Forestry Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, which was established in 194

• FAO's mission is to eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, make agriculture, forestry, and fisheries more productive and sustainable, reduce rural poverty, and enable inclusive and efficient agricultural and food systems. The organization operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of approximately 12,000 employees. The Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) specifically focuses on addressing regional priorities for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, agriculture, and rural development, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to programs, and collaborating with various stakeholders to implement strategic responses to regional challenges.

Job Overview:
The Forestry Specialist position is located within the Forestry and Biodiversity Team of the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok, Thailand. The role involves providing technical advice and expertise for overseeing forestry-related field project implementation in the Asia-Pacific region. The specialist will collaborate with country stakeholders and partners to design investment operations aimed at mobilizing resources for biodiversity-friendly, climate-resilient conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of forests and trees. This position emphasizes integrated approaches, forest and landscape restoration, value chain development, and sustainable financing, all within the context of transforming agrifood systems. The Forestry Specialist will report to the Senior Forestry Officer/Forestry Officer and will be expected to participate in multidisciplinary teams to assist governments in various capacities, including project formulation and implementation, policy-making, and capacity development activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Forestry Specialist include participating in multidisciplinary teams to assist governments in identifying, assessing, designing, and preparing investment operations at both national and regional levels. The specialist will also be involved in formulating field programs and projects, preparing funding proposals, and providing technical backstopping for national field projects, particularly those funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Additionally, the role requires providing advice and technical expertise on data analysis, policy-making, and strategy formulation. The Forestry Specialist will support capacity development activities, knowledge management, and documentation of best practices, while also coordinating engagement across multi-partner regional programs and networks. Other related duties may be assigned as required.

Required Qualifications:
The minimum requirements for the position include an advanced university degree or a university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in forestry, natural resources management, environmental sciences, or a related discipline. For consultants with a bachelor's degree, two additional years of relevant professional experience are required. For PSA.SBS positions, a university degree or technical degree/certificate in a relevant field is necessary. Candidates must have at least five years of relevant experience in formulating and implementing field projects or programs, along with a working knowledge of English at Level C. FAO core competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing are essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree or a university degree in forestry, natural resources management, environmental sciences, or any other discipline relevant to the work of the FAO. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of forestry and biodiversity management, as well as the sustainable practices necessary for effective project implementation in the Asia-Pacific region.

Experience:
The position requires at least five years of relevant experience in the formulation and implementation of field projects or programs. Candidates should have demonstrated technical experience in the thematic fields related to forestry and biodiversity, as well as experience in mobilizing resources and providing technical backstopping for field projects. Experience working in multidisciplinary and multi-cultural teams, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, is highly valued. Familiarity with FAO technical tools and approaches is considered a plus.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English (Level C) is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of another FAO language such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish, or Russian is desirable and can enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Bangkok, Thailand, and is likely to involve collaboration with various stakeholders across the Asia-Pacific region. While the job ad does not specify a deadline for applications, candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The role may involve both full-time and part-time responsibilities, depending on the specific needs of the organization and the projects being undertaken. Compensation and benefits details are not provided in the job ad, but candidates can expect to receive competitive remuneration in line with FAO standards.