Forestry Expert (Mid-Term Review)

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission 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. With 195 Members, including 194 countries and the European Union, FAO operates in over 130 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, contributing to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. FAO Country Offices provide policy advice and support to countries, ensuring effective operations and adequate resources while adhering to international standards of accountability. They advocate for policies, provide technical assistance, and mobilize resources to support agrifood systems transformation, positioning FAO as the authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture.

Job Overview:
The Forestry Expert (Mid-Term Review) will play a crucial role in supporting the mid-term review (MTR) process of a GEF-funded project aimed at enhancing biodiversity and restoring degraded forestlands. This position involves a comprehensive understanding of the project’s goals and methodologies, as well as the ability to engage with various stakeholders to collect and analyze data. The expert will be responsible for designing data collection instruments, participating in field visits, and consolidating evidence to formulate findings and recommendations. The role requires a strong technical background in forestry or natural resource management, as well as experience in conducting evaluations. The expert will work closely with the MTR Team Leader and FAO MTR Manager to ensure the review process is thorough and meets the necessary standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Forestry Expert (Mid-Term Review) include: reviewing relevant background documentation provided by the FAO MTR manager and project team; contributing to the preparation of data-collection tools such as questionnaires and checklists; actively participating in the collection of primary data through interviews and meetings with key stakeholders; consolidating all evidence collected during the MTR process in a structured format; ensuring that all data is recorded and organized according to key MTR questions; participating in the analysis and discussion of evidence to identify key findings; delivering written inputs on specific areas of assessment for all deliverables, including the inception report and draft MTR report; and supporting the International MTR Team Leader in finalizing the report based on feedback from stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in evaluation, forestry, natural-resource management, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of seven years of experience in a relevant technical area is required, along with a good understanding of the national and/or local context. Candidates must be nationals of the Philippines or residents with a valid work permit. Proficiency in English and Filipino at a working knowledge level (level C) is also necessary.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree in evaluation, forestry, natural-resource management, or a related field. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to the mid-term review process.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least seven years of experience in a relevant technical area, which includes a strong understanding of the national and/or local context. This level of experience is crucial for effectively engaging with stakeholders and conducting evaluations that are contextually relevant and impactful.

Languages:
A working knowledge (level C) of English and Filipino is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with stakeholders and for the preparation of reports and documentation. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. The role is expected to be full-time, and candidates will be assessed based on their qualifications and experience. The contract duration and specific compensation details will be discussed during the recruitment process.