International Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) was established in 1945 and is headquartered in Rome, Italy. 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 to ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO operates in over 130 countries and has a mission to support the transformation of agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, contributing to better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind. The organization works closely with member countries, civil society, and the private sector to develop effective policies and practices in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and food security.

Job Overview:
The position of International Consultant within the Forestry Division (NFO) of FAO is crucial for the implementation of the FAO Strategic Framework, particularly focusing on green innovation for better production and scaling up investments. The consultant will be involved in the Forestry and Livelihoods team or the Forest Products and Bioeconomy team, providing technical support and capacity development to member countries. The role requires a deep understanding of sustainable forest management and the ability to analyze and improve forest product value chains. The consultant will work on various thematic areas, including value chain analysis, governance, financial structuring, and the use of digital technologies in forestry. The position demands a proactive approach to enhance the visibility of the teams and their contributions to sustainable development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The International Consultant will have a wide range of responsibilities, including providing technical assistance in sustainable forest product value chain development, supporting the design of financing mechanisms, and developing frameworks for monitoring national and international commitments. The consultant will also be responsible for researching and summarizing relevant data, preparing technical reports, and organizing consultations with experts. Additionally, the consultant will plan and develop capacity-building tools and activities, provide direct support to countries, and contribute to project proposals for sustainable forest product value chain development. Other duties may include ensuring compliance with FAO standards and guidelines in all communications and materials produced.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Social Sciences, Political Sciences, Innovation, International Relations, or a related field recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. Alternatively, a first-level degree combined with two years of relevant experience may be considered. For PSA subscribers, a university degree or specific technical specialization in relevant fields is required. Candidates should have at least 1 year of experience for Category C, 5 years for Category B, or 10 years for Category A in areas such as Forest Economics, Forest Policy, Sustainable Development, or related fields at national or international levels. A working knowledge of English or another official FAO language is also necessary.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree from a recognized institution in fields relevant to the work of the FAO, such as Social Sciences, Political Sciences, Innovation, or International Relations. For those with a first-level degree, two years of relevant experience may be considered as an alternative qualification. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of sustainable forest management and the socio-economic factors influencing forestry practices.

Experience:
The level of experience required for the International Consultant position varies by category. Candidates must have at least 1 year of relevant work experience for Category C, 5 years for Category B, or 10 years for Category A. This experience should be in areas such as Forest Economics, Forest Policy, Sustainable Development, or related fields, preferably at both national and international levels. The role demands a strong background in value chain analysis and sustainable forest management practices.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position, as well as proficiency in another official FAO language, which includes Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. This linguistic capability is crucial for effective communication and collaboration within the international context of FAO's work.

Additional Notes:
The position is likely to be full-time, and candidates will be assessed against the minimum requirements outlined in the job description. The role may involve international travel and collaboration with various stakeholders, including member countries and civil society organizations. Compensation and benefits details are typically provided during the recruitment process, and candidates should be prepared for a dynamic work environment that emphasizes teamwork and knowledge sharing.