Forestry Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) is responsible for leading FAO’s response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO’s priority activities in the region. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the region and, in collaboration with the Offices, Centres and Divisions at headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to regional priorities. RAP also advises on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization’s Programme of Work and Budget and implements approved programmes and projects in the region, monitors the level of programme implementation and draws attention to problems and deficiencies. RAP also supports its Member States in the implementation of field projects and programmes, for which technical backstopping and oversight are among the Organization's core contributions. RAP develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions including the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and regional inter-governmental organizations.

The Regional Office supports regional policy dialogue on food security, agriculture and rural development issues, facilitates the emergence of regional partnerships, and supports capacity development and resource mobilization for food security, agriculture (incl. forestry) and rural development in the region.

The position is located in the Forestry and Biodiversity Team of the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok, Thailand.
 

Reporting Lines

The Forestry Specialist will report to the Senior Forestry Officer/Forestry Officer, RAP.

Technical Focus

Provision of technical advice and expertise for (i) the oversight of forestry-related field project implementation in Asia-Pacific; and (ii) the design of investment operations, in collaboration with country stakeholders and cooperating partners, to mobilize resources for the biodiversity-friendly, climate resilient conservation, restoration and sustainable use of forests and trees – including in dryland landscapes -  in Asia-Pacific, within the context of sustainable agrifood system transformation, with a particular focus on integrated approaches, forest and landscape restoration, value chain development and traceability, or sustainable financing and investments.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Participate in multidisciplinary teams to assist governments in the identification, assessment, design and preparation of investment operations (national and regional level) with a focus on the thematic fields mentioned above;
• Participate in multidisciplinary teams to assist in the formulation of field programmes and projects, including the preparation of funding proposals and supporting background documents, notably for vertical funds (GEF, GCF, etc.), as well as bilateral donors and relevant private entities;
• Provide technical backstopping to the implementation of national field projects (notably GEF), with a focus on practical technical solutions;
• Provide advice and technical expertise on data and information analysis, policy making, strategy formulation and legislation, with a focus on the thematic fields mentioned above;
• Support capacity development activities and knowledge management, including the documentation of lessons learned / best practices and the preparation of publications, with a focus on the thematic areas listed above;
• Support coordination and engagement across multi-partner regional programmes and networks;
• Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• For Consultants: Advanced University degree/University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in forestry, natural resources management, environmental sciences or any other discipline relevant to the work of the Organization. Consultants with bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• For PSA.SBS: University degree (or technical degree/certificate) from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in forestry, natural resources management, environmental sciences or any other discipline relevant to the work of the Organization.
• At least five years of relevant experience in the formulation and implementation of field projects or programmes;
• Working knowledge of English (Level C).

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Extent and relevance of experience in the formulation of forest and natural ecosystem programmes/projects, including financial strategies and resource mobilization;
• Extent and relevance of experience in sustainable forest management, forest and landscape restoration, dryland ecosystem management, integrated fire management, value chain development and traceability for wood and non-wood forest products, or sustainable financing and investment approaches (incl. blended finance);
• Extent and relevance of experience in capacity development for the design and implementation of natural resource management.
• Demonstrated experience in dealing with government officials, development partners, the private sector and other country level stakeholders, including in multi-partner regional programmes or networks;
• Relevance of work experience in more than one location, notably in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Experience with FAO technical tools and approaches is a plus.

Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated technical experience in the thematic fields mentioned above.
• Demonstrated experience in technical backstopping of field project or programmes.
• Demonstrated ability in mobilizing resources.
• Ability to distil complex information into concise and easily understood information and communication.
• Demonstrated experience working in multidisciplinary and multi-cultural teams, including multi-partner regional programmes or networks.
• Experience in field positions, especially in Asia and the Pacific, is a plus.
• Knowledge of another FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish or Russian) is desirable.