Organizational Setting

FAO Representation in Sierra Leone implements an integrated food security programme, focusing on diversification of livelihoods, managing natural resources and building resilience. The office employs diverse team of experts locally, but also attracts the available technical experts from the region and the Head Quarters (HQ). FAO works in close partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone, farmers and other stakeholders, supporting plans and policies that affect the food and nutrition security in the country; our work is part of the corporate commitment to support countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, especially SDG 2 on Zero Hunger.

Reporting Lines

The National Forestry Expert will carry out the below assignment under direct supervision from the FAOR and the technical supervision of the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA).

Technical Focus

The National Forestry Expert will be responsible for the support of data upload, creation of data control results and reports, support to field task activities and the needs of field teams together with the National Project Coordinator (NPC), coordination of vehicle needs during field activities among several other activities. The National Forestry Expert will also help to ensure that all project personnel maintain a high level of transparency, responsibility, and accountability in M&E and in reporting project results. Liaise with the CTA on all aspects of project coordination and implementation including but not limited to:

Tasks and responsibilities

•     In close collaboration with NPC, support coordination of planning, implementation of activities to ensure efficient provision of both administrative and technical support services.
•     Support field teams with data upload and provide technical support to solve any setback during NFI data collection activities.
•     Participate in the development and implementation of forest policy and planning processes, including Providing technical support and advice on the use of NFI data to inform, policy development and monitoring, facilitating stakeholder consultations and engagement to ensure the NFI system meets the needs of stakeholders.
•     Participating in relevant technical working groups and committees related to forest management and monitoring.
•     Support to develop project field work plans and identify risks that may affect field results and apply corresponding mitigation strategies.
•     Support on briefs and updates reports related to NFI activities as required by FAO, EU and the government.
•     Prepare reports with the results of the comparison of field data and quality control data of the NFI following the protocol developed by the CTA.
•     Contribute to the identification of materials and training needs for the project and work closely with FAO Sierra Leone Procurement Officer to ensure timely procurement.
•     Support the preparation of National Forest Information Systems and the dissemination of NFI results in partner countries.
•     Coordinate with relevant national stakeholders, in particular FAO, to ensure maximum delivery and participation in project activities.
•     Always adhere to FAO’s rules and standards of behaviour.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources Management, Development or any other related disciplines.
•     5 years’ working experience in forestry projects with management and technical related activities.
•     Working knowledge (level C) of English.
•     Working knowledge (level C) of Krio 
•     National of Sierra Leone

FAO Core Competencies

•     Results Focus
•     Teamwork
•     Communication
•     Building Effective Relationships
•     Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/ Functional Skills

•     Ability to supervise, manage and support to field activities of the project.
•     Ability to manage trainings and capacity building programme of the project. 
•     Relevant experience/ exposure, skills and knowledge in results-based approach/management. 
•     Ability to communicate with different stakeholders.
•     Different types of report writing skills.
•     Computer skill (Microsoft office, Photoshop).
•     Good report writing skills.
•     Experience with the UN agencies in similar position is added advantage.

Selection criteria

•     Thorough knowledge of national institutions, and their mandates
•     Previous working experience with UN or International Organizations will be an added advantage.
•     A master’s degree in Forest Management is an added advantage.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION