Knowledge Management Officer (Forest Monitoring)

Organizational Setting

The Forestry Division (NFO) leads FAO's work in promoting sustainable forest management and providing leadership on the environmental, social and economic dimensions of forestry, including contributions of forests and trees to poverty reduction and food security and nutrition. Staff of the Division liaise with Members, civil society and the private sector in aspects ranging from development of effective forest policies to forest conservation and management issues and strengthening the role of forests in climate change mitigation and adaptation. The Division also collects, analyses and disseminates information on the world's forest resources and on the production, trade and consumption of wood and non-wood forest products.

The Forest Monitoring and Data Platforms (NFOMD) Team of the Forestry Division supports Members on all aspects of forest monitoring to provide reliable information for forest and land use related policy development, planning, sustainable management and for satisfying international reporting requirements under the UNFCCC, the Paris Agreement, and the CBD's Global Biodiversity Framework. The Team also supports countries on technical issues related to National Forest Monitoring Systems (NFMS), the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Restoration Monitoring, the development of Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) with environmental integrity and eligibility and monitoring requirements for forest finance initiatives such as the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF). The team also develops and maintains Open Foris and SEPAL platforms (Digital Public Goods for forest and land use monitoring). It works closely with the Global Forest Resources Assessment (FRA) team. The work of the team supports implementation of Programme Priority Areas for a better environment under the FAO Strategic Framework.

The position is located in the Forest Monitoring and Data Platforms Team ( NFOMD) of the Forestry Division (NFO) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines

The Knowledge Management Officer (Forest Monitoring) reports to the Senior Forestry Officer/Team Leader of the Forest Monitoring and Data Platforms Team, under the overall guidance of the Deputy Director of NFO and works in close coordination with the NFO communications focal point. The incumbent works closely with FAO Division/Offices/Centers, through the NFO communications focal point and using OCC established coordination mechanisms.

Technical Focus

Knowledge management, programmatic, advocacy and outreach activities related to Forest Monitoring.

Key Results

Collection, analysis and dissemination of knowledge and information to support programmes, projects, products and services.

Key Functions

• Collects and analyses relevant technical, social, economic, environmental, institutional and technology related information, to support the delivery of programme projects, products and services.
• Undertakes analysis, provides technical input to plans and reports and edits/revises technical/scientific documents.
• Participates in the development of improved work methods, tools and systems.
• Updates databases and web pages, in close consultation and collaboration with the Office of Communications (OCC).
• Participates in multidisciplinary project/work teams.
• Collaborates on the development of training tools and materials and contributes to the organization of workshops/seminars, etc.
• Supports the organization, delivery and follow-up of meetings, consultations and conferences, including the development/production of required materials adhering to the Publications Workflow System (PWS) process, corporate guidance and quality standards and the provision of information and assistance to partners.
• Drafts, edits and makes available on the internet promotional videos and webcasts and assists with documenting international events, including by providing photos coverage and using other social media tools, in close coordination with OCC and adhering to corporate guidance.
• Drafts project publications, posters, brochures and other printed material to enhance the visibility and outreach of key departmental products, adhering to the PWS process, corporate guidance on publishing and quality standards.
•  Performs other duties as required.

Specific Functions

• Designs and implements knowledge management and outreach strategies and activities for the Forest Monitoring and Data Platforms Team, and provides advice to strengthen these activities, in close consultation with the NFO Communications Focal Point and OCC.
• Coordinates preparation of knowledge products and events, and supervises consultants as needed.
• Supports preparation of workshops and meetings.
• Liaises with internal and external stakeholders to ensure coordination of outreach and promotion efforts.
• Implements and updates regularly knowledge management and outreach work plans, and reports on implementation and results.

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in public relations, communication, social science, journalism, political science or a related field.
• Three years of relevant experience in communication, graphic design for the preparation of technical publications, posters, user interfaces and other visual materials and the production of high-resolution videos for international events.
• Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Competencies

• Results Focus
• Team Work
• Communication
• Building effective relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable.
• Relevance and extent of experience in outreach and knowledge management aspects of forest monitoring, is essential.
• Relevance and extent of experience in working with multi-partners projects and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Extent and relevance of experience in developing high-quality communication and outreach materials for a wide variety of audiences, particularly at the international level.
•  Work experience in organizing high-level events, technical workshops, seminars and press conferences.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of graphic design and video editing tools will be considered an asset.