Forestry Officer

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Forestry Officer
Location: Panama City
Country: Panama
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Subregional Office for Mesoamerica (SLM) is a branch of the FAO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (RLC). It is dedicated to developing, promoting, overseeing, and implementing strategies and projects aimed at transforming agrifood systems and enhancing rural development. The organization focuses on fostering relationships with institutions across the subregion to ensure effective collaboration and implementation of its initiatives. The SLM plays a crucial role in addressing regional challenges related to security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, sustainable agriculture, and environmental resilience, contributing to the broader mission of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Job Overview:
The Forestry Officer position is pivotal in supporting the planning, development, and implementation of regional programs and projects that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to sustainable forest management and climate resilience. The officer will be responsible for coordinating with various stakeholders, including national authorities, private sector partners, and civil society organizations, to ensure that forestry policies and practices are effectively integrated into broader agricultural and environmental strategies. This role requires a comprehensive understanding of forestry's impact on food security, nutrition, and sustainable rural development, as well as the ability to engage in policy dialogue and provide technical support to enhance regional capacities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Forestry Officer will lead multidisciplinary teams and participate in internal committees and project teams, providing specialized expertise on technical networks and international policy standards. Key responsibilities include developing analytical frameworks and methodologies to support program planning and monitoring, conducting research and data analysis to inform policy proposals, and responding to technical assistance requests from country offices. The officer will also be involved in capacity development activities, ensuring the quality of knowledge-sharing initiatives, and promoting international cooperation through advocacy and technical expertise at various meetings. Additionally, the officer will contribute to resource mobilization efforts in line with the FAO Strategic Framework, ensuring that regional programs are adequately funded and supported.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in forest economics, forest resources management, social or community forestry, natural resources management, or a related field. A minimum of seven years of relevant experience at the country level in areas such as sustainable forest management, ecosystem restoration, and the formulation of forest-related policies is required. Proficiency in English and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is essential for effective communication and collaboration.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree, which indicates a high level of academic achievement in fields related to forestry and natural resource management. This educational background is crucial for understanding complex ecological and economic interactions within forest ecosystems and for developing effective policies and programs.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least seven years of relevant experience, particularly in forest economics and sustainable forest management. This experience should include substantive involvement in the formulation and implementation of forest-related policies, demonstrating a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the forestry sector. Experience in diverse geographical locations, especially in Latin America and the Caribbean, is highly desirable.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English (proficiency - level C) is mandatory, along with intermediate proficiency (level B) in another FAO official language. Proficiency in Spanish is highly desirable, reflecting the regional context of the position and the need for effective communication with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and based in Panama City, Panama. The role involves significant interaction with various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations, necessitating strong interpersonal and communication skills. The Forestry Officer will also be expected to engage in resource mobilization activities, contributing to the sustainability and effectiveness of forestry programs in the region.