Forestry Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO's mission includes promoting sustainable agricultural practices, improving nutrition, and enhancing the livelihoods of rural populations. The FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU) and the Subregional Office for Central Asia (SEC) focus on addressing organizational priorities related to sustainable agrifood systems, food security, and climate change in the Central Asia region. The SEC provides technical assistance through projects, supports regional policy dialogue, and facilitates partnerships among member countries.

Job Overview:
The Forestry Officer position is located in the Subregional Office for Central Asia (SEC) in Ankara, Türkiye. The role involves strengthening the conservation of biodiversity and sustainable management of forest landscapes, particularly in Türkiye’s Kazdağlari Region. The officer will enhance the capacity of the Turkish International Forestry Training Centre (TIFTC) and engage in regional and national forest policy initiatives. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including educational institutions, to promote forestry education and training initiatives. The officer will be responsible for designing and implementing training programs, developing outreach materials, and supporting the implementation of communication strategies to engage stakeholders effectively. This role is crucial for fostering sustainable forestry practices and enhancing the capacity of local communities in forest management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Forestry Officer will undertake a variety of tasks, including:

• Supporting the design and implementation of outdoor training facilities at the forest training center in Ezine nursery, aimed at providing practical training for primary and secondary school students and local women groups on the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants.
• Coordinating and conducting training series focused on income generation activities, forestry-based value chain development, and eco-tourism development, following FAO guidelines.
• Preparing outreach materials to communicate and engage with stakeholders in target forest districts, communities, and educational institutions.
• Implementing the Communications Strategy and Action Plan, organizing events, and preparing knowledge products to promote gender equity and integrated management at landscape scales.
• Designing and implementing a Model Forest Work Plan in accordance with International Model Forests Network guidelines.
• Coordinating capacity building and training activities for harvesting workers, focusing on work safety and transportation methods.
• Developing training curricula on forest fire management and other technical subjects as identified in the TIFTC strategy.
• Conducting trainings on integrated forest fire management for Turkish experts in collaboration with universities and relevant authorities.
• Providing support to the Lead Technical Officer regarding overall project implementation and monitoring. 1
• Supporting the European Forestry Commission Secretary in monitoring regional forestry education initiatives and contributing to the organization of relevant communication activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree, university degree, technical diploma, or high school diploma in forestry or natural resources management. A minimum of 10 years of experience in forestry education, vocational training, national and regional forest policy development, capacity building, and communication in forestry is required. Candidates should have a working knowledge of English and must be nationals of Türkiye. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate competencies in results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree in forestry, natural resources management, or a related field. Candidates with a university degree, technical diploma, or high school diploma in these areas may also be considered, provided they meet the experience requirements.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in forestry education, vocational training, national and regional forest policy development, capacity building, and communication in forestry. Experience in project management and implementation related to forest management and education is highly desirable. Work experience in multiple locations or areas of work is also preferred.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in Turkish is essential, given the location and nature of the work. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly in the context of regional collaboration.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or processing. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from accredited institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED). The appointment will be subject to certification of medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. This position may involve full-time engagement and is focused on national recruitment.