2. Objectives

The analytical paper aims to:

• Map the institutional architecture, legal mandate, governance structure, and operational functions of MPOB.
• Analyse how MPOB integrates regulation, research, certification oversight (MSPO), market intelligence, and strategic coordination.
• Examine the functional relationship between MPOB and MPOC, clarifying their respective roles in Malaysia’s palm oil ecosystem.
• Assess how MPOB enables policy coherence and rapid response to global regulatory and market pressures, including EUDR.
• Derive strategic lessons and institutional design options for strengthening Indonesia’s palm oil governance and diplomacy architecture, including sustainability and traceability initiatives.
• Examine financing mechanisms and resource allocation for MPOB initiatives.

3. Scope of Work

The study will cover five interconnected thematic areas:

1. Institutional and Governance Architecture of MPOB

• Legal mandate, governance structure, and decision-making authority
• Funding mechanisms and accountability
• Coordination with the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities, MPOC, MSPO Secretariat, and other agencies

1. Regulatory, Research, and Sustainability Functions

• MPOB’s role in R&D, productivity, and innovation
• Oversight of MSPO and sustainability positioning
• Data generation, traceability, and interface with global frameworks (NDPE, ESG, EUDR)

1. Market Intelligence and External Policy Response

• Support for market strategy and risk anticipation
• Responses to EUDR, forced labour scrutiny, and trade barriers
• Engagement with importing countries and buyers based on evidence

1. Comparative Reflection: Malaysia and Indonesia

• Fragmentation vs. institutional consolidation
• Strengths and weaknesses of Indonesia’s governance
• Leverage points in communication, data authority, and policy coordination

1. Strategic Options and Recommendations for Indonesia

• Institutional reform pathways (e.g., ISPO Secretariat, data authority)
• Integrating communication, intelligence, and policy response
• Lessons from MPOB without direct replication
• Implications for Indonesia’s palm oil diplomacy and market positioning

4. Expected Outputs

1. Full Analytical Paper (4,000–6,000 words)
   • Background and rationale
   • MPOB institutional mapping
   • Strategy and policy analysis
   • Comparative reflection
   • Strategic recommendations
2. Executive Summary (1–2 pages)
   • Targeted at senior policymakers and high-level dialogues
3. Slide Deck (15–20 slides)
   • Suitable for TFA and WEF platforms
4. Optional Policy Note (2 pages)
   • Focused on institutional reform options for Indonesia’s palm oil governance and diplomacy

5. Qualifications and Skills

The assignment requires a consultant, research institution, or expert team with:

• Advanced academic background in public policy, international relations, economics, environmental governance, or related fields.
• Minimum 7 years of relevant experience in policy research, advisory, or strategic analysis related to agricultural commodities, sustainability, or trade.
• Strong knowledge of palm oil sustainability frameworks (NDPE, MSPO, ISPO, RSPO) and sustainability-related trade regulations, including EUDR.
• Proven experience in institutional and comparative governance analysis, with ability to translate findings into policy-relevant insights.
• Solid understanding of Southeast Asian political economy, with practical experience in Malaysia and Indonesia preferred.
• Excellent analytical writing and presentation skills in English, with capacity to deliver high-quality outputs under tight timelines.
• Demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas: palm oil or natural resource governance; trade policy and ESG frameworks; strategic communication, public diplomacy, or narrative analysis.

Please submit your CV and a one-page summary of relevant experience for the position to Nadila Simbolon at [email protected] no later than Friday, 23 January.

PURPOSE OF THE VIDEO

The RTD Partners seeks to develop a high-quality video to:

• Foster regional learning and knowledge sharing by capturing lessons from the implementation of the EUDR Regional Technical Dialogue across ASEAN.
• Synthesize key insights and perspectives by summarizing challenges, opportunities, and multi-stakeholder views across commodity sectors, including smallholders, private sector, associations, and governments.
• Highlight solutions and promote dissemination by documenting practical examples, recommendations, and progress on EUDR readiness for regional partners, donors, and policymakers.

The video will serve as a knowledge product to increase awareness, share practical experiences, and strengthen cross-country collaboration in meeting EUDR requirements.

SCOPE OF WORK

The IBCSD–TFA Secretariat seeks a qualified Technical Consultant / Video Development Specialist to carry out the following tasks:

1. Concept Development

1. Curate initial ideas, storylines, and key messages for the video.
2. Present proposed concepts to the consortium for alignment.
3. Integrate feedback from key stakeholders into the final video concept note.

