countries to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation by providing financial rewards for verified carbon savings.

Indonesia is developing a GHG mitigation policy framework focusing on carbon economic value (CEV). The government introduced Presidential Regulation No. 98 of 2021 to implement this strategy. Additional regulations include carbon pricing, sectoral mitigation actions, and carbon trading. Indonesia\’s policy and regulatory documents underpin the forest carbon governance framework, which is regularly updated and updated in line with legal measures.

Riau Province is advancing towards a green economy, demonstrating commitment to environmental sustainability and aiming to access Renewable Biomass (RBPs). The provincial government is actively contributing to Indonesia\’s low carbon development, involving various stakeholders like government agencies, educational institutions, and the private sector. Riau has developed the Regional Low Carbon Development Plan (RPRKD), involving discussions between national and provincial modelers.

Once the nationally mandated sectoral contribution to the NDC has been met, as per MoEF regulation 21/2022, the province of Riau intends to explore the opportunity for accessing RBPs through the implementation of mitigation actions within the FoLU sector in accordance with newly developed legal instruments. As the first jurisdiction to apply the legal framework, Riau Province will lead the way in adopting an international forest carbon standard within the regulated REDD+ architecture of Indonesia that will unlock opportunities for Riau Province to access international RBPs and transition to a green economy. In addition, the efforts to enhance the protection of forests will, in turn, also contribute to the climate resilience of the local communities. The application of an international standard will be tailored to Riau’s specific context and will be implemented through a collaborative bottom-up process that prioritizes stakeholder consultations.

Yayasan Pusat Informasi Lingkungan Indonesia, generally referred to as PILI-Green Network, is an NGO. The activities and capabilities of PILI-Green Network are centered on information collection and exchange, as well as project facilitation to increase stakeholder capacity for biodiversity and natural resource protection in Indonesia. Regarding the project/program known as \”2023-2024 UN-REDD Program Technical Assistance\” in Indonesia, UNEP is co-operating with PILI-Green Network. The hiring of the Provincial Coordinator, who will act as the main point of contact between the UNEP and the provincial stakeholders for the REDD+ Jurisdictional Program, is one of the anticipated outcomes. Under the supervision of the UNEP National Program Officer, the Provincial Coordinator will provide administrative reports to the PILI-Green Network Project Manager.

2. Job Description

Provincial coordination is critical in implementing REDD+ programs. Provinces often serve as the operational hub for REDD+ activities, bridging national strategies and local actions. Effective provincial coordination ensures that the REDD+ strategies are tailored to regional specificities, which include unique ecological, socio-economic, and cultural conditions.

The Provincial Coordinator will serve as the primary liaison between the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the provincial stakeholders for the REDD+ Jurisdictional Program, also the central government. This role involves coordinating and monitoring the implementation of REDD+ activities at the provincial level, ensuring alignment with national and international REDD+ strategies, and facilitating effective communication and collaboration among all parties involved.

3. Tasks

The Provincial Coordinator will report administratively to the Project Manager of the PILI-Green Network, and be supervised by the UNEP National Program Officer. The Consultant is responsible for ensureing the implementation is on track at the Sub National/Provincial level. The following line of action of the ProvincialCoordinator are:

a. Stakeholder Engagement:

Build and maintain strong relationships with local communities, government agencies, NGOs, donors, IFIs, research institution, and other relevant stakeholders.
Collaborate with stakeholders to identify program priorities, address concerns, and foster a sense of ownership and participation in RBP initiatives.
Act as a liaison between UNEP and external stakeholders mostly at provincial level, facilitating communication and ensuring alignment of objectives.
Work as a team with UNEP’s other consultants (RBP specialist, CRF specialist, ESG specialist, and Safeguard specialist)

b. Project Management:

Develop and implement project plans for mitigation and adaption activities in Riau, ensuring alignment with overall RBP goals.
Oversee all aspects of project implementation, including budget management, timeline adherence, and resource allocation.
Monitor and evaluate project progress regularly, identifying and addressing any challenges or deviations from the plan.

c. Advocacy and Outreach:

Advocate for policies and practices that promote sustainable land use, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem restoration at the local, regional, and national levels.
Raise awareness about the importance of REDD+ among diverse audiences, including government officials, community members, and the general public.
Participate in relevant forums, workshops, and conferences to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices in conservation.
Support UNEP’s consultants in preparing workshop, dialog, and public consultation at province

d. Adaptation and Innovation:

Monitor emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities related to potential mitigation and adapation program in Riau, and propose innovative solutions to address them.
Continuously adapt RBP strategies and approaches based on feedback, evaluation findings, and changing political

e. Other assignments

Other assignments that are still related to REDD+ programs and activities that have been previously discussed with the Project Manager.

4. Ultimate Result of Service

In consultation with the requisite authorities alongside with directives from National Program Management at UNEP office in Jakarta, an examination and analysis report on defining a mechanism to accelerate the pre-readiness phase of RBPs while ensuring compliance with GoI/MOEF regulations and international practices.

