UNFCCC team/division: AFOLU Unit/Transparency Division

Tasks:

The principal role was the coordination of the technical assessments of REDD+ Forest Reference Levels and/or Forest Reference Emission Levels (FRLs/FRELs), and technical analyses of REDD+ results, including the preparation of background documents and support to the assessment teams in their work.

Milan achieved the following accomplishments during the assessment period:

• Coordinated the finalization and publication the Vanuatu TAR 2023.
• Coordinated the technical assessment of REDD+ forest emission reference level/forest reference level Belize, Dominica and Eswatini in 2024.
• Coordinated the technical assessment process of Timor-Leste and Bolivia (Both 2023) after receiving the delayed modified submission.
• Completed the UNFCCC BTR Review Training: Overview Course A (General and cross-cutting aspects for the technical expert review under the ETF under the Paris Agreement) and passed the examination.

Supervisor comments:

Milan acted with the full competence, professionalism and integrity expected from a UN officer. He independently coordinated the technical assessment of REDD+ reference levels, including for technically complex submissions. Responsibilities in coordinating the reviews of countries were performed very well, and even for sensitive information on REDD+ reference levels, with many technical and political issues. He was able to facilitate discussions between Parties and experts, while also supporting the understanding of data and methodologies used. He also guided the drafting process of the technical assessment report and provided valuable feedback to the experts, while also managing the technical assessment process in accordance with established standards, timelines and procedures. Milan efficiently managed the challenges and provided guidance to the technical experts, his support was much appreciated. His expert knowledge of AFOLU matters is outstanding, and he contributed to many efforts in the division.

Most noteworthy, Milan also took on the responsibility of coordinating additional reference level technical assessments during a longer-term absence of a team member, showing great capacity by catching-up with the processes swiftly. During this assignment, Milan demonstrated in-depth technical expertise on forest carbon measurement and REDD+ issues.

SB60 & COP29

Milan was reallocated to support the Intergovernmental Support and Collective Progress Division during SB60 and COP29, where he contributed substantially to the support for the COP Presidency. He worked very well in the hectic circumstances of a UNFCCC session and his support was much appreciated. In particular, Milan was assigned with various tasks such as note taking during the high-level presidency consultations, reviewing the draft text on the Mitigation Work Programme, supporting the organization of the plenary and other logistics, and preparing summary notes to share across the secretariat. He was a very reliable member of the team, demonstrated high performance under difficult circumstances, and prepared useful and well-drafted high-level summary notes under time pressure. His support was very much appreciated.

Conclusion

Personal growth and experience gained

I have gained substantial experience and developed strong leadership skills in the MRV and ETF domains, particularly within the REDD+ process. Collaborating with a multinational and multicultural team significantly boosted my confidence and adaptability, enabling me to work effectively in diverse environments across the globe in related technical fields.

Additionally, I acquired invaluable firsthand experience in the core of the intergovernmental climate processes from the perspective of the secretariat. This exposure has further enhanced my leadership abilities in climate governance.

Impact of Fellowship

This fellowship provided me the space to enhance my knowledge and skills further beyond my current profession. It provided me the opportunity to learn how multilateralism works better in the arena of climate change in general and how the climate transparency on action and support works in specific. Furthermore, working collaboratively with the people having diverse origins, cultures and languages in the UNFCCC is a great experience and big part of the capacity building in itself.

The fellowship was an enriching experience that provided invaluable learning opportunities, allowing me to acquire new skills and knowledge while collaborating with a diverse group of high-integrity professionals from multicultural backgrounds. I am deeply grateful for the trust and confidence placed in me by the AFOLU team and the secretariat, which empowered me throughout the program. The skills and insights gained during this fellowship will be instrumental in advancing climate transparency actions in my home country. I would also like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Government of Italy for their support in organizing this meaningful fellowship program, specifically designed for civil servants from LDCs and SIDS.