The fourth SAFE Regional Technical Dialogue aims to:

• Showcase practical traceability models and tools—including open-source, third-party, company-led, and national systems—that are currently being implemented across the region. 
• Explore opportunities for interoperability and harmonization between existing traceability platforms and EUDR requirements to simplify compliance for producers and exporters.
• Identify strategies to scale inclusive traceability solutions that are accessible to smallholders and SMEs, leveraging technology, partnerships, and public-private investment.
• Strengthen cross-country learning and collaboration among producers, governments, and solution providers to promote innovation and shared infrastructure in traceability.
• Develop concrete recommendations on how traceability systems can support both regulatory compliance and improved market competitiveness for sustainable commodity producers in Southeast Asia. 

SCOPE OF WORK

The IBCSD – TFA secretariat opens recruitment for Technical Consultant, with the following scope of work (job description):

Development of Knowledge Publication for Regional Technical Dialogue #4.

1. Curating ideas and key messages then follow up with consortium consultation and key stakeholders involved in the process
2. Conduct bilateral meetings or attend FGDs and Dialogues with sectoral stakeholders to collect data and information across smallholders and business sectors. These interactions will provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in the rubber, palm oil, and cocoa sectors. 
3. Develop research publications with intensive feedback from partners
4. Finalize knowledge publication

QUALIFICATIONS and SKILLS

1. Advanced degree (Master’s or higher) in a relevant field with expertise in EUDR, sustainable commodities, and traceability systems.
2. Proven experience in developing and assessing traceability models and tools across multiple platforms relevant to EUDR compliance.
3. Demonstrated ability to engage smallholders and SMEs in scaling inclusive, accessible traceability solutions.
4. Strong knowledge of key stakeholders and networks to advance cross-country collaboration and shared infrastructure in Southeast Asia.
5. Excellent facilitation, critical thinking, and analytical skills to integrate financial, policy, and technological considerations into solutions.
6. Fluency in English and Bahasa Indonesia with strong communication and presentation abilities.

Please submit your CV and one pager experiences relevant to the required position to Dame Manalu at [email protected]  at the latest by 01 October 2025

However, challenges persist—such as inconsistent implementation, leakage, and risks of smallholder exclusion. To address these, companies are increasingly engaging in jurisdictional approaches that bring together government, civil society, and private actors. These platforms strengthen alignment with regulations, improve traceability, enable smallholder inclusion, and open access to green finance and carbon markets.

Downstream, initiatives such as the Consumer Goods Forum’s Forest Positive Coalition have expanded NDPE principles into sector-wide roadmaps and performance indicators, helping harmonize reporting and close policy–implementation gaps.

NDPE Implementation Reporting Framework (IRF)

To translate policy into measurable action, the NDPE Implementation Reporting Framework (IRF) was introduced in 2018 by industry, NGOs, and technical experts. The IRF helps companies:

• Assess NDPE implementation across their sourcing base;
• Report progress consistently through a tiered framework;
• Identify gaps and prioritize improvements.

With its Data Verification Protocol, the IRF enhances credibility and comparability across disclosures. It is now used by major refiners and traders in Indonesia as a benchmark to evaluate suppliers, guide support, and strengthen upstream engagement.

Together, NDPE and the IRF are key mechanisms supporting Indonesia’s sustainable commodity transition. They provide tools to manage risk, ensure accountability, and align national priorities with global market demands for deforestation-free and inclusive development.

2. POLICY BRIEF OBJECTIVES
   The consultancy will produce a Policy Brief on Scaling NDPE Commitments in Indonesia and Malaysia, with the following objectives:

1. Clarify NDPE in the Indonesian Context
   Explain the origins and principles of NDPE, its relevance for Indonesia’s palm oil sector, and its alignment with national regulations and local supply chain realities.
2. Assess Challenges and Solutions
   Identify key implementation gaps—traceability, smallholder inclusion, leakage, and policy misalignment—and propose practical, inclusive solutions for compliance.
3. Promote Jurisdictional Approaches
   Highlight the value of area-based NDPE implementation through case studies (e.g., Siak, Pelalawan, Seruyan) and promote alignment between private sector policies and government planning.
4. Advance Adoption of the NDPE IRF
   Advocate for broader use of the NDPE Implementation Reporting Framework (IRF) to support transparency, risk management, and alignment with ESG and investment standards.

 

3. SCOPE OF WORK

The selected consultant/firm will be responsible for:

• Conducting desk research, interviews, and consultations with key stakeholders (government, companies, NGOs, smallholder representatives).
• Drafting, revising, and finalizing the Policy Brief in close coordination with TFA.
• Developing IRF adaptation guidance for Indonesia.
• Designing visuals, infographics, and layouts for the publication.
• Producing supporting knowledge products (executive summary, slide deck, etc.).
• Delivering all outputs in both English and Bahasa Indonesia.

4. DELIVERABLES

The consultant/firm will:

1. Develop a comprehensive Policy Brief (~15 pages) that:
   • Explains NDPE origins, evolution, and relevance to Indonesia.
   • Analyzes challenges and opportunities for implementation.
   • Proposes inclusive solutions, especially for smallholders.
   • Highlights jurisdictional approaches as scaling mechanisms.
   • Promotes adoption of the NDPE IRF.
2. Produce adapted guidance on IRF implementation for Indonesia.
3. Design knowledge toolkits to support uptake and dissemination, including:
   • Executive summary (2 pages)
   • Slide deck template
   • Infographics, case maps, flowcharts
4. Support strategic dissemination planning (launch, stakeholder outreach, integration into workshops).
5. QUALIFICATIONS

The consultant/firm should demonstrate:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in environmental studies, forestry, agricultural economics, public policy, international development, or other relevant fields, combined with proven experience in sustainability and deforestation-free supply chains.
• Proven expertise in palm oil sector governance in Indonesia.
• Strong research, analytical, and policy writing skills.
• Experience developing high-quality policy briefs or knowledge products for international organizations.
• Familiarity with NDPE, IRF, jurisdictional approaches, and smallholder inclusion.
• Strong design and communication capabilities (visual storytelling, infographics, layout).
• Fluency in English and Bahasa Indonesia.

Please submit your CV and one pager experiences relevant to the required position to Nadila Simbolon at [email protected] at the latest by 26 September 2025.

 

A consortium, led by the Indonesia Business Council for Sustainable Development (IBCSD) in partnership with the Tropical Forest Alliance (TFA) Southeast Asia, the Cocoa Sustainability Partnership (CSP), the Partnership for Indonesian Sustainable Agriculture (PISAgro), and Solidaridad Network Asia Limited (SNAL), will host a series of regional technical dialogues. These dialogues will focus on the commodities most affected by the EUDR’s implementation: cocoa, palm oil, and rubber. The sessions are designed to support supply chain actors, particularly traders who will be directly affected, and to enable the seamless integration of smallholders into the compliant supply chain, even though they may not be directly targeted by traders.

The fifth SAFE Regional Technical Dialogue aims to:

• Build shared understanding of EUDR compliance, with emphasis on smallholder inclusion, capacity building, financing, and compliance solutions in Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, and other Southeast Asian countries.

 

• Facilitate inclusive dialogue by engaging smallholders, governments, businesses, CSOs, and research institutions to share perspectives, strengthen capacity, co-develop solutions, and widely disseminate knowledge.

 

• Unlock sustainable finance and incentive mechanisms to support smallholders and producers in transitioning to deforestation-free and sustainable production of palm oil, cocoa, and rubber. Discussions will explore scalable financing models (e.g., sustainability-linked credit, blended finance, preferential incentives) and highlight regional success stories from the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand.

 

SCOPE OF WORK

The IBCSD – TFA secretariat opens recruitment for Technical Consultant, with the following scope of work (job description):

Development of Knowledge Publication for Regional Technical Dialogue #5.

1. Curating ideas and key messages then follow up with consortium consultation and key stakeholders involved in the process
2. Conduct bilateral meetings or attend FGDs and Dialogues with sectoral stakeholders to collect data and information across smallholders and business sectors. These interactions will provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in the rubber, palm oil, and cocoa sectors. 
3. Develop research publications with intensive feedback from partners
4. Finalize knowledge publication

QUALIFICATIONS and SKILLS

1. Advanced degree (Master’s or higher) with relevant experience in the EUDR context, deforestation- and conversion-free Agri-commodity supply chains, and strong expertise in sustainable financing mechanisms and models.
2. Proven experience with global commodities through work at well-recognized universities and/or research institutions, including contributions to deforestation- and conversion-free supply chain initiatives and sustainable finance.
3. Demonstrated track record in engaging smallholders and businesses on key issues related to deforestation- and conversion-free Agri-commodity supply chains, including financial access and incentive mechanisms that support sustainable practices.
4. Comprehensive knowledge of key stakeholders—including smallholders, businesses, CSOs/NGOs, and government actors—relevant to advancing Technical EUDR discussions and sustainable financing solutions.
5. Strong facilitation, critical thinking, and analytical skills, with the capacity to integrate financial considerations into participatory dialogue and solution-oriented processes.
6. Fluency in English and Bahasa Indonesia.

Please submit your CV and one pager experiences relevant to the required position to Dame Manalu at [email protected]  at the latest by 23 September 2025

—

2. Objectives of the Reports

The selected consultant(s) will be responsible for producing three reports, each based on one dialogue, with the following objectives:

• Document key themes, insights, and outcomes from each dialogue.
• Highlight shared challenges and opportunities related to sustainability, traceability, regulation, and market access.
• Provide concise strategic recommendations to support future Indonesia–China cooperation on deforestation-free palm oil trade.

3. Scope of Work
   The consultant is expected to:

• Participate in and document each of the three dialogues.
• Conduct relevant background research and stakeholder follow-up if necessary.
• Synthesize key messages from participants and provide clear, structured analysis in each report.
• Each 10-page report should include:
  • Executive Summary
  • Context and background
  • Dialogue highlights and key discussion points
  • Challenges, opportunities, and best practices
  • Strategic recommendations and potential next steps

4. Deliverables and Timeline

• Three reports (approximately 10 pages each, in English, including visuals/infographics)
• Report 1: 15 June
• Report 2 and 3: timelines to be confirmed following subsequent dialogues (expected Q3 and Q4 2025)

5. Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree (Master’s or higher) in relevant disciplines such as Environmental Science, Forestry, Climate Policy, Sustainable Development, or related fields.
• Proven track record in producing high-quality research and policy reports on sustainability, agriculture, trade, or supply chains.
• Strong understanding of palm oil sector dynamics and bilateral cooperation, especially in the context of Indonesia and China.
• Familiarity with regulatory and voluntary frameworks (ISPO, RSPO, NDPE, EUDR, China’s green trade initiatives).
• Excellent analytical, writing, and synthesis skills.

6. Submission Requirements
   Interested applicants should submit:

• A short proposal detailing the approach, timeline, and team composition (max 4 pages)
• Profiles or CVs of team members involved
• Budget proposal for the full assignment (covering all three reports)

7. Deadline and Contact
   Please send your proposal no later than 10 June 2025 to Nadila Simbolon at [email protected]

 

In this context, the Road to IISF 2025 is initiated as a lead-up to the Indonesia International Sustainability Forum (IISF) 2025 Apex Summit, co-organized by Tropical Forest Alliance (TFA), Investor Policy Dialogue on Deforestation (IPDD), Kamar Dagang dan Industri Indonesia / Indonesia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), and Perhimpunan Bank Umum Nasional / National Banks Association (PERBANAS). It aims to catalyze cross-sectoral efforts that reflect global investor expectations and national sustainability goals.

