Bhutan Climate MRV System & Digital Product Design Specialist

Organizational Setting

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

Bhutan is developing a Greenhouse Gas Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) System to strengthen climate transparency in alignment with the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) under the Paris Agreement. The MRV system will serve as a centralized digital platform to track, analyze, and report GHG emissions, adaptation measures, and climate finance, supporting the country’s Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs) and NDC implementation.

Currently, data is managed through fragmented systems with limited integration and data retention mechanisms. The MRV system will provide a digital solution to improve accuracy, accessibility, and accountability of climate information. The CBIT project supports this work by strengthening institutional arrangements, sectoral data systems, and national reporting capacity.

The system must serve both technical users (government agencies, data providers) and public users (civil society, private sector). To achieve this, the project seeks a Specialist with expertise in UI/UX design, digital storytelling, knowledge product development, and platform management to support the MRV’s usability, communication impact, and knowledge management framework, ensuring alignment with ETF requirements and Bhutan’s climate reporting obligations.

The GovTech Agency in Bhutan is responsible for all government system development and hosts government platforms on its servers. However, with over 60 systems scheduled for development in 2025–2026, GovTech’s resources are heavily stretched. To ensure that the MRV system is designed, developed, and operationalized effectively, the project requires dedicated expertise to expedite and lead the MRV system development.

Reporting Lines

The Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative and in close coordination with FAO Bhutan and the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC), reporting regularly to the Assistant FAOR and project focal points.

Technical Focus

• MRV System Design, National GHG Inventory, Quality Assurance & Integration

• UI/UX, Branding & User Centered Platform Development

• Climate Transparency Reporting

• Support in designing and operationalizing the Bhutan Climate Change MRV system, ensuring alignment with UNFCCC reporting requirements, national development priorities, and institutional capacities.

• Support the development, testing, and operationalization of the MRV system and associated sectoral systems, such as the Forest Information Reporting & Monitoring System, Online Forestry Information System, National Forestry Inventory, Energy Information System, Industry Information System, and the electronic Registration and Licensing Information System.

• Assist in strengthening national institutional and human resource capacities through the Bhutan Climate Change MRV system sustainably.

• Contribute to the design, development and publication of climate knowledge products and the design of a knowledge management framework linked to the MRV system.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Specialist will directly contribute to component 2 of the project (establishing a system to monitor and report on NDC mitigation targets, including strengthening of the MRV system) by undertaking the following tasks:

• Provide technical inputs for the design, development, and implementation of the MRV (GHG inventory, NDC tracking, and climate finance tagged with adaptation and mitigation). Ensure the technical quality of the GHG inventory and Measurement, Reporting, and Verification related activities under Component 2 of the project

• Provide support in finalizing the Business Requirement Document and GHG Sectoral Templates.

• Support in creating a brand identity and consistent visual standards for the MRV system and related communication outputs for the project.

• Assist in ensuring the MRV system is intuitive and user-friendly for different user roles (DECC, sectoral agencies, public), accessible to both technical (system administrators) and non-technical users (general public).

• Support the preparation of the user manual for the MRV system operation in coordination with the GovTech and the system developer

• Assist in supporting the development and implementation of the MRV System

• Provide UI/UX design inputs to the MRV platform based on the Business Requirement Document and develop prototypes for dashboards, reporting templates, MRV CMS & public website and data visualization.

• Provide technical support on integrating climate information into public platforms, including virtual knowledge tools and ensure interoperability with existing government ICT systems and compliance with ETF requirements if deemed necessary.

• Contribute to institutional frameworks and partnerships for MRV operation and organizing training for DECC staff and sectoral focal points on UI/UX, data visualization, and digital communication, including data input, reporting, and system management.

• Support for the design of knowledge management products for monitoring, evaluation, and communication of MRV outputs, and contribute to the production of climate knowledge products (policy briefs, analytical reports, and digital outreach materials).

• Collaborate closely with the Climate Transparency expert and GHG Inventory & MRV Systems Development Expert.

• Provide support on sustainability measures and successful scaling models to ensure long-term use of the MRV system beyond the CBIT project.

• Perform any other task relevant to strengthening MRV system development and implementation

• Provide technical assistance on the digital engagement strategies to enhance transparency and outreach

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in Computer Science or other relevant IT Courses

• At least 3 years of experience in graphic design and product design.

• Working knowledge (Level C) of English.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus

• Teamwork

• Communication

• Building Effective Relationships

• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work

• Extent and relevance of experience in MRV System Design & Architecture (data flows, institutional arrangements, QA/QC frameworks)

• Extent and relevance of experience in emissions Data Collection & Management (sectoral data systems: AFOLU, Energy, Waste, IPPU)

• Proficiency in Figma for UI/UX design and prototyping

• Strong application of Design Thinking methodology (empathize, define, ideate, prototype, test)

• Ability to design intuitive dashboards for emission tracking and reporting

• Creation of UI-ready forms and data tables for complex technical systems

• Experience in user journey mapping and information architecture

• Rapid prototyping and iteration based on stakeholder feedback

• Strong skills in graphic design for reports, presentations, and data visualization

• Ability to translate complex MRV concepts into clear visual communication materials

• Familiarity with designing infographics, icons, and visual systems for technical content

Selection Criteria

• Based on requirements, competencies and skills.

• Training experience is considered an asset.

• Certification in UIUX, Design Thinking or equivalent

• Knowledge in ETF, MRV system GHG Inventory Methodologies (IPCC Guidelines GHG Inventory Methodologies (IPCC Guidelines 2006 & 2019 Refinement)