Daphine Gitonga

View from the top of Mt. Kahuzi in Kahuzi-Biega National Park located in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)

 

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Position Title: Science Coordinator

Project: International Conference on Afforestation and Reforestation (ICAR)

Location: Own location but will travel to Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo during the conference

Duration: One – month workload

1.Background

The African Union Commission, the United Nations Forum on Forests, the African Forest Forum and the Government of Republic of Congo are organising the International Conference on Afforestation and Reforestation (ICAR) in Brazzaville, Congo on 2 to 5 July 2024.

The conference aims at adopting a political declaration and a strategy to enhance international cooperation to support afforestation and reforestation activities in Africa with a view to (i) supporting and/or maximizing the production of goods and services provided by forests; (ii) increasing the capacity to sequester atmospheric carbon in the context of the fight against climate change, and (iii) conserving biodiversity and enhancing ecosystem integrity. The strategy will also aim at increasing the mobilization of financial resources and the access to, and use of, science, technology and innovation, to support afforestation and reforestation.

Specifically, the conference aims to:

  • Take stock of the progress made on afforestation and reforestation, document good practices and lessons learnt, identify the challenges facing Africa, and propose recommendations on the way forward;
  • Adopt a Global/African afforestation and reforestation strategy (and priority actions), including technical, scientific, and financial aspects;
  • Prepare to seek the inclusion of the African and World Decade of Afforestation in the United Nations Agenda, through an African and World Declaration on Afforestation and Reforestation;
  • Designate a body to monitor the implementation of the recommendations of the conference.

The expected outcomes:

  • A declaration with commitments and a call to action;
  • The state of play of afforestation and reforestation, good practices and lessons learnt, challenges facing Africa documented, and the way forward discussed;
  • The Global/African strategy (and priority actions – action plan) for afforestation and reforestation, including technical, scientific and financial aspects, is adopted;
  • The African and World Decade on Afforestation is recommended for inclusion and publication on the United Nations Agenda and its alignment with the ongoing Decade on Ecosystem Restoration is clearly highlighted in the recommendation of the conference;
  • The body responsible for monitoring the implementation of the recommendations of the Conference is appointed.
  • The proceedings of the conference are published.

 2.Participants

The Conference on Afforestation and Reforestation will bring together the following categories of participants:

  • Representatives of States (Heads of State or Government, Ministers, etc.);
  • Regional and sub-regional political and economic organizations;
  • Members of the Collaborative Partnership on Forests
  • Representatives of partner organizations;
  • The global scientific community;
  • Financial partners and donors;
  • International Forest, Climate and Biodiversity Organizations;
  • International and African NGOs, Women and Youth organisations;
  • International and African civil society organizations.
  • Indigenous peoples and local communities
  • Private Sector,
    • Forestry Investment Fund
    • Carbone Finance
    • Corporate (Carbon Neutral Policy)
    • Forestry Companies
    • Wood Industry Companies
    • Bioproducts/Bioenergy companies
  • UN Agencies working on forestry

Approximately 2,000 participants are expected.

3. Roles of the Science Coordinator

The Science Coordinator will oversee the scientific aspects of the conference and ensure the scientific integrity and quality of the conference program, and relevance of the presentations and outcomes. The main objectives include:

  • Coordinate scientific aspects of the conference, including review of the outline of the thematic papers, review process of the draft thematic papers (prepared by lead authors), and expert session planning.
  • Work with leading scientists/authors of the thematic papers to develop high-quality scientific presentations and posters that align with the conference themes and objectives.
  • Oversee the development of scientific sessions, side events, and panel discussions that showcase the latest advancements and best practices in the field of forestry; this includes support in identifying potential speakers and panel discussants, in collaboration with the Conference Secretariat.
  • Provide guidance and support to presenters and session chairs before and during the conference.
  • Lead the preparation of the conference proceedings.
  • Facilitate the dissemination of conference proceedings, research papers, and scientific outputs to a wider audience

4. Key Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Conference Coordinator and in close collaboration with the organizing committee, the Science Coordinator will be responsible for:

  • Developing and implementing a comprehensive plan for the scientific program of the conference, including papers submission guidelines, review criteria, and session formats.
  • Managing the submissions of the thematic papers and review process using an online platform or conference management system and quality assurance to ensure the quality and relevance of technical content.
  • Organizing scientific sessions, dialogues on thematic topics related to the conference; afforestation, reforestation, forest financing, climate change, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable forest management, etc.
  • Organizing pre-conference briefing sessions for speakers and presenters to review expectations, guidelines, and technical requirements.
  • Collaborating with session chairs, keynote speakers, and panellists to ensure the smooth conduct of scientific sessions and discussions.
  • Monitor and evaluate the technical aspects of the conference to identify areas for improvement and lessons learned.
  • Produce a technical report summarising the key findings, outcomes, and recommendations from each expert session to be included in the Conference Declaration, for targeted policy makers, forestry practitioners and partners. Format for the report to be agreed with the conference organisers. [technical (technologies), scientific (innovations) and financial aspects on afforestation and reforestation] to feed into the strategy, and draft declaration on afforestation and reforestation
  • Coordinating the preparation and publication of conference proceedings, research and policy briefs based on selected presentations and posters.

5.Qualifications and Competencies:

  • D. or equivalent degree in forestry, environmental science, ecology, or a related discipline.
  • Proven experience in scientific coordination, conference organisation preferably in the context of forestry or environmental science at regional or international levels
  • Strong understanding and demonstrated expertise in afforestation, reforestation, ecosystem ecology, and related disciplines.
  • Familiarity with the latest research trends, methodologies, and techniques in afforestation, reforestation, climate change, ecosystem services.
  • Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary and international environment.
  • Proficiency in scientific writing, manuscript preparation, and data analysis software, with a strong record of publications in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Fluency in English; knowledge of French is an added advantage
  • Willingness to travel and work flexible hours as needed.

6.Reporting

The Science Coordinator will report to the Conference Coordinator or designated supervisor at the AU.

Interested candidates should submit their CV, cover letter, and contact information for two professional references to D.Mutta@cifor-icraf.org; and Djibril S. Dayamba, email: D.Dayamba@cifor-icraf.org with a copy to exec.sec@afforum.org; Harsen Nyambe Nyambe, Director, Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy Email: NyambeH@africa-union.org with copy to Leah Wanambwa; email Wanambwal@africa-union.org: by 15 May 2024. Please indicate “Science Coordinator Application – International Conference on Afforestation and Reforestation, Brazzaville Congo” in the subject line.

To download the Terms of Reference, click here.