International Consultant Expert on Sustainable Forest Governance

Job Posting Organization:
The Organization for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is the world’s largest regional security organization, established with 57 participating States that enjoy equal status. Decisions within the OSCE are made by consensus and are politically, but not legally binding. The OSCE Secretariat, located in Vienna, provides operational and administrative support to the field operations and assists the OSCE decision-making bodies in their activities. The OSCE aims to strengthen security and stability in the region through various initiatives, including economic and environmental cooperation, and addresses security risks associated with climate change.

Job Overview:
The position of International Consultant Expert on Sustainable Forest Governance is focused on conducting a regional risk assessment of illegal logging and its associated climate-related security risks in South-Eastern Europe (SEE). The expert will work under the supervision of the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA) and will be responsible for integrating sustainable forest governance into the assessment. The consultant will engage in quantitative and qualitative research, stakeholder consultations, and the development of a methodological framework for the assessment. The role requires a comprehensive understanding of the interlinkages between forest governance, climate change, and security, and aims to enhance regional cooperation to prevent illegal logging and address climate-related security risks.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will be tasked with developing a methodological framework for assessing illegal logging in SEE, conducting quantitative and qualitative research, reviewing legal and policy frameworks, and assessing the interlinkages between forest governance and climate change. The consultant will also facilitate stakeholder consultations, conduct a gender-sensitive assessment of the impacts of illegal logging, and contribute to the drafting of the regional risk assessment report. The role involves collaboration with local experts and requires travel within South-Eastern Europe, with travel expenses covered in addition to the remuneration package.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree in relevant fields such as environmental science, forest governance, law, or social and political science. A minimum of four years of professional experience in related areas is required, along with demonstrated experience in conducting risk assessments and data analysis. Knowledge of forest governance, climate change, and socio-political dynamics in SEE is essential. Strong analytical and writing skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office, and excellent communication abilities are also necessary. Experience working in an OSCE context is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a first-level university degree, which can be in environmental science, forest governance, law, social and political science, or other relevant interdisciplinary fields. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of forest governance and environmental issues in the context of security risks.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of relevant professional experience, particularly in conducting risk assessments, data analysis, and developing methodologies for assessments. Candidates should have a strong understanding of the political and environmental dynamics in South Eastern Europe, as well as experience in stakeholder engagement and facilitation.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent communication and drafting skills. Knowledge of languages spoken in South Eastern Europe is considered an asset, as it may enhance stakeholder engagement and understanding of regional dynamics.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 60-70 days over a period of 15 months, with a full-time schedule. The contract type is a Special Service Agreement (SSA) or Consultant, and the position is classified at a professional job level. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging candidates from various backgrounds to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct and integrity among its officials.