Landscape Coordination and Forest Restoration Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. 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 ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO's mission is to help 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 is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and works closely with governments, civil society, and the private sector to implement programs and initiatives that support sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The Landscape Coordination and Forest Restoration Specialist will serve as the field-based focal point for the AFR100 Support Programme in Tanzania, specifically focusing on the Monduli – Karatu landscape in the Arusha Region. This role involves coordinating partner activities, providing technical guidance on Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR), and ensuring effective field-level implementation of the program. The specialist will be responsible for monitoring the progress of restoration activities, facilitating collaboration among stakeholders, and addressing any challenges that arise during implementation. The position requires a strong understanding of FLR principles and practices, as well as the ability to engage with local communities and authorities to ensure that restoration efforts are aligned with local needs and priorities. The specialist will also play a key role in documenting and sharing lessons learned and best practices from the field to enhance the visibility and impact of the program.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Landscape Coordination and Forest Restoration Specialist will have a range of responsibilities, including:

• Coordinating field-level activities across all service providers in the Monduli – Karatu landscape to ensure coherence and avoid duplication.
• Organizing and facilitating regular landscape-level coordination meetings to support effective collaboration among stakeholders.
• Establishing and maintaining relationships with district authorities, local government focal points, communities, and Forest and Farm Producer Organizations (FFPOs).
• Supporting communities and producer groups in accessing grant mechanisms and providing guidance on application processes.
• Providing technical guidance on FLR approaches and ensuring alignment with restoration priorities and technical standards.
• Conducting field visits to monitor the quality and progress of restoration activities and identifying any implementation challenges.
• Collaborating with the M&E Specialist to verify reported information and facilitate timely communication of progress and results.
• Documenting good practices and success stories to enhance program visibility and learning.
• Performing any other duties as assigned by the supervisor to support FAO's mission and objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Forestry, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Science, Agroforestry, Land Restoration, Ecology, or a closely related field. Additionally, a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in Forest and Landscape Restoration (FLR), sustainable land management, or related field-based programs is required. Candidates should demonstrate experience in coordinating field-based activities involving multiple partners and providing technical guidance on restoration approaches. Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders are essential.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Forestry, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Science, Agroforestry, Land Restoration, or Ecology. Candidates must have obtained their qualifications from an accredited institution recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of relevant professional experience in areas related to Forest and Landscape Restoration (FLR), sustainable land management, or similar field-based programs. Experience working directly with rural communities, producer organizations, and local government authorities is highly desirable. Practical experience in providing technical guidance on restoration practices is also essential.

Languages:
Fluency in Swahili is mandatory, and working knowledge of English is required. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory for this position.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates must be medically fit for appointment and meet any residency or visa requirements. The position may involve fieldwork and requires a strong commitment to the FAO's mission and strategic framework.