Forest Carbon Markets and Policy Specialist

Join ICRAF and make a difference!

The International Center for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes, from drylands to the humid tropics, enhance the environment and well-being for all. ICRAF is non-profit science institutions that build and apply evidence to today’s most pressing challenges, including energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Over a combined total of 65 years, we have built vast knowledge on forests and trees outside of forests in agricultural landscapes (agroforestry). Using a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to improve lives and to protect and restore ecosystems. Our work focuses on innovative research, partnering for impact, and engaging with stakeholders on policies and practices to benefit people and the planet. Founded in 1978, ICRAF is a member of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources. Since 2019, CIFOR and ICRAF have worked through a strategic programmatic alignment designed to increase operational efficiency, strengthen scientific collaboration and expand global impact.

ICRAF is looking for:

Forest Carbon Markets and Policy Specialist

Overview

The primary purpose of this Forest Carbon Markets and Policy Specialist position is to provide technical and strategic support for the implementation of forestry carbon projects, ensuring the quality, scientific rigour, and relevance of project outputs. The post-holder will define analytical needs, provide technical direction, interpret and integrate spatial and other analytical results into project planning and decision-making, and contribute to scientific and technical outputs in line with project documents and donor requirements.

A key responsibility of the position is to support engagement with private-sector actors to mobilize investment, develop partnerships, and facilitate the implementation of forestry carbon projects. This includes identifying and engaging potential investors, buyers, and implementation partners; supporting the development of technical and commercially viable project opportunities; and contributing to project-related events, field activities, and external engagements as required.

The position will further contribute to resource mobilization, partnership development, and strengthen the visibility of Landscape Alliance | CIFOR & ICRAF in Action in supporting private-sector engagement and investment in nature-based and forestry carbon initiatives.

The post holder will support the implementation of the following CIFOR & ICRAF joined projects:

(1) Carbon for Good: Enabling a High-quality Forestry Carbon Market in Vietnam

(2) UBS Optimus Foundation project Phase 2: Building the Commercial and Investment Case for Blue Carbon in Vietnam

(3) Other projects as tasked by the Viet Nam Country Coordinator and/ or CCE Theme Leader.

Tasks and Responsibilities

Tasks under C4G project (60%)

Research and publications/deliverables:

Co-Lead the activity 1111.2: Develop decision-making supporting tools for government agencies to design, implement and monitor high-quality, inclusive GR forestry carbon market development
- Lead the sub-activity 1111.2.1: Develop carbon potential assessment tool
- Co-lead sub-activity 1111.2.4: Develop cost-benefit analysis tools
- Contribute to other tools and deliverables on site selection guidelines and biodiversity integration and so on.

Feasibility study and PIN development:

Lead the activity 1123.3: Support the provincial team in compiling and advocating for the consideration of high-quality, inclusive GR forestry carbon projects for the national carbon projects pipeline
Lead the activity 1221.3: Support government agencies and private sector to develop a list of potential bankable projects for future investment by international investors, prioritizing high-quality, inclusive GR forestry carbon projects for nature-positive adaptation
Contribute to activity 1123.1: Conduct field survey on biodiversity, safeguarding, as well as climate vulnerability and capacity analysis to inform the design of high-quality, inclusive GR forestry carbon projects
Contribute to activity 1211.3: Develop manuals and guidelines for companies to develop and implement high-quality, inclusive GR forestry carbon projects

Capacity building and knowledge-sharing events:

Contribute to the development of materials and the delivery of capacity-building and knowledge-sharing events, including workshops, training sessions, webinars, seminars, and policy dialogues.

