PfES Technical Specialist

Overview

FAO has entered into a UN to UN Agreement with UNFF to co-finance the development of a national Payment for Forest Ecosystem Services (PfES) program in Lao PDR in support of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment’s mandate. This aligns with the 10th Five-Year National Socio-Economic Development Strategy ) and the Cooperation in Forestry bilateral MoU between Lao PDR and Viet Nam.

The incumbent will report to the FAO Representative (FAOR) for Lao PDR, through the Halting Deforestation and Climate Change Expert, in close coordination with the National Coordinator and the UN-REDD Lao PDR team. The incumbent coordinates with FAO, GIZ, and government counterparts to ensure coherence and timely delivery.

The PfES Technical Specialist will provide oversight and advisory capacity on the overall PfES structure development, including guidance on all components 1-4 of the PfES Feasibility Study Phase 2, and knowledge exchanges between Lao PDR and Viet Nam under the MOU of the two Departments of Forestry and the anticipated VNFF/ EFF arrangements. Tasks are carried out through teamwork and require flexibility to integrate the expertise of different members.

Technical reviews focus on evaluating PfES and related frameworks.

The following tasks and responsibilities are expected, recognizing that tasks are performed through teamwork and require adaptability:

• Outcome 1 – Benefit sharing: conduct desk- and interview-based reviews of existing benefit sharing models (e.g., GFLL, Vietnam PfES) and identify aspects requiring adjustment for PfES; participate in field study of GFLL/I-GFLL experiences and provide Viet Nam lessons to the proposed benefit sharing structure.
• Outcome 2 and 3 – Transparent channeling of funds and PfES database: provide information on Viet Nam fund structures (VNFF and provincial funds), their roles, reporting requirements, and institutional arrangements to inform the EFF fund structure for PfES in Lao PDR; support knowledge exchanges between the two countries and participate as a technical expert where relevant.
• Outcome 4 – PfES pilot plan: based on Viet Nam’s piloting experience, propose a framework of conditions for the PfES pilot in Lao PDR including scale, duration, institutional requirements, preparatory timeframe, budget, and technical assistance required.

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in natural resource management, climate-finance, or related discipline (IAU/UNESCO recognized). Consultants with a bachelor’s degree require two additional years of relevant experience.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in forestry and natural resources or PES design and sustainable financing.
• Working knowledge (level
  
  C) of English.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience related to PfES in Lao PDR.
• Experience advising governments and development agencies in forestry and climate finance.
• Familiarity with PES schemes, biodiversity offsets, or REDD+ finance.
• Excellent communication, policy writing, and stakeholder engagement.

• Call For Expressions Of Interest - Vacancy Announcement
• Job Posting: 02/Jun/2026
• Closure Date: 17/Jun/2026, 12:59:00 AM
• Organizational Unit: FALAO - FAO Representation in the Lao PDR
• Job Type: Non-staff opportunities
• Grade Level: N/A
• Primary
  
  Location:
  
  Home-Based
• Duration: 60 days
• Post Number: N/A

• FAO is committed to workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of underrepresented groups, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
• All selected candidates will undergo reference and background checks and applications are treated confidentially.
• FAO is committed to environmental sustainability.