1. Data Gathering & Stakeholder Engagement

1. Conduct bilateral meetings, interviews, and/or participate in FGDs and RTDs with sector stakeholders (smallholders, private companies, commodity associations, government bodies, NGOs).
2. Gather relevant visual footage (e.g., rubber/palm/cocoa plantations, interviews, dialogue sessions).
3. Collect insights, case studies, and materials to inform the video narrative.

1. Content Development

1. Draft the video script and storyline based on collected data and consultation results.
2. Produce a first-cut video (including narration, graphics, subtitles, and animations as needed).
3. Incorporate iterative feedback from consortium partners.
4. Provide post-production editing and final tuning of the video in consultation with the consortium

1. Finalisation & Delivery

1. Produce the final version of the knowledge video, optimized for:

• Event presentations
• Online platforms (YouTube, websites, social media)

1. Provide all raw footage, working files, and final rendered versions.
2. Deliver a short documentation note summarizing the process, messages, and recommended use cases.

DELIVERABLES

The consultant is expected to deliver:

1. Video Concept and Key Messages Deck
2. Script and Storyboard
3. Raw Footage & Interview Recordings
4. Draft (First-cut) Video
5. Provide voice-over, infographics, key facts, figures, and/or statistics for the video
6. Provide clean versions (with and without subtitles) of the edited video and deliver to hard drive; and digital drive
7. Final Knowledge Video (duration approx. 4–7 minutes)
8. Provide the short version of the video (2-minute duration) for social media
9. Documentation Note summarizing insights captured through production

10. Perform other duties as required.

TIMELINE

The consultant should be able to deliver the outputs within [4–8 weeks], depending on field logistics and stakeholder availability. A detailed timeline will be agreed upon during contracting.

 QUALIFICATIONS and SKILLS

Applicants must demonstrate the following:

Technical Competencies

• Proven experience in video production, storytelling, and content development for development or sustainability projects
• Strong interviewing and field documentation skills
• Ability to simplify complex technical topics into compelling visual content
• Familiarity with agricultural commodity supply chains (palm oil, cocoa, or rubber preferred)

Relevant Experience

• Experience working with multi-stakeholder platforms, NGOs, private sector actors, or government agencies
• Previous work with international development organizations is an advantage
• Ability to conduct fieldwork, including visiting plantations or rural sites

Other Skills

• Excellent communication and coordination skills
• Ability to deliver high-quality outputs under tight deadlines
• Mid-level fluency in Bahasa Indonesia and English

Please send your TOR and submit your CV and one pager experiences relevant to the required position to Dame Manalu at [email protected] at the latest by 24 December 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 affected by the EUDR once implemented, amongst others, are: 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 Sixth SAFE Regional Technical Dialogue aims to:

• Promote Jurisdictional and Landscape Approaches: advance collective pathways such as Verified Sourcing Areas (VSAs) to verify deforestation-free, sustainable production in palm oil, cacao, and rubber sectors across Indonesia and Malaysia.

 

• Strengthen Systems and Stakeholder Alignment: enhance monitoring, traceability, and public-private collaboration to ensure compliance with EUDR requirements while fostering inclusive participation of smallholders and credible third-party verification.

 

• Facilitate Knowledge Exchange and Market Linkages: share lessons from successful jurisdictions and engage with EU competent authorities to explore how jurisdictional models can unlock preferential sourcing, investment incentives, and improved market access.

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 #6.

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

Qualifications and Skills

1. Advanced degree (Master’s or higher) in a relevant field, with expertise in EUDR, jurisdictional/landscape approaches, sustainable commodities, and traceability systems.
2. Proven experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating traceability models, Verified Sourcing Areas (VSAs), or similar frameworks aligned with EUDR compliance.
3. Demonstrated ability to engage smallholders, SMEs, and producer organizations in inclusive and scalable sustainability solutions.
4. Strong knowledge of stakeholder dynamics—including governments, CSOs, private sector, and third-party verifiers—to foster collaboration and credible outcomes.
5. Excellent facilitation, critical thinking, and analytical skills to integrate financial, policy, and technological considerations into solution-oriented processes.
6. Experience in knowledge exchange and cross-country learning, including engagement with EU competent authorities and international partners.
7. Fluency in English and Bahasa Indonesia, with strong written and oral communication skills.

Please send your TOR and submit your CV and one pager experiences relevant to the required position to Dame Manalu at [email protected]  at the latest by 15 October 2025

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]