Private sector engagement:

Contribute to activity 1212.1 and 1212.3 on establishing a community of practice/networks for information and lessons learned sharing on designing and implementing high-quality, inclusive GR forestry carbon projects between selected companies; and facilitate information exchange and connecting national companies with international investors

Tasks under UBS project – Phase 2 (35%)

Co-lead Activity 2.1: Conduct two comprehensive feasibility studies assessing technical, financial, legal, and market aspects for registering a blue carbon project in Vietnam:
- Lead the data collection for assessing technical, financial, legal, and market aspects for registering a blue carbon project in Vietnam.
- Contribution to other sub activities, particularly the task of comparing feasibility study results and select project site(s) and relevant standard/methodology for carbon project development
Contribute to activity 2.2: Identify and map potential private sector investors and partners interested in co-funding forest and blue carbon initiatives.
Lead Activity 2.3: Develop tailored investment proposals and financial models based on the feasibility study findings.
Lead Activity 3.3 – Facilitate stakeholder forums, roundtables, and collaborative platforms to strengthen institutional networks and partnerships.
Contribute to other activities on capacity development and knowledge-sharing events include but not limited to training, workshop, policy dialogues

Resource Mobilization and other Responsibilities (5%)

Take reasonable care of own occupational health and safety and that of others as obliged by CIFOR-ICRAF’s Occupational Health and Safety Policy and cooperate with CIFOR-ICRAF in complying with requirements under any statutory health and safety provisions of relevant Country laws.
Participate in CIFOR-ICRAF Vietnam projects as required.
Other tasks as required.

Knowledge and Experience Requirements

Minimum Academic and Professional Qualifications

Post graduate degree in forestry, climate change, natural resource management, or coastal forest management. PhD degree holding is a merit.
Expertise in carbon policy and markets, particularly hands-on experience in forest carbon project development. Working experience in Vietnam is a must.
Experience with the application of sustainable forest management for climate mitigation and landscape resilience, with strong knowledge of ecosystem services, sustainable landscape, payment for forest ecosystem services (PFES), climate change issues and policy, Understand the political system of Vietnam and having a good networking with Vietnamese counterparts is an asset
Familiarity with private sector engagement for carbon finance.
Knowledge of spatial analysis, GIS and remote sensing applications for landscape-scale assessments is desirable.

Preferable

Knowledge on mangrove ecosystems in Vietnam and globally.
Broad knowledge of Vietnam policy and regulation on forestry, agroforestry, ecosystem services, and green financing.
Experience in government engagement and institutional capacity building.
Familiarity with participatory approach, benefit sharing mechanisms, Local Community’s rights and benefit sharing.
Experience in conducting feasibility study, cost-benefit analysis, carbon pricing... is an asset

Minimum Work Experience

At least 7 years of experience working in forestry, climate change and carbon market.
Involvement in resource mobilization and proposal development is an asset.
Experience with project management, reporting, monitoring, and evaluation.
Experience with engagement with NGOs and academic partners, national and sub-national government. Working or networking experience with private sectors and smallholders will be an asset.

Skill and competencies

Ability to work independently and proactively communicate with long-distance supervision.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate and work in multi-cultural teams, including collaborating with government and NGO partners.
Willing to learn new skills and knowledge related to the scope of research topics and expertise.
Ability to communicate complex ideas effectively, verbally and in writing, in both English and Vietnamese.
Multitasking, well organized, and able to work under pressure.
Demonstrated ability to manage a range of staff and consultants.
Good computer literacy.
Comfortable with public speaking and workshop facilitation.

Terms and conditions

This is a Locally Recruited Staff (LRS) position. ICRAF offers competitive remuneration in local currency, commensurate with skills and experience.
The appointment will be for 12 (twelve) month with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance, continued relevance of the position, and available resources.
The duty station will be in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Application process

The application deadline is 22 November 2026, 24.00 ICT/WIB.
We will acknowledge all applications but will only contact short-listed candidates.

How to apply

Applications for the position must include:

A cover letter illustrating your suitability for the position against the listed requirements
A detailed curriculum vitae.
The names and addresses of three referees, including telephone, and email address

All correspondence should be addressed to the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) Office Hanoi, at the 13th floor, HCMCC building, 249A Thuy Khue street, Tay Ho Ward, Hanoi, Vietnam OR via email: [email protected]. Applicants should indicate “Application – Forest Carbon Markets and Policy Specialist” on their application letters and email submissions. Applications will be considered until the 22 November 2026. Please note that only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

ICRAF promotes Gender Diversity – Applications from women professionals are encouraged.

ICRAF is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity.