Technical Specialist (Forest-Positive Policy Analysis)

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is an agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, and to ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. The organization operates in over 130 countries and employs thousands of staff members worldwide, working collaboratively with governments, civil society, and the private sector to achieve sustainable agricultural development. In Cambodia, FAO focuses on supporting the government in developing policies and programs that enhance food security and reduce hunger and malnutrition, while promoting sustainable agricultural practices and the responsible use of natural resources.

Job Overview:
The Technical Specialist (Forest-Positive Policy Analysis) position is crucial for the FAO's efforts in Cambodia to promote sustainable agricultural practices that are aligned with global deforestation-free supply chains. This role involves coordinating with government focal points to map national land-use, agro-forestry tenure, and commodity practices, as well as conducting a gap analysis to assess the country's readiness for forest-positive market alignment. The specialist will work under the supervision of the FAO Representative and collaborate with various stakeholders to ensure that the project objectives are met effectively. The position requires a deep understanding of the agricultural-forestry nexus and the ability to provide actionable recommendations for improving land governance and supporting sustainable commodity production.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Specialist will be responsible for a range of tasks, including developing a detailed work plan for the consultancy, conducting policy and institutional mapping, and assessing relevant instruments related to forest-positive and sustainable production systems. The specialist will also perform compliance and verification analysis, map responsible institutional entities, and assess the availability of data and systems to support due diligence. Additionally, the role involves identifying key tenure, policy, and institutional gaps, proposing actionable solutions, drafting a policy gap assessment report, and facilitating stakeholder consultations to validate findings and gather technical inputs. The specialist will also be expected to revise and finalize reports based on feedback received during the consultation process.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in forestry, agriculture policy, tenure, economics, or related fields. They should have at least 5 years of professional experience in areas related to environmental policy, agriculture-forestry nexus, and natural resources management in Cambodia. A good knowledge of international forest-related contexts and major environmental instruments is essential. Additionally, candidates must have a working knowledge of English and be nationals of Cambodia.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as forestry, agriculture policy, tenure, or economics. This foundational education is critical for understanding the complexities of land-use governance, environmental policy, and sustainable agricultural practices.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in relevant fields, particularly those related to the agriculture-forestry nexus, environmental policy, and tenure management. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of the Cambodian context and have experience working with governmental and non-governmental entities in the region.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in Khmer or other local languages would be considered an advantage, as it would facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of the role.

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. Candidates should ensure that their educational qualifications are recognized by the World Higher Education Database (WHED). The appointment will be subject to medical fitness certification, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. This position may involve working in a multicultural team and requires the ability to meet tight deadlines while prioritizing tasks effectively.