IMPORTANT NOTICE\: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply;
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination　　
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

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 its contributions to poverty reduction and food security and nutrition. It liaises with member countries, civil society and the private sector in aspects ranging from development of effective forest policies to forest conservation and management issues and strengthens 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.

Healthy forests are essential for sustainable forest management, yet they face numerous threats such as pests, diseases, invasive species and wildfires, which can lead to tree mortality and reduced ecosystem services. The complexity of these factors and their impact on forest health is challenging to address, and their consequences extend across social, economic, and environmental dimensions.
FAO’s Forest Protection and Health Programme supports countries and national institutions in safeguarding forests, forest ecosystems, and trees outside forests, with a focus on insect pests, diseases, and other harmful agents. FAO provides guidance on preventive measures, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Integrated Fire Management (IFM), and recommended actions to minimize transboundary risks. This assistance goes beyond emergency response, encompassing long-term prevention and protection strategies.

The purpose of this call is to provide FAO’s Forestry Division with a list of qualified candidates in the field of forest protection and health, aimed at increasing the resilience of forests to shocks such as insect pests, diseases, invasive species, wildfires, and the impacts of climate change.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent reports to a Forestry Officer, under the overall guidance of the Senior Forestry Officer/Team Leader of the Forests and Climate Team. S/he will work closely with members of the team and the Division, Decentralized Offices and other relevant FAO units.

Technical Focus

The technical focus of the work is forest health, with specialized knowledge in forest pests, diseases, invasive species, phytosanitary regulations, biosecurity, integrated fire management and related areas. The role involves working on projects related to forest health and contributing to the development of technical guidelines and reports. This includes collaborating closely with FAO partners to ensure effective measures to safeguard forests, while promoting sustainable management and environmental resilience.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Conduct an analysis of emerging trends in biotic and abiotic threats affecting forests.
• Provide advice on policies, as well as on sound strategies and methods of integrated pest management or integrated fire management for the protection of forests and forest lands.
• Provide technical support for capacity building by generating, compiling and disseminating technical information, publications, guidelines and training course materials.
• Plan, organize and participate in international meetings, seminars and workshops on matters related to forest protection and health or fire management.
• Lead the development of viable responses to forest health emergencies and pest and disease outbreaks and long-term solutions including natural sources of resistance and biodiversity.
• Work closely with partner organizations to strategize and plan initiatives aimed at safeguarding forests.
• Collaborate on pest risk analysis and environmental impact assessments related to forest health.
• Provide expert input on potential forest risks and mitigation strategies.
• Provide technical support to the regional invasive species networks and assist with facilitating activities and meetings.
• Perform other duties as needed.

FAO Standards and guidelines\:

• Liaison with OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, aligned messaging, and appropriate review and clearance processes.
• All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including\:
FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31\: https\://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/en
FAO social media policy and guidelines\: https\://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia
Social Media Branding Guidelines\: https\://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044en
FAOSTYLE https\://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb8081en
FAO terminology http\://www.fao.org/faoterm
FAO Names of Countries https\://www.fao.org/nocs/en
Story guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (available to staff).
• Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• For Consultants\:
Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO applied entomology, plant pathology, forest protection, environmental science, biology, forestry, law, international development or a related field. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
For PSAs\:
University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in applied entomology, plant pathology, forest protection, environmental science, biology, forestry, law, international development or a related field.
• Relevant work experience (at least 1 year for a category C, 5 years for a category B, or 10 years for a category A) in forest health and forest invasive species management or integrated fire management.
• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) would be an asset.
• Strategic Partnership Development\: Proven ability to establish strategic partnerships and scientific networks within the field of forest health or fire management, collaborating effectively with academic experts, research institutions, and relevant scientific organizations.
• In-depth Knowledge of Forest Health Policies\: Proficient understanding of global, regional, and local forest health policies, initiatives, and best practices, with a focus on pest, disease, and invasive species management or fire management.
• Data Management Expertise\: Desirable skills in data management, encompassing the collection, analysis, and interpretation of forest health data. Proficiency in utilizing data-driven insights to inform decision-making processes related to forest pests, diseases, and invasive species management, or fire management.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application

• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http\://www.whed.net/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.

• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance\: https\://fao.service-now.com/csp

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