Forestry Officer

1H061H06

• 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 persons 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 staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

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 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 develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions including the Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs). 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 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 (RAP) in Bangkok, Thailand.

Reporting Lines
The Forestry Officer reports to the Senior Forestry Officer, RAP.

Technical Focus
Provision of support to FAO's work on sustainable management, silviculture, restoration and conservation of forests in the Asia-Pacific region. The Forestry Officer will be involved in cross-sectoral work that includes forestry, agriculture, livestock, and fisheries, contributing to the FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31 that supports the 2030 Agenda.

Key Results
Comprehensive technical and policy expertise to support the planning, development and implementation of Regional Programmes of Work, projects, products and services in accordance with regional objectives and the FAO Strategic Framework.

Key Functions
• Plans and leads components of multi-disciplinary teams, leads and/or participates in internal committees, project teams and working groups and/or provides specialized expertise on technical networks and/or international technical policy and standard setting bodies;
• Develops technical, analytical, monitoring and reporting frameworks and related methodologies, tools, systems and databases, etc. to support the planning, implementation/delivery and monitoring of programmes of work, projects, products and/or services;
• Designs and conducts research, data collection, validation, analysis and/or reporting activities to support the development of technical standards, international instruments, innovative approaches and strategies, new tools, technologies, technical reports/publications and/or policy proposals, as well as the provision of technical/policy/specialist/advice and expertise;
• Responds to country requests for technical and policy assistance, provides technical advice, assistance and solutions to Decentralized Offices and provides technical backstopping to field projects;
• Collaborates in, provides technical backstopping to and ensures the quality/effectiveness of capacity development and knowledge sharing activities within Member Nations, such as policy support, organizational development and individual learning events including preparation of related information, learning materials and on-line tools;
• Promotes international cooperation/advocates best practices and increased policy dialogue, and provides technical expertise at international/intergovernmental meetings;
• Participates in resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Corporate Strategy.

Specific Functions
• Develops partnerships with other UN system organizations and development partners in the region and engages in dialogues to develop collaborative work;
• Provides technical leadership and oversights for the formulation and implementation of field projects/programmes of notably the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and Green Climate Fund (GCF) as regards the sustainable use and conservation of forests for climate, biodiversity and livelihoods objectives, in the context of broader work on sustainable agrifood system transformation;
• Advises on forest-based enterprise development and innovative financing mechanisms (e.g. payments for environmental services) or other innovative approaches (financial, digital, institutional) to render the sustainable use of forests and trees a viable economic opportunity for small-scale and/or community forestry operations;
• Promotes and advises Members on policies, strategies and methods of sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation in the context of the FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31 with a view to facilitating the contribution of forests and trees to improved livelihoods, rural development and food security in the region;
• Supports the implementation of work of the Asia-Pacific Forestry Commission (APFC) and advises on Asia-Pacific forestry priorities in other relevant regional and/or global initiatives;
• Performs other tasks as required.
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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree in forest resources management or a related field.
• Seven years of relevant experience in sustainable forest management, forest resources assessment, community forestry, participatory resources management or a related field.
• Working knowledge (proficient - level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate - level B) of another FAO official 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.
• Extent and relevance of technical and practical experience of forest management in diverse forest types and ecosystems, including sustainable small-scale/community enterprise development and innovative financing approaches.
• Extent and relevance of experience or knowledge of forests and trees in broader agriculture and rural development contexts.
• Extent and relevance of experience in formulating and managing field projects and/or programmes on sustainable forest management and related issues.
• Demonstrated ability to mobilize resources.