Forestry Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The FAO Investment Centre (CFI) is a specialized unit within the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, established to provide investment and finance solutions aimed at creating more efficient, sustainable, inclusive, and resilient agrifood systems. The Centre operates in over 120 countries, partnering with governments, international and national financing institutions, the private sector, farmers, research institutions, and academia to enhance the quality and quantity of agrifood investments. The FAO Investment Centre focuses on four main areas: strategic investment planning and policy, public investment, private investment, and innovative finance, complemented by knowledge sharing and capacity development programs that aim to build local capacities and share best practices.

Job Overview:
The Forestry Officer position is situated within the Latin America and the Caribbean Service (CFIF) of the FAO Investment Centre (CFI) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. The role primarily involves the formulation, implementation support, and evaluation of investment and finance support solutions related to forest landscape management and restoration, as well as sustainable forest management. This position is critical in the context of security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, agriculture, rural development, climate change, and natural resource management. The Forestry Officer will focus on enhancing biological diversity and ecosystem services, ensuring that local communities and forest dwellers have access to markets for sustainable wood and non-timber forest products. The officer will also engage in strategic and policy work to promote sustainable practices in forestry and related sectors.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Forestry Officer will participate in and potentially lead multidisciplinary teams to assist governments in identifying and preparing investment and finance support solutions in forestry and sustainable forest management. This includes involvement in pre-appraisal and appraisal missions, providing technical expertise in forestry and sustainable management, and supporting the formulation of national investment plans. The officer will also be responsible for developing capacity-building strategies and activities, preparing reports in line with FAO and partner requirements, and promoting international cooperation to create new investment opportunities. Additional responsibilities include engaging with relevant FAO Technical Units, participating in resource mobilization activities, and providing guidance to colleagues and junior staff.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in tropical and subtropical forest science, forest economics, or a closely related field. A minimum of seven years of relevant experience in planning and implementing forest resource management and sustainable development projects is required. This experience should include formulating and implementing forest and agroforestry projects, as well as rural development and natural resource management initiatives in developing countries or countries in transition. Candidates should also demonstrate proficiency in English and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish).

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, specifically a Master’s degree or equivalent, in fields related to tropical and subtropical forest science or forest economics. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of forest management and sustainable development.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in the field of forest resource management and sustainable development. Candidates should have a proven track record in planning and implementing projects related to forest and agroforestry, as well as experience in rural development and natural resource management in developing countries or countries in transition. Experience working with international financing institutions and in multidisciplinary teams is highly desirable.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another FAO official language, which could include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. Additionally, proficiency in Spanish is considered an asset for this position.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rome, Italy, at the FAO headquarters. It is important to note that the role may involve international travel and collaboration with various stakeholders, including government officials and development partners. The FAO Investment Centre emphasizes a results-oriented approach and values teamwork, communication, and knowledge sharing. The position may also involve capacity development initiatives aimed at enhancing the skills of government staff and non-state actors in the forestry sector.