To effectively address the existing gaps in coordination and alignment among key stakeholders, concrete mechanisms are needed to translate Indonesia’s climate commitments into actionable collaboration. This necessitates the development of a joint declaration to formalize commitments, a taskforce to coordinate and oversee implementation, and a policy brief to provide clear technical guidance. These tools will serve as the foundation for strengthened multi-stakeholder engagement and more effective governance.

2. Objective

To strengthen forest conservation and sustainable land use by facilitating joint commitments and coordination mechanisms across key stakeholders through the IISF 2025 platform, aligned with Indonesia’s FOLU Net Sink 2030, NDC, and Net Zero targets.

3. Scope of Work

The consultant is expected to lead and support the following activities:

• Conduct multi-stakeholder consultations (national and sub-national) to gather inputs and align priorities on sustainable land use and commodity supply chains.
• Develop a national Joint Declaration on Deforestation-Free and Sustainable Commodity Supply Chains, aligned with FOLU Net Sink 2030 and ESG principles.
• Facilitate the establishment of a Joint Green Value Chain Taskforce, including drafting its Terms of Reference (ToR), identifying members, and developing a workplan.
• Draft a Policy Brief offering technical and regulatory guidance to support the declaration and taskforce, addressing governance gaps, incentives, and smallholder inclusion.
• Prepare strategic communication materials to support the dissemination of key outputs during the IISF 2025 process.

4. Key Deliverables

1. Terms of Reference (2 pages) for the Joint Green Value Chain Taskforce, outlining objectives, scope, structure, and governance.
2. Joint Declaration (1 page) reflecting a cross-sectoral commitment to deforestation-free, sustainable supply chains for key commodities.
3. Policy Brief (12–14 pages) providing actionable recommendations on reducing deforestation in line with FOLU Net Sink 2030, covering challenges, good practices, incentives, transparency, and international alignment.
4. Communication Package, including talking points, infographics, and presentation materials to support outreach during IISF 2025 events.

5. Qualifications and Skills

• Postgraduate degree (Master’s or higher) in relevant disciplines such as Environmental Science, Forestry, Climate Policy, Sustainable Development, or related fields.
• Proven expertise in forestry, climate policy, sustainable land use, or related fields.
• Strong understanding of Indonesia’s climate commitments (FOLU Net Sink, NDCs) and ESG frameworks.
• Experience in facilitating multi-stakeholder processes and writing high-impact policy documents.
• Excellent communication skills and fluency in English and Bahasa Indonesia.
• Familiarity with Indonesia’s policy landscape on land use, deforestation, and commodity governance.
•  Strong analytical skills with experience in producing policy briefs, ToRs, and communications materials.

6. Proposal Submission

Interested consultants or firms should submit:

• A technical proposal outlining the approach, methodology, and timeline.
• CVs of key personnel.
• Relevant portfolio or samples of similar work.

Please send your proposal no later than 30 May to Nadila Simbolon at [email protected]

 

Objectives
• Develop a Strategic Brief that identifies key opportunities and priorities to enhance Indonesia-China collaboration on sustainable palm oil trade, serving as a guiding reference for (internal?)
• Highlight key areas for bilateral cooperation, including traceability, alignment with certification systems, and smallholder inclusion to inform joint actions and policy alignment.
• Provide strategic recommendations to support multi-stakeholder engagement, with the aim of strengthening sustainability and transparency in the palm oil supply chain.
• Support high-level dialogues and platforms—such as the Annual Meeting of the New Champions (AMNC)—through targeted insights, talking points, and policy framing to drive collaboration outcomes between Indonesia and China.

Scope of Work
TFA is seeking an expert or organization to develop a Strategic Brief to support Indonesia-China collaboration in sustainable palm oil trade. The scope of work includes:
• Developing a Strategic Brief to enhance Indonesia-China collaboration on sustainable palm oil trade, aligning both countries’ sustainability goals.
• Identifying key opportunities and priorities to strengthen bilateral cooperation on traceability, certification alignment, and smallholder inclusion.
• Convening relevant stakeholders in both Indonesia and China to validate and enrich the draft brief through targeted consultations.
• Supporting high-level dialogues, such as the Annual Meeting of the New Champions (AMNC_, with insights, talking points, and policy framing.
• Outlining a clear timeline and deliverables, including drafts and final versions of the brief and related documents.

Output
• Strategic Brief (max. 10 pages) outlining:
• Context and rationale for Indonesia–China collaboration on sustainable palm oil trade
• Key findings from landscape and policy analysis
• Identified opportunities for cooperation (NDPE, traceability, smallholder inclusion)
• Priority action points and recommendations for bilateral collaboration
• High-level strategies for stakeholder engagement, particularly ahead of AMNC 2025
• Stakeholder Insights Report summarizing key inputs from consultations with government, private sector, and civil society stakeholders in both countries.
• 1-page Executive Summary capturing the essence of the Strategic Brief for quick reference and high-level discussions.
• Talking Points for TFA to use in bilateral and multilateral engagements, especially related to the palm oil trade and sustainability goals.
Qualifications and Skills
• Proven experience in sustainability and agricultural supply chains, particularly in palm oil or similar sectors.
• Strong understanding of certification systems (e.g., Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil, RSPO).
• Demonstrated ability to develop strategic briefs and actionable recommendations.
Expertise in stakeholder engagement across government, private sector, and civil society.
• Experience in facilitating high-level dialogues and multi-stakeholder platforms.
• Fluency in English and Bahasa Indonesia, with strong communication skills.

Please submit your CV and one pager experiences relevant to the required position to Nadila Simbolon at [email protected] at the latest by 15 May 2025.

The objective of the Regional Technical Dialogues is to:
1. Enable shared understanding of EUDR compliance requirements and deep dives into the challenges in applying the legality and traceability aspects for operators, traders, and smallholders focusing on palm oil, rubber, and cacao in Indonesia and Malaysia.
2. Demonstrate inclusive supply chains across that of three commodities sectors are transitioning toward EUDR through regional technical dialogues.

SCOPE OF WORK
The IBCSD – TFA secretariat opens recruitment for Technical Consultant, with the following scope of work (job description):
Interim Annual Report Writing
1. Develop a report based on the sectors and activities implemented in the period of March 2024 – February 2025 in Indonesia and Malaysia.
2. Ensure that the report’s valid references stem from the released activity reports, resources, persons, and publications.
3. Integrate inputs from partners members to ensure valid and correctness of the sources and information before the submission.
4. Ensuring final reviews and verify any information based on the discussions and or other resources of information
5. Final report submission

QUALIFICATIONS and SKILLS
1. Post Graduate degree with relevant field experiences in forest, commodities, social, and public policy
2. Proven track record in engaging with forest, commodities, and jurisdictional approaches related context.
3. Demonstrating capacity in evidence-based writing skills with critical and analytical thinking
4. Demonstrating experiences and knowledge in publications (writings) related to jurisdictions, supply chains, global markets, and sectoral commodities
5. Fluency in English and Bahasa Indonesia.

Please submit your CV and one pager experiences relevant to the required position to Dame Manalu at [email protected] at the latest by 14th February 2025.

The third SAFE Regional Technical Dialogue will have objectives:

1. Enable shared understanding of EUDR compliance requirements and deep dives into smallholder inclusion, capacity building, accelerate instruments for compliance and financing issues in Indonesia and Malaysia.
2. To facilitate a participatory and inclusive dialogue process that:
• Provides a platform for smallholders to actively participate in the EUDR discourse, share their perspectives, and contribute to the development of solutions that address their specific needs and concerns.
• Fosters capacity building among key stakeholders, including government officials, businesses, and civil society organizations, on EUDR-related issues, such as due diligence systems, risk assessments, and the use of innovative technologies.
• Encourages collaboration among stakeholders, including government agencies, businesses, civil society organizations, and research institutions, to develop and implement joint solutions for EUDR compliance.
• Effectively disseminates knowledge and findings from the dialogue to a wider audience through reports, publications, and other appropriate channels.