5. Reporting

The Provincial Coordinator will report to the Project Manager of the PILI-Green Network, with technical supervision by National Program Officer of UNEP in Indonesia and UNEP Asia Pacific UN-REDD Coordinator.

6. Location

Consultants with the position of Provincial Coordinator will be assigned to the Sub National/Provincial level determined by the PILI-Green network and travel according to project needs where they will get support for costs related to the assignment letter as needed and applicable regulations.

7. Qualification Requirements/Evaluation Criteria

a. Education

Advanced degree in Environmental Science, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, International Development, or related field. Alternatively, a combination of a relevant undergraduate degree and substantial professional experience is acceptable.

b. Experience

Minimum of 10 years of experience in forest/environment planning, environmental project management, preferably in forest management, conservation and climate change mitigation.
Proven experience in stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and conflict resolution.
Strong knowledge of REDD+ mechanisms, MRV processes, and international/national environmental policies.
Excellent communication, coordination, and organizational skills.
Experience in researching or drafting the social and environmental safeguard and provide Social and Environmental Due Diligence of infrastructure and Reducing Emission from Degradation and Deforestation (REDD+) projects.
A proven history of successful multi-sectoral and cross-institutional collaboration, engaging effectively with government bodies, financial entities, academia, and non-governmental organizations.

c. Evaluation Criteria

Profound knowledge of theories, concepts, and practical approaches related to Climate Change, REDD+, carbon markets, and the valuation of carbon in the Indonesian context, supplemented by hands-on experience in environmental management or climate change adaptation.
A thorough understanding of the political and economic contexts land-use or forestry issues in Indonesia, sustainable forest management, peatland restoration, social forestry and mangrove.
Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Familiarity with the provincial context and local governance structures is highly desirable.

d. Skills

Stakeholders’ engagement
Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Proficiency in the use of computers and relevant software applications.
Exceptional analytical and writing prowess.
A results-driven, detail-oriented approach to analysis.
Strong interpersonal, cross-cultural, and teamwork skills, coupled with the ability to operate independently.
Outstanding communication abilities and persuasive skills.

e. Language

Fluency in both spoken and written English and Bahasa Indonesia is essential

8. Timeline

The consultant is engaged for the role of Provincial Coordinator for a period of twelve (12) months. Performance will be assessed by the Project Manager of the PILI-Green Network partner at least six (6) months after the contract\’s execution by having consideration from UNEP-Program Management Officer in Jakarta office. Continual performance evaluations will occur at that time. The contract may be extended based on the outcomes of the performance evaluation.

9. Output/Work Assignment

Output	Deliverables	Delivery Date
1. Annual Workplan developed and approved	· Consultant\’s work plan document which includes a communication plan developed with an understanding between entities at the National Level and those at the Sub National/Provincial level as the Provincial Coordinator. · Monthly project progress reporting	30/05/2024
2. Institutional arrangement for REDD+ implementation developed for Riau Province	· Document institutional arrangements for REDD+ at provincial level · Stakeholders mapping · Monthly project progress reporting	30/06/2024
3. Alignment and integration program for REDD+ readiness developed	· Report on the results of the integration program either existing or in the future for the better alignment · Monthly project progress reporting	30/07/2024
4. Technical Assistance (TA) and advise provided in institutional strengthening of the REDD+ working group at Sub-national level	· Report on TA to strengthen REDD+ working group at provincial level · Monthly project progress reporting	30/08/2024
5. Adaptation to Local Conditions developed	· Strategy document to tailor REDD+ activities to adapt local conditions, enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of the program. · Monthly project progress reporting	30/09/2024
6. Valid information on resource mobilization provided	· Report and analysis any potential funds to support public-private partnership at local level · Monthly project progress reporting	30/10/2024
7. Conflict in the readiness phase well identified including its solutions	· Strategy report to mediate and resolve any identified conflicts, promoting a harmonious approach to sustainable forest management · Monthly project progress reporting	30/11/2024
8. Effective communication and collaboration across various administration developed	· Provide strategies to improve communication channels · Monthly project progress reporting	30/12/2024
9. Capacity building to support RBP identified	· Gap analysis report on the need of capacity building at provincial level · Monthly project progress reporting	30/12/2024
10. Challenges and issues for marginalized people identified	· Strategy report to marginalized people · Monthly project progress reporting	28/02/2025
11. Coordination between key stakeholders developed	· Report on Coordination meeting attended and analysis · Monthly project progress reporting	30/03/2025
12. Final report on the improvement RBP synthesized	· Consolidated report (Output 1-11)	25/04/2025

10. Financing

The aggregate expenditure necessary to retain a single expert (consultant) is $15,000. The contractual arrangement is a lump-sum contract with an output-based assignment.

To apply, directly send your CV to ajeng@pili.or.id and ajeng.m.putri@gmail.com for a confidential discussion. Please be informed that only shortlisted applicants will be notified.