View Vacancy - CPK - Forestry and Environmental Policy Adviser, C4(L)

This new position is an exciting opportunity to be at the heart of UK-China collaboration on forestry, climate change and the environment. Working closely with Embassy colleagues and the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID), you will play a key role in coordinating the development of the UK Forest and Trade partnership and monitoring the implementation of the UK-China International Forest Investment and Trade Programme (“InFIT”). You will also play an important role in contributing to the Embassy’s wider climate change and environment objectives.

Background
China’s demand for natural resources has grown dramatically since 2000. Forest products and commodities make up a significant component of China’s imports. Between 2001 and 2016 the total value of imports of logs and semi-processed wood products, palm oil, natural rubber and soy beans grew considerably and China’s share of world trade in these commodities increased from 10.6 to 30.1%. China has recognised the domestic environmental costs of its economic growth and has taken steps to protect its natural environment with new laws and tighter controls on pollution and protection of its natural forests.

The Forest Governance, Markets and Climate (FGMC) programme is the UK Government’s contribution to global efforts to strengthen forest governance and tackle illegal logging in developing countries.  Addressing governance failures in forested countries and supporting markets for legally produced timber and commodities grown on forest land are seen as essential elements in global efforts to tackle deforestation.  Since 2014 the UK and China have collaborated on forestry under their joint International Forest Investment and Trade Programme (“InFIT”).  InFIT aims to address the potential negative impacts arising from China’s increased demand for forest-based products and its overseas investment in timber and other commodities whose production affects forests. The UK, working with Chinese counterparts, have agreed to implement a second three-year phase of cooperation in this area for the period 2018-2021 (“InFIT II”). The aim of the cooperation will be: alignment of UK’s and China’s policies concerning trade in timber products with developing countries and outbound investment in developing countries in the production of commodities that affect forest resources, including wildlife and forest land.

Policy Development:  Provide advice and analysis on a range of Chinese environmental policies including China-Africa Cooperation, market and trade measures to combat illegal logging and the illegal wildlife trade; and on the roles and responsibilities of Chinese institutions and agencies relevant to safeguarding forests and livelihoods in developing countries;

Programme Development and Reporting: Monitor FGMC programme activities in China, including the actions of global grantees whose work is relevant to Chinese investments and trade with 3rd countries. Participate in Working-level Coordination of the InFIT II Programme and provide direct oversight of the Programme Management Office;

Stakeholder Management: Map the roles and responsibilities of Chinese institutions and agencies and identify opportunities for engagement. Explain UK development policies and goals as they relate to forest governance, sustainable (deforestation free) supply chains, illegal wildlife trade and international trade policies to help foster mutual understanding; assist in organising high-level UK-China policy dialogues on forest-related investment and trade and ensure their coherence with other UK-China partnerships and processes

• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in international policy development work;
• Maintaining and building effective networks with government departments, think tanks and NGOs.
• Experience in project and programme management including: designing new projects, setting specific outputs, outcomes and indicators, monitoring and evaluating of project expenditure, identifying risks and project outcomes.
• A team player. Strong interpersonal skills to engage with different Embassy sections and UK government stakeholders.
• A relevant university degree or professional equivalent