SCOPE OF WORK

The IBCSD – TFA secretariat opens recruitment for Technical Consultant, with the following scope of work (job description):
Development of Knowledge Publication for Regional Technical Dialogue #3.
1. Curating ideas and key messages then follow up with consortium consultation and key stakeholders involved in the process
2. Conduct bilateral meetings or attend FGDs and Dialogues with sectoral stakeholders to collect data and information across smallholders and business sectors. These interactions will provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in the rubber, palm oil, and cocoa sectors.
3. Develop research publications with intensive feedback from partners
4. Finalize knowledge publication.

QUALIFICATIONS and SKILLS
1. Graduate degree or higher consultant, with relevant field experiences to the EUDR context and issues, and deforestation-free and conversion-free Agri-commodity supply chain.
2. Well recognized university and or research institutions with experiences to engage with global commodities and deforestation and conversion free Agri commodity supply chain.
3. Proven track record and experience in engaging key issues of deforestation-free and conversion-free Agri-commodity supply chain with smallholders and businesses.
4. Comprehensive understanding and knowledgeable of relevant stakeholders within smallholders, businesses, CSOs/NGOs, and governments that are relevant to enrich discussion in the context of Technical EUDR.
5. Demonstrating capacity in facilitation skills, critical and analytical skills.
6. Fluency in English and Bahasa Indonesia.

Please submit your CV and one pager experiences relevant to the required position to Dame Manalu at [email protected] at the latest by 31st January 2025

The Third SAFE Regional Technical Dialogue will have objectives:

1. Enable shared understanding of EUDR compliance requirements and deep dives into smallholder inclusion, capacity building, accelerate instruments for compliance and financing issues in Indonesia and Malaysia.
2. To facilitate a participatory and inclusive dialogue process that:
• Provides a platform for smallholders to actively participate in the EUDR discourse, share their perspectives, and contribute to the development of solutions that address their specific needs and concerns.
• Fosters capacity building among key stakeholders, including government officials, businesses, and civil society organizations, on EUDR-related issues, such as due diligence systems, risk assessments, and the use of innovative technologies.
• Encourages collaboration among stakeholders, including government agencies, businesses, civil society organizations, and research institutions, to develop and implement joint solutions for EUDR compliance.
• Effectively disseminates knowledge and findings from the dialogue to a wider audience through reports, publications, and other appropriate channels.

SCOPE OF WORK

The IBCSD – TFA secretariat opens recruitment for Technical Consultant, with the following scope of work (job description):

Development of Technical Terms of Reference (ToR) for the 3rd Public Technical Dialogue

1. Conduct Literature Research on EUDR-related publications, related to sectoral focuses: rubber, palm oil, cocoa in Indonesia and Malaysia.
2. Conduct bilateral meetings or attend FGDs with sectoral stakeholders to collect data and information across smallholders and business sectors. These interactions will provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in the rubber, palm oil, and cocoa sectors.
3. Together with consortium partners, identify and curate strategic stakeholders and/or actors related to the targeted audiences from smallholder and business groups,
4. Develop and Finalize Terms of References with consortium partners.

QUALIFICATIONS and SKILLS
1. Graduate degree or higher, with relevant field experiences to the EUDR context and issues, and deforestation-free and conversion-free Agri-commodity supply chain.
2. Proven track record and experience in engaging key issues of deforestation-free and conversion-free Agri-commodity supply chain with smallholders and businesses.
3. Comprehensive understanding and knowledgeable of relevant stakeholders within smallholders, businesses, CSOs/NGOs, and governments that are relevant to enrich discussion in the context of Technical EUDR.
4. Demonstrating capacity in facilitation skills, critical and analytical skills.
5. Fluency in English and Bahasa Indonesia.

Please submit your CV and one pager experiences relevant to the required position to Dame Manalu at [email protected] at the latest by 24th January 2025.