Forestry & Ecosystem Management Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services), which was established in 197

• UNOPS is dedicated to helping people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development. It operates in over 80 countries and employs more than 1,500 personnel. UNOPS focuses on infrastructure, procurement, project management, and financial management, working closely with various partners to deliver projects that meet the needs of communities and governments.

Job Overview:
The Forestry & Ecosystem Management Expert will provide specialized technical expertise in forestry and forest ecosystem management to support the planning, design, and implementation of integrated forest management and restoration activities under the project. This role is crucial for ensuring that forest ecosystems are managed sustainably and resiliently, contributing to biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, and long-term socio-environmental benefits. The expert will work closely with various stakeholders, including government agencies, municipalities, and local communities, to ensure that forest-related interventions are scientifically sound and aligned with national policies and community needs. The position involves developing Forest Management Plans (FMPs), integrating biodiversity and fire management strategies, and providing oversight for biodiversity assessments and restoration guidance.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and review Forest Management Plans (FMPs) for targeted areas, ensuring integration of biodiversity, silvicultural practices, and fire management strategies.
• Validate and update plans based on field data and assessments.
• Incorporate biodiversity assessment findings into FMPs and support the formulation of forest restoration strategies.
• Develop silvicultural prescriptions for high fire-risk or degraded areas, ensuring alignment with biodiversity conservation principles.
• Integrate wildfire risk reduction measures into FMPs, including technical recommendations for fire prevention and recovery.
• Provide technical oversight for baseline biodiversity assessments and validate outputs from consulting firms.
• Offer guidance on ecosystem restoration with an emphasis on native species regeneration.
• Develop sustainable harvesting practices for wood and non-wood products.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure forest management activities reflect local priorities. 1
• Assist in the preparation of technical specifications and contribute to project reporting.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Forestry, Environmental Science, Ecosystem Management, or a closely related field is required.
• A first-level university degree with additional qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
• Minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible experience in forest management, silviculture, ecosystem restoration, or biodiversity conservation.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing Forest Management Plans (FMPs) with integrated approaches.
• Demonstrated capacity to design and apply silvicultural prescriptions for high-risk areas.
• Extensive involvement in biodiversity assessments and integration of findings into forest planning.
• Practical experience in ecosystem restoration and developing guidance on reforestation.
• Strong familiarity with sustainable harvesting practices.
• Experience in reviewing technical reports and providing actionable feedback. 1
• Background in fire management planning and integration of measures into forest strategies.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Forestry, Environmental Science, Ecosystem Management, Natural Resources Management, or a closely related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible experience in forest management, silviculture, ecosystem restoration, or biodiversity conservation. Candidates should have proven experience in developing and implementing Forest Management Plans (FMPs) and integrating biodiversity conservation and wildfire risk reduction strategies. Experience in ecosystem restoration and sustainable harvesting practices is also essential, along with familiarity with technical documentation and procurement processes.

Languages:
Strong command of English and Arabic is required. Knowledge of French is a plus.

Additional Notes:
The contract type is a retainer contract at the LICA 9 level, with a duration of 12 months (total 120 days). Candidates must complete mandatory courses before providing services to UNOPS. The organization emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, and all personnel are expected to adhere to UNOPS policies and demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Background checks are conducted on all potential personnel.