Senior Forestry Officer (Team Leader)

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Position Title: Senior Forestry Officer (Team Leader)
Location: Rome
Country: Italy
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is an agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission 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. FAO operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of approximately 12,000 employees worldwide, working collaboratively with governments, civil society, and the private sector to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The Senior Forestry Officer (Team Leader) is a pivotal role within the Forestry Division (NFO) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. This position is responsible for leading FAO's initiatives aimed at enhancing sustainable production and building resilient livelihoods through forestry and agroforestry systems. The officer will support countries in improving productivity and sustainability in forestry, provide policy and technical support to small-scale producers and local communities, and promote equitable access to resources and rights for marginalized groups. The role also emphasizes the importance of forestry education and capacity development, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of sustainable forest management. The officer will work closely with various stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and the private sector, to implement effective strategies that align with FAO's strategic objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Forestry Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including planning and managing specialized teams, leading cross-divisional committees, and providing technical leadership on international policy and standards. The officer will analyze global and country-specific requirements to inform FAO's strategic framework and work plans. They will implement and monitor programs, conduct research and analysis to support technical standards and policy advisory services, and provide capacity development and knowledge sharing activities. The officer will represent FAO at international meetings, advocate for best practices, and develop strategic partnerships. Specific functions include leading normative work on sustainable forestry production, community organization, and resource mobilization efforts, as well as collecting and disseminating data related to forestry production and livelihoods.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in forestry, agroforestry, natural resources management, rural development, or economics. A minimum of ten years of relevant experience in sustainable forestry or natural resources production, particularly in developing countries, is required. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in English and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish). Competencies such as results focus, leadership, communication, and strategic thinking are essential for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as forestry, agroforestry, natural resources management, rural development, or economics. This advanced degree is crucial for understanding the complexities of sustainable forestry practices and their impact on livelihoods and the environment.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least ten years of relevant experience in sustainable forestry or natural resources production, with a focus on building sustainable and resilient livelihoods. Experience in developing countries is particularly valuable, as it provides insight into the challenges and opportunities faced in these contexts. The role requires a demonstrated ability to mobilize resources and partnerships, as well as experience in managing interdisciplinary teams and initiatives.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with a requirement for intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. This linguistic capability is essential for effective communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders across different regions.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rome, Italy, at FAO headquarters. It is a full-time role that may involve international travel for meetings and fieldwork. The Senior Forestry Officer will engage in resource mobilization activities and may participate in the preparation of project proposals. The role emphasizes collaboration with various teams within FAO and external partners to achieve strategic objectives related to sustainable forestry and livelihoods.