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Nature-based Solutions Expert (NBSE)

For Vietnamese nationals

 

Location: Project VIE/301 in Hue city, Vietnam 

Deadline for submitting the application:30/4/2025 

Start date: Pending appoval by all funding donors  

Contract type: Limited  

Contract term (months): 12 months (renewable), pending final approval of all donors for contracting 

 

 

1. BACKGROUND

 

The VIE/301 – Climate Adaptation and Resilience Project (GCF project code: SAP040) aims to catalyze investments in climate change adaptation through several key initiatives. This includes enhancing the province’s Early Warning System (EWS) and supporting locally-led adaptation efforts by mainstreaming climate considerations into development planning, monitoring, ecosystem-based adaptation (EBA), and climate-resilient agricultural practices. The project will be structured around the following components:

  • Component 1: Strengthening the institutional framework to support risk-based decision-making, climate change adaptation planning, investment, and monitoring.
  • Component 2: Enhancing the resilience of ecosystems and the livelihoods of local men and women.
  • Component 3: Scaling up climate-resilient practices and financial mechanisms. 

 

2. OBJECTIVES 

 

The NBSE plays a key role in implementing Component 2, focusing on reducing villagers' vulnerabilities through (i) costal forest restoration and (ii) development of sustainable business models for Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) and rehabilitation of degraded forest areas. The NBSE will work closely with experts from other components.

Activities of project components are complementary, collaboration between the NBSE and technical advisers/experts from other components is essential to maximize synergies and enhance overall project coherence and impact.

Initiatives in Component 1, which aims to strengthen the early warning system, directly inform Component 2's focus on protecting communities from climate hazards, allowing for proactive measures to mitigate risks and enhance community resilience. Concurrently, Component 3 supports diversified and resilient livelihoods through climate-resilient practices and financing mechanisms.

The objective of this position is to provide solid technical and management expertise to ensure that all initiatives in Component 2 align with the objectives of project VIE/301 and comply with the Green Climate Fund's (GCF) eligibility criteria, requirements, and LuxDev’s procedures throughout the below key areas of duties and tasks.

 

3. MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES 

 

Work closely, on a daily basis, with experts from the other project components to identify synergies, maximize resource use, and enhance the overall impact of project initiatives.

Workplan and budget:

  • Collaborate with the project team to develop and manage a detailed work plan and budget for NbS activities, ensuring measurable timelines and resource efficiency.
  • Track activity progress, outputs, and disbursements on a monthly basis, reporting potential delays and recommending corrective actions to the CTA.
  • Ensure cost-effective resource allocation and provide financial oversight of NbS-related interventions.

Intervention Planning, Design and Implementation with regards to costal forest restoration

  • Conduct site prioritization and design site-specific NbS interventions in collaboration with local authorities, communities, and stakeholders ensuring alignment with project objectives and the project’s exclusion list, and GCF’s environmental and social safeguards (ESS).
  • Establish community-based forest management groups to ensure long-term stewardship and equitable distribution of benefits from forest resources for long-term sustainability.
  • Organize knowledge-sharing workshops with stakeholders, facilitating effective communication and collaboration with local government partners, external experts, and service providers for the integration of local knowledge into intervention planning.
  • Prepare Terms of Reference (TOR) for the recruitment of service providers, participate in the evaluation and selection process, and follow up on the quality and processes of deliverables from service providers to ensure compliance with high project standards.

Developing Viable Business Models for NTFPs (Working in close concert with project VIE/039)

  • Conduct market research, create and refine business models and plans that promote sustainable forest management and climate-resilient NTFP value chains.
  • Perform cost-benefit analyses and economic assessments to ensure the financial viability of proposed business initiatives.
  • Collaborate with local communities, businesses, private sector actors and other stakeholders to foster partnerships and support NTFP initiatives.
  • Design and deliver capacity-building programs (e.g. training sessions) for local communities on sustainable NTFP harvestingand management, business planning, and marketing strategies.
  • Oversee the progress budgeting, and execution of NTFP-related projects and propose adjustments as necessary based on feedback and changing contexts.
  • Identify and propose innovative approaches to enhance the profitability and sustainability of NTFP enterprises, considering potential impacts from climate change and market dynamics.
  • Research and implement new technologies or innovative practices that can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of NTFP management.

Stakeholder engagement:

  • Facilitate effective communication and collaboration between local government partners, community organizations, external experts, and service providers to ensure community involvement and stakeholder commitment.
  • Ensure stakeholder insights are integrated into planning and decision-making, strengthening community ownership and institutional support.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (M&EL)

  • Review and/or establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) specifically tailored to measure the effectiveness of nature-based solutions (NbS) in ecosystem restoration and ecosystem-based adaptation (EBA) initiatives.
  • Develop and implement a robust M&EL framework that tracks and measures the performance of the interventions on ecosystem resilience and livelihoods, assessing their effectiveness and impact over time.
  • Produce high-quality reports that summarize findings from research, project outcomes, and best practices related to Component 2, ensuring lessons learned inform climate adaptation planning.
  • Share insights and recommendations with internal teams and external stakeholders, including LuxDev headquarters, local communities, national authorities and donors.

Other responsibilities

  • Contribute to project reporting and reviews as required by the CTA.
  • Perform additional tasks assigned by the CTA to support project implementation.

A detailed job description can be obtained upon request to the email address: projects.hue@luxdev.lu   

 

4. SKILLS REQUIRED FOR THE JOB

 

Education

  • Advanced degree in ecology, biodiversity management, environmental science, or natural resource management or related field

General Experience

  • At least 10 years’ experience in ecosystem assessment, biodiversity conservation, nature-based solutions (NbS) design and implementation, or restoration interventions.

Specific Experience and skills

  • At least 5 years’ experience in NbS project management, including workplan development, budgeting, and progress monitoring.
  • Proven experience in community-based restoration planning and establishing forest management groups.
  • Demonstrated entrepreneurial mindset, with expertise in market-based approaches to NbS and ecosystem service financing.
  • Strong technical understanding of climate adaptation frameworks, environmental policies, and national biodiversity strategies.
  • Excellent reporting and communication skills, with experience in stakeholder engagement and capacity building.
  • Proficiency in both written and spoken English and Vietnamese is essential for effective communication and reporting duties.

 

 

5. CONDITIONS: 

 

  • Location: Project VIE/301 in Hue city, Vietnam 
  • Nature of the position: full-time position; 
  • Duration: 1 year, (renewable); pending final approval of all donors for contracting
  • Salary will be determined based on the successful candidate's experience and qualifications, as well as the availability of the project budget.

 

6. HOW TO APPLY: 

Applications can only be submitted via the LuxDev careers website at https://careers.luxdev.lu/job-invite/1852/. Applications must consist of 1) curriculum vitae (including contact details of two referees), and 2) a motivation letter. Only applications received via the LuxDev careers website will be considered.

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