Open to opportunities

Sony Baral

@sonybaral

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Experienced academic leader specializing in forestry and green economy.

Nepal

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What I'm looking for

I seek a role that fosters collaboration and innovation in sustainable forestry practices.

I am an Associate Professor and Assistant Dean at the Institute of Forestry, Tribhuvan University, Nepal, with a PhD in Green Economy from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna. My career spans over 15 years in forestry and environmental policy, where I have contributed to significant projects with national and international organizations, including UNDP and IUCN. I am passionate about advancing sustainable practices in forestry and have published extensively in peer-reviewed journals.

In my current role, I lead planning and research initiatives, coordinate PhD programs, and develop policies that enhance academic excellence. My teaching focuses on green economy and research methodology, and I actively engage in mentoring students at various academic levels. I have a proven track record of delivering impactful presentations at national and international forums, and I am dedicated to fostering collaboration among universities and development institutions worldwide.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Assistant Dean - Planning and Research

Current

Tribhuvan University

Feb 2022 - Present (3 years 7 months)

Led planning and research initiatives, coordinated PhD and research programs, and developed institutional policies and guidelines. Taught Green Economy, Research Methodology, and Scientific Writing, while also leading institutional research and long-term projects.

Strategic Planning Policy Development Curriculum Development Academic Leadership Networking Collaboration Capacity Building Scientific Writing

Associate Professor

Tribhuvan University

Jan 2021 - Jan 2022 (1 year)

Taught forest management, natural resource economics, green economy, wetlands, community forestry, governance, and climate change. Developed and implemented research projects focused on forest management, carbon enhancement, and socio-ecological resilience.

Forest Management Natural Resource Economics Climate Change Research Project Development Academic Mentoring Cost Benefit Analysis Socio Ecological Resilience wetland restoration

Lead of Policy and Institutional Analyst

UNDP

Dec 2019 - Apr 2020 (4 months)

Reviewed existing policy contexts, measured biodiversity expenditure levels, calculated future financial needs, and designed strategic plans for financial solutions. Focused on biodiversity policy and institutional assessment.

Financial Analysis Strategic Planning Institutional Assessment Measurement Expenditures

Visiting Faculty

Tribhuvan University

Dec 2019 - Jan 2020 (1 month)

Taught Human and Institutional Dimensions and resource economics. Mentored and guided students in their academic pursuits.

Teaching Human Dimensions Institutional Dimensions Resource Economics Mentoring

Policy and Institutional Analyst - Climate Change

Oxford Policy Management

Oct 2018 - May 2019 (7 months)

Contributed to the revision of the Climate Change Policy 2011. Provided policy and institutional analysis expertise in the climate change sector.

Policy Analysis Climate Change Policy Environmental Policy Research Policy Implementation Stakeholder Engagement Report Writing

Senior Research Fellow

Southasia Institute of Advanced Studies (SIAS)

Jan 2017 - Sep 2018 (1 year 8 months)

Supported policy and paper review, networking, and program development, including science and policy dialogues. Led a study on strategic guidance for value chain and market development of agriculture products in Sudurpaschim and Karnali Province.

Policy Reviews Program Development Networking Value Chain Development Market Development Research Team Leadership Report Writing

National Policy Analyst Consultant

UN Women

Sep 2016 - Dec 2016 (3 months)

Conducted a desk review of research in the agriculture sector from 2005-2016. Analyzed studies conducted by government, public, and private academic/research institutions.

Desk Reviews Research Analysis Agriculture Data Synthesis Report Writing Institutional Research Data Collection Policy Recommendations

Programme Officer

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN/Nepal)

Aug 2012 - Feb 2016 (3 years 6 months)

Designed and managed programs and projects in forests, biodiversity, ecosystem services, wetlands, and mountain ecosystem restoration. Provided technical backstopping and mentoring to project teams, and developed knowledge products to influence policy.

Program Design Project Management Ecosystem Restoration Technical assistance Mentoring Knowledge Product Development Policy Advocacy Monitoring and Evaluation

REDD+ Development Consultant

UNDP Nepal

Jun 2012 - Sep 2012 (3 months)

Reviewed benefit-sharing mechanisms and practices of participatory forest management. Conducted cost-benefit analysis of community-based REDD+ activities for the Hariyo Ban project.

REDD Benefit Sharing Mechanisms Cost Benefit Analysis Community Based Conservation Project evaluation Data Analysis Environmental Policy

National Consultant, Forestry and Ecosystem Service Specialist

UNDP Nepal

Feb 2012 - Aug 2012 (6 months)

Conducted a detailed review of Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) piloting mechanisms implemented in Nepal and elsewhere. Provided expertise as a Forestry and Ecosystem Service Specialist.

Forestry Project evaluation Data Analysis Report Writing Stakeholder Engagement

Programme Officer - Climate and Disaster Risk Management

Center for International Studies and Cooperation (CECI)

Feb 2011 - Jul 2012 (1 year 5 months)

Mainstreamed Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) within sectoral departments of ministries, including the Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation. Built capacity of government and non-government stakeholders on DRR mainstreaming.

Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)Mainstreaming Capacity Building Stakeholder Engagement Policy Implementation Project Management Training Delivery Risk Management Environmental Policy Government Relations

Programme Officer - Climate Change and Livelihoods

Center for International Studies and Cooperation (CECI)

Jun 2010 - Jun 2011 (1 year)

Managed the Nepal Hazard Risk Assessment, a World Bank-funded project. Conducted community-based vulnerability assessment, risk mapping, and adaptation planning.

Risk Assessment Vulnerability Assessment Adaptive Planning Project Management Community Engagement Climate Change Adaptation Data Analysis Report Writing

National REDD Strategy Development Consultant

Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation (MFSC)

Apr 2010 - May 2010 (1 month)

Prepared the long-term vision of the REDD strategy through participatory and consultative processes. Engaged multi-sectoral agencies in the development of the national REDD strategy.

REDD Strategy Development Climate Change Mitigation Stakeholder Management Strategic Planning Report Writing

Tutor

University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU)

Dec 2009 - Apr 2010 (4 months)

Taught environmental economics to Master's students. Designed course content and delivered lectures on key environmental economic principles.

Teaching Lecture Delivery Academic Instruction Resource Management Curriculum Development

Lead Forest Resource Assessment Project

University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU)

Carried out field inventory and data collection of economically valuable species, specifically Shorea robusta. Developed volume equations and form factors for forest resource assessment.

Data Collection Volume Equation Development Form Factor Development Shorea Robusta Forestry Research Data Analysis Resource Management

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU)

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Green Economy

2016 - 2019

Grade: Distinction

Completed a PhD in Green Economy with Distinction. The thesis focused on 'Towards a Green Economy: An analysis of Community Forestry in Nepal'.

University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU)

Master of Science, Mountain Forestry

2006 - 2008

Grade: Distinction, First Position

Graduated with a Master of Science in Mountain Forestry with Distinction, specializing in environmental economics. Achieved first position in the program.