Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized technical agency of the United Nations. The FAO mission is to work toward the eradication of hunger and strive for food security for everyone as stated in the 2030 Agenda. The FAO’s Strategic Framework aspires to transform agri-food systems so that they are more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. The ultimate goals of these efforts include better production, better nutrition, better environment, and better lives, while leaving no one behind. FAO Sub-regional Office for the Pacific Islands (SAP) in Samoa supports member countries in meeting their national priorities in the areas of agriculture, fisheries, forestry, agri-food systems, nutrition, and rural development and in accessing GEF financing to meet these priorities. The FAO member countries in the Pacific include the Cook Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, the Republic of Nauru, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

The Solomon Islands Integrated Forest Management (IFM) project is a five-year project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Solomon Islands Government (SIG). FAO is the Implementing Agency (IA) and is providing the technical support to the Solomon Islands Government in implementing the project. The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM), Ministry of Forestry and Research (MOFR) and Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) are the Executing Agencies and national counterparts for the project.  The project will be working closely with other partners within the public and private sectors as well as with members of the Non-Government Organizations (NGOs). The overall goal of the project is to establish a network of Protected Areas (PAs) that will contribute to protecting and conserving the country’s critical biodiversity and forest resources.

Reporting Lines

The National Project Technical Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Sub-Regional Coordinator for the Pacific Islands (SRC). He/She will work under the technical supervision of the SAP Better Environment Module Leader/ LTO, and in close collaboration with the FAO’s GEF technical officer and national experts.

Technical Focus

The National Project Technical Specialist will coordinate the implementation of overall project and provide all the necessary support in establishing the protected area trust fund in Solomon Islands.  

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Implement project activities as outlined in the Annual Work Plan;
•     Provide technical inputs when and as required to assist project consultants and national counterparts achieved their planned output;
•     Coordinate the work of all protected areas (PA) sites under the guidance of the LTO, including assistance in conducting trainings, workshops, working group meetings and in developing awareness material and reports;
•     Support and organize meetings with Protected Area landowners as required and in resolving any issues affecting project work;
•     Lead the PA trust fund establishment process and provide necessary support to relevant Government agencies;
•     Assist in PA approval cycle through tracking and monitoring PA review processes in liaison with the Environment and Conservation Division
•     Facilitate and provide technical assistance to field data and information collections, surveys and mapping exercises;
•     Assist in developing budget and programmes for project meetings and activities in the provinces;
•     Provide logistical support to project consultants and teams when out implementing activities in the field;
•     Support Service Providers under the project to ensure smooth implementation of program activities under agreed terms of references;
•     Organize technical training, project closing workshops and document the field level activities;  
•     Prepare workshop reports, meeting minutes, project progress report and other technical report when required; 
•     Assist with in-country administrative activities as required for the successful implementation of the project activities.
•     Perform other project related tasks assigned by the supervisor.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements 
  
•     University degree in Environmental Science, Forestry/Natural Resources Management, or related fields 
•     5 years of relevant experience in project implementation, and management 
•     Working knowledge of English 
•     National of the Solomon Islands

FAO Core Competencies

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION