National Project Technical Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized technical agency of the United Nations, established to combat hunger and promote security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security globally. The FAO's mission is to work towards the eradication of hunger and ensure food security for all, as outlined in the 2030 Agenda. The organization operates with a strategic framework aimed at transforming agri-food systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. The FAO's efforts focus on better production, better nutrition, better environment, and better lives, ensuring that no one is left behind. The FAO Sub-regional Office for the Pacific Islands (SAP) in Samoa supports member countries in achieving their national priorities in agriculture, fisheries, forestry, agri-food systems, nutrition, and rural development. The FAO member countries in the Pacific include the Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Republic of Nauru, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. The Solomon Islands Integrated Forest Management (IFM) project is a five-year initiative funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) in partnership with FAO and the Solomon Islands Government, aimed at establishing a network of Protected Areas (PAs) to conserve the country's biodiversity and forest resources.

Job Overview:
The National Project Technical Specialist will play a crucial role in coordinating the implementation of the Solomon Islands Integrated Forest Management project. This position involves providing essential support in establishing a protected area trust fund and ensuring that project activities align with the Annual Work Plan. The specialist will work closely with various stakeholders, including government agencies, project consultants, and local communities, to facilitate the successful execution of project objectives. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to engage effectively with diverse groups to promote awareness and understanding of the project's goals. The specialist will also be responsible for monitoring project progress and ensuring that all activities are conducted in compliance with established guidelines and regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Project Technical Specialist will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including: implementing project activities as outlined in the Annual Work Plan; providing technical inputs to assist project consultants and national counterparts in achieving their planned outputs; coordinating the work of all protected area sites under the guidance of the LTO; assisting in conducting trainings, workshops, and working group meetings; developing awareness materials and reports; organizing meetings with Protected Area landowners; leading the establishment process of the PA trust fund; assisting in the PA approval cycle; facilitating technical assistance for field data collection, surveys, and mapping exercises; developing budgets and programs for project meetings and activities; providing logistical support to project consultants and teams; supporting service providers to ensure smooth implementation of program activities; organizing technical training and project closing workshops; documenting field-level activities; preparing workshop reports, meeting minutes, and project progress reports; assisting with in-country administrative activities; and performing other project-related tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements: a university degree in Environmental Science, Forestry/Natural Resources Management, or related fields; a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in project implementation and management; a working knowledge of English; and must be a national of the Solomon Islands. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate core competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in Environmental Science, Forestry, Natural Resources Management, or a related field. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of environmental management and project implementation in the context of the Solomon Islands.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in project implementation and management. This experience should encompass a range of activities related to environmental conservation, project coordination, and stakeholder engagement, demonstrating the candidate's ability to effectively manage and execute project objectives in a complex and dynamic environment.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the local context may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders and communities involved in the project.

Additional Notes:
FAO does not charge a fee 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 institutions accredited or 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.