National Consultant (Forest Health)

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FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.
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Qualified female applicants and qualified nationals of non-and under-represented member countries are encouraged to apply.

Persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
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Organizational Setting

Myanmar, the Forest Protection Section under Forest Research Institute (FRI) has the key accountability for pests and diseases management in the forest sector in Myanmar. However, there are many challenges and issues in implementing effective forest pest management, for example low institutional capacity for development and implementation of systems for monitoring and early detection. Early action, lack of expert knowledge on sustainable management of key tree species, and insufficient budget and facilities are other persisting issues. The institutional capacity of Forest Protection Section under FRI needs strengthening to mitigate forest health issues in the country. Adequate budget and investments are needed in human resource development and research for efficient forest pest management. Data and information need to be gathered and communication database management systems need to be developed. A dynamic and productive Forest Protection Section of FRI, is indispensable to effectively deal with pests and diseases problems for avoiding huge risks on sustainably delivering goods and services from forests, the economic survival of plantation owners, and ultimately, affecting the national economy.

The project ‘Strengthening the Institutional Capacity on Forest Health’ (TCP/MYA/3803) aims to provide technical assistance through the Technical Cooperation Programme for 2020-2021 of the FAO Representation office of Myanmar. This project aims to strengthen the technical capacity and awareness for more participatory forest pests and diseases management in Myanmar. Particularly, it will enhance the capacities in the (FRI) to improve pests and disease management systems that help sustain healthy forests and plantations. The project has two outputs; (i) Capacity of researchers and technicians on management of key forest pests and diseases improved and (ii) Trainings, awareness and information sessions for relevant stakeholders including field staffs from the local Forest Department, private sector and forest users groups on forest pest and disease management and implementation of phytosanitary measures enhanced. For achieving these outputs effectively, the service of a National Consultant is required.

Reporting Lines

The consultant will help in delivering the project results in collaboration with the Forest Department of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation (MONREC).Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR), Myanmar, and the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (Programmes), Myanmar, under the direct technical guidance of the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) in the FAO Regional Office in Bangkok, and the FAO HQ Technical Officer, and in collaboration with the Forest Research Institute (FRI), the Service Providers for the project, the Asia-Pacific Forest Invasive Species Network, National Project Coordinator (NPC), TCDC Expert and Programme Officer in the office of the FAO Representative, Myanmar, the National Consultant will perform the following duties.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Collect background information needed to implement the project and work closely with the NPC and FRI to ensure timely completion of project activities;
• Assist the TCDC Expert and Service Providers in project activities and ensure coordination among the NPC, FRI, FAOR, LTO, HQ Technical Officer and other relevant persons/institutions.
• Help build synergies among the initiatives of FAO and other development partners in Myanmar in strengthening forest protection lab in FRI;
• Support the selection of participants and implementation of the training programs, workshops and consultations;
• Provide all inputs for procuring equipment and materials in consultation with NPC;
• Support the TCDC Expert and Service Providers in arranging training programs, particularly logistical arrangements and securing Government approvals for training activities at FRI;
• Provide inputs to organize and participate actively in the inception workshop and capacity building trainings.
• Compile relevant information in consultation with the TCDC Experts and Service Providers in survey on the status of forest pest and disease.
• Provide inputs to prepare terminal report and training reports.
• Work closely with TCDC expert in preparation of LoA with Service Providers.
• Translation and interpretation for TCDC expert and Service Providers as necessary.
• Provide other inputs as necessary related to the project.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Graduate of a recognized university or similar institute of higher education in Forestry or related discipline.
• At least 5 years of experience in working in forestry or related discipline in Myanmar.
• Myanmar Nationality

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• The ability to work and communicate adequately in English.
• The experience in forest health and related topics is considered an advantage.
• Candidates should be able to work well with others an international multicultural environment and have good knowledge in basic computer programmes.
• They should have good team working, commination and networking skills

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