Specialist, seedling production and nurseries’ development

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• 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 member nations, 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 our values. FAO has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and FAO, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination
• All selected candidates, therefore, will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
• The incumbent may be re-assigned to different activities and/or duty stations depending on the evolving needs of the Organization

Organizational Setting

The Forestry Division 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 member countries, 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 project “Landscape Restoration for Ecosystem Functionality and Climate Change Mitigation” in the Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), is framed into the global programme entitled “The Restoration Initiative” (TRI) led by FAO, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). FAO’s Forestry Division ensures technical supervision for the implementation of this project. The project promotes restoration and sustainable management of the forest ecosystems of 36 000 ha throughout Sao Tome and Príncipe to reduce carbon emissions from deforestation and stop and reverse forest and soil degradation. For that purpose, setting up and operating nurseries, able to deliver quality seedlings timely and with the right levels of quality will be crucial. A seedling production plan is in preparation to serve as the backbone of this effort.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative based in the Sub-regional office for Central Africa and of the Assistant FAO Representative for Sao Tome and Príncipe, the technical guidance of the Chief Technical Advisor, Lead Technical Officer and Alternate Lead Technical Officer, the specialist will work in close collaboration with the FAO Project Implementation Unit at country level and the national counterpart Directorate for Forests and Biodiversity (DFB) to provide technical expertise.

Technical Focus

The consultancy aims to provide technical support for the implementation of the seedling production plan, whose contents and guidelines will be used to upgrade/expand the network nurseries on both islands, and to produce the required amount of seedlings (in both quantitative and qualitative terms) for the implementation of the Forest and Landscape Restoration (FLR) plan of the project.

Tasks and responsibilities

Upgrading and expansion of the nurseries. The Specialist will support the national counterpart DFB in the implementation of the operations of upgrading/expansion of the nurseries. This will include:
- (i) revise and upgrade setup plans for the nurseries (permanent and temporary);
- (ii) provide technical assistance and coaching on seed collection techniques;
- (iii) prepare a rotation plan based on the timing for seedling production and the features of each species;
- (iv) provide technical assistance on nursery management
- (v) prepare knowledge dissemination materials.

Equipment and materials. The Specialist will support DFB in identifying and preparing technical specifications for procuring the materials and equipment needed for the implementation of the seedling production plan, including cold chambers, biodegradable bags, vermiculite, tools for the collection of wild seeds, and others.
- Monitor the acquisition of the materials/equipment available in the local market and will collaborate in the procurement of those that are not available in Sao Tome and Príncipe.
- Support DFB in carrying out tests of materials never used before (biodegradable bags, substrates, fertilizers etc.).

Remote technical backup. The Specialist will collaborate with the FAO Project Implementation Unit at country level to monitor implementation of the seedling production plan. He/she will agree with the FAO Project Implementation Unit at country level and DFB on modalities and timing for the provision of remote technical assistance.

- remote meetings (Skype, Zoom, etc) to be held on a weekly basis with the DFB focal point; and regular remote meetings with the Chief Technical Advisor;
- exchange of e-correspondence;
- share documents and materials;
- short on-line training sessions on the use of equipment, materials etc.;
- any other action needed to supply the needed technical assistance for the implementation of the work plan.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in Agriculture, Biology, Natural Sciences or equivalent.
• Ten years of relevant experience in the field of seedling production/management of nurseries for reforestation/restoration
• Working knowledge of Spanish, French or English and limited knowledge of one of the other two or Arabic, Chinese, Russian (for COF.REG). Working knowledge of Spanish, French or English for PSA.SBS.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Additional Selection Criteria

• Prior experience of work in Sao Tome and Principe or other SIDS would be an asset.
• Knowledge of Portuguese would be an asset.
• Experience of work in FLR projects at the international level (in at least one country other than the candidate’s own).

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