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, comprising 57 participating States. Established to promote peace, stability, and democracy, the OSCE operates on a consensus basis, ensuring that all member states have equal status in decision-making processes. The OSCE Secretariat, located in Vienna, provides operational and administrative support to the organization's various field operations and institutions, facilitating international cooperation on security issues. The OSCE's mission includes addressing economic and environmental challenges that can impact security, particularly in regions vulnerable to climate change and illegal activities such as logging.

Job Overview:
The position of International Consultant Expert on Sustainable Forest Governance is crucial for the OSCE's efforts to combat illegal logging and its associated climate-related security risks in South-Eastern Europe (SEE). The expert will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive regional risk assessment to evaluate the extent, drivers, and consequences of illegal logging. This role involves not only assessing the current situation but also identifying strategies to enhance regional cooperation and governance frameworks. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders to ensure that the assessment is inclusive and reflects the diverse perspectives of affected communities. The ultimate goal is to develop actionable recommendations that will strengthen governance and promote sustainable forest management practices across the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will undertake a variety of tasks under the supervision of the OCEEA, including:

• Developing a methodological framework for assessing illegal logging and its climate-related security risks in SEE.
• Conducting quantitative and qualitative research, including desk research, interviews, and focus groups, to gather data on illegal logging patterns.
• Reviewing existing legal, policy, and institutional frameworks related to forest governance and assessing enforcement capacities.
• Analyzing the interconnections between forest governance, illegal logging, climate change, and security.
• Facilitating stakeholder consultations to promote inclusive participation in the assessment process.
• Conducting a gender-sensitive analysis of the impacts of illegal logging on different demographics.
• Drafting the regional risk assessment report, which will include jurisdiction-specific annexes and recommendations for capacity building and governance improvements.

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. Additionally, a minimum of four years of professional experience in areas related to forest governance, climate change, or environmental policy is required. Demonstrated experience in conducting risk assessments and data analysis is essential, along with a strong understanding of the socio-political dynamics in South Eastern Europe. Excellent communication skills in English, both written and verbal, are mandatory, and knowledge of local languages is considered an asset. Candidates should also have strong analytical skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Educational Background:
The position requires 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 essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of the complexities involved in sustainable forest governance and environmental issues.

Experience:
A minimum of four years of relevant professional experience is required for this position. Candidates should have a proven track record in conducting risk assessments, data analysis, and similar evaluative studies. Experience in the context of forest governance and climate change, particularly within the socio-political landscape of South Eastern Europe, is highly desirable. Familiarity with stakeholder engagement and facilitation in professional settings will also be considered a strong asset.

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 facilitate better engagement with local stakeholders and enhance the inclusivity of the assessment process.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a period of 15 months, with specific tasks and deliverables outlined in the contract. The position is classified as a Special Service Agreement (SSA) and is considered a professional-level consultancy. The OSCE is committed to diversity and encourages applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. The remuneration package will be based on the consultant's qualifications and experience, in accordance with OSCE established rates. Travel within South-Eastern Europe will be required and covered in addition to the remuneration.