Cameroon: Climate Change & REDD+ Coordinator

Position Title: Climate Change and REDD+ Coordinator

Reports to: CCPO Conservation Director

Supervises: /

Grade: B1

Location: Yaoundé, Cameroon

Date: October 2015

I.Mission

WWF Cameroon Country Program Office (CCPO) supported by the WWF Network, implements its National Strategic Plan in alignment with the Government’s Biodiversity Conservation Vision (NBSAP, PRO-PSFE), the Green Heart Of Africa (GHoA) regional conservation strategy and to contribute to WWF’s global conservation objectives.

Within the Framework of its National Strategic Plan, WWF Cameroon supports the Cameroonian Government with the development of a National Strategy to “Reduce Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+)”. This National REDD+ Strategy is expected to outline Cameroon’s future REDD+ engagement including objectives, planning, implementation and monitoring systems and benefit sharing mechanisms for REDD+ Projects and Programs that contribute to the protection and sustainable management of forest resources to reduce carbon emissions. REDD+-pilot projects are to be established within larger administrative (jurisdictional) units and are expected to serve as testing grounds for effective carbon sequestration and for the participation and benefit sharing of relevant stakeholders, namely local communities. As such, experiences from pilot projects will help to inform the development of a national, country-wide REDD+- strategy.

II.Major Duties and Responsibilities:

At the national level,the incumbent will act as focal point for CCPO Climate Change & REDD support and will liaise with and support the REDD+-mandated Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MINEPDED) in all technical aspects related to the development of the National REDD+ Strategy, the promotion of jurisdictional REDD Projects and the development of the country’s REDD+ Forest Investment Plan.

This includes the following activities:

• Contribute to the global policy agenda and to the national dialogue on Climate change & REDD+, and ensure that relevant issues and conclusions are translated into policy actions at the regional and national levels;
• Assist the Cameroon Government, in particular the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MINEPDED) to fulfil relevant criteria for accessing Carbon Funds under the World Bank’s Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF), to prepare a corresponding comprehensive proposal and to help apply for additional/alternative donors (e.g. voluntary carbon funds);
• Assist the Cameroon Government, in particular the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MINEPDED) with the elaboration of a Forest Carbon Investment Plan;
• Prepare Climate change & REDD-related concept notes and proposals as requested by donors;

· As CC & REDD-Focal Point organize and/or represent WWF as needed in REDD+ or Climate Change-related meetings, workshops, conferences, events at national level and help to consolidate WWF’s role as one of the Government’s key partner organizations for REDD development;

• Establish close cooperation and partnerships with stakeholders and institutions crucial for the further development of a national REDD Strategy in Cameroon, especially decision-makers within governments, inter-government agencies, private sector, CSOs;
• Network with CC & REDD projects and experts in other countries and within the WWF network to seek support and guidance based on experiences and lessons learnt that are relevant in the Cameroonian context

At regional and local levels he/she will provide technical support to WWF Program managers and Government Partners incl.:

• Assist with the planning, implementation and monitoring of jurisdictional REDD pilot projects according to donor expectations and funding requirements;
• Ensure proper participation of local communities and local CSOs in the development of pilot projects with particular consideration of established ‘Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC)’ guidelines;
• Support the REDD-related capacity development of key actors at regional and local levels;
• Prepare, organize and evaluate REDD-related studies and consulting missions to address on specific technical topics within the context of pilot projects;
• Attend CC& REDD-related meetings and workshops at regional and local levels as requested by WWF Program Managers and Government Authorities;
• Prepare and review technical reports on CC& REDD.

III.Profile:

Required Qualifications

· An advanced degree in natural science, biological science, social sciences, forestry sciences, agricultural sciences public policy or related field. Specific qualifications in the field of Climate Change or REDD will be an advantage;

· Technical proficiency in the field of conservation, natural-resource management and international development;

· Comprehensive knowledge and good understanding of on-going CC & REDD+ processes in Cameroon;

· Good knowledge in forestry and environmental legislative and regulatory framework;

· 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;

· Strong capacity and methodological skills to facilitate participatory processes;

· Demonstrated experience in public policy related to climate and/or biodiversity conservation, including requirements for FCPF funding mechanisms;

· 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);

· Team player in a culturally diverse context

· Establishing strategic direction

· Setting high goals for personal and group accomplishment;

· Willingness to travel and to spent time in the field

· 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.

IV.Working Relationships:

Internal–works closely with Regional Forest Coordinator (WWF Regional REDD Focal Point), CCPO Forest Coordinator and coordinates fundraising and partnership work in close cooperation with the CCPO Fundraising and Partnership Manager. Works closely with REDD Technical Advisors from the field.

External- Works closely with implementing and donor partners (bilateral and multilateral), governmental and non-governmental representatives, as well as private sector representatives.

This job description covers the main tasks and conveys the spirit of the sort of tasks that are anticipated proactively from staff. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary according to organizational needs.

How to apply?

Email a cover letter and a resume to recruit-cam@wwfcam.org.

The subject should read**CCR.**

Deadline for applications: 18^th October 2015

PLEASE Kindly note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

WWF is an equal opportunity employer and committed to having a diverse workforce!