1. Introduction

WWF-TH SR4SH project has identified a voluntary certification system of Forest Stewardship Councils (FSC) as one of the key tools to achieve sustainable forest management for Thailand. Under the project log-frame approved by the donors, as of June 2023, the project has achieved its target in supporting smallholder rubber farmers to become FSC-certified forests stated under the project log-frame. To advance the project’s deverbals under outputs no. 3.1 (see section budget details), the documentation of FSC-ESCD will make another milestone for a demonstration of FSC-FM positive impacts by a group of small rubber holders in Thailand. In addition, the completion of FSC-ESCD will also strengthen the rubber suppliers to gain a status of a deforestation free supply chain.

The Forest Stewardship Council's Standards for forest management has already required forest managers to maintain/conserve or restore ecosystem services and environmental values. Under the FSC-FM Principles and Criteria (FSC P&C), forest managers of a certified forest management unit is required to identify the provision of benefits or product based on the range of resources and ecosystem services existing in the management unit. The FSC-FM/CoC standard offers an FSC ecosystem service framework for verifying impacts and approving FSC ecosystem services claims that can be used to access ecosystem service markets. The FSC-ES framework sets out the requirements for the FSC certified forest to demonstrate the impacts of their activities on the maintenance, conservation, restoration or enhancement of ecosystem services. 

2. Objectives of the consultancy

The project is seeking for a Thai-national consultant who is highly knowledgeable and experienced Technical Expert which able to provide a support to the forest manager from Trat Rubber Cooperatives to

1. review benefits and impacts which has been progressing from the responsible forest management practices by using a framework of FSC ecosystem services.
2. streamline a quantities measurement for the impact demonstration provided by the FSC Ecosystem Services Procedure under the FSC-FMU in rubber plantations in Thailand.

3. Scope of work

Along with FSC-P&C principles and criteria, FSC has developed a framework for demonstration impacts on ecosystem services.  The defined Ecosystem Services Certification Document (ESCD) provides the global benchmark for responsible forest stewardship while allowing the forest manager to demonstrate the eligibility of products and ecosystem services for their certified forests. Based on FSC-ESCD framework, the Technical Expert will perform her/his key roles in the following activities:

1. Engaging and consulting with stakeholders understand the forest management context and their interests from the certified rubber plantations.
2. Providing technical input and implementing FSC-ESCD from management practices.
3. Ensuring the FSC-ESCD are documented properly.

Scope of the works and responsibilities of the consultancy include:

1. Collect data from relevant sources and conduct an analysis on the forest management practices in relation to provision of FSC ecosystem services using  the FSC-ES normative framework
2. Together with the forest manager from Trat Rubber Cooperatives, implementing the FSC-PRO-30-006 Ecosystem Services Procedure: Impact Demonstration and Market Tools.   
3. To provide technical support to the forest manager from Trat Rubber Cooperative in documenting and progressing the documentation of FSC Ecosystem Services Documentation (FSC-ESCD).

4. Outputs and deliverables

The technical experts will deliver the outputs according to the time frame of 4 weeks. The activities and time farmers are specified in the below table.

5. Budget details

This activity is part of the project plan under the following budget line:

6. Experience and Skills

Working Education and Training:

• University/ technical college degree in forestry, environmental sciences, sustainability, or a related field.
• Training in relevant courses to FSC Ecosystem services, FSC-FM/CoC, FSC Certification.
• Familiar with FSC Forest Management certification and/or Forest Stewardship Standards.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of responsible forest management practices, environmental conservation, biodiversity, and social issues related to the forest sector.

Working Experience and Skills:

• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in one or more of the following: multi-stakeholder standards development processes, certification (including auditing), forest management.
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking abilities to assess complex topics, compare options, and propose evidence-based recommendations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to guide content discussions and prepare high-quality reports and drafts.
• Good time management skills as well as a strong sense for diligence and accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including local communities, local business operators, NGOs and GOs representatives.
• Solution- and service-oriented attitude to work.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive interpersonal relations.
• Commitment to FSC’s mission and values.

Languages:

• Fluency in Thai and English (spoken and written).
• Computer Skills – good skills in the use of/experience with:
• Standard software packages (MS Office).
• Database management platforms and Content Management Systems is a plus.

In case of any enquiries, please contact: korapatj@wwf.or.th and cc prasneet@wwf.or.th