International Chief Technical Advisor (CTA)

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is an international organization that leads global 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 more than 12,000 employees worldwide, working towards achieving food security and sustainable agricultural practices.

Job Overview:
The International Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) position is crucial for providing technical guidance and support to national and sub-national experts in Sierra Leone as they work on the National Forest Monitoring System (NFMS) and the first National Forest Inventory. The CTA will play a key role in assisting the Government of Sierra Leone in developing policies and programs aimed at sustainable forest management and monitoring. This position requires a deep understanding of forestry, natural resource management, and the ability to collaborate with various stakeholders to ensure effective project implementation. The CTA will be responsible for overseeing the technical aspects of the project, ensuring that all activities align with international standards and best practices in forestry management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the International Chief Technical Advisor include conducting research and analysis on technical, social, economic, and environmental issues related to forestry. The CTA will produce technical reports and documents, provide support for assessments and studies, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop improved tools and systems for forest monitoring. The role also involves capacity development activities, ensuring quality assurance of project outputs, preparing detailed work plans, and coordinating project task force meetings. The CTA will liaise with various stakeholders, including government counterparts and technical partners, to facilitate smooth project implementation and address any challenges that arise during the project lifecycle. Regular reporting and communication with FAO experts and external partners are also essential components of this role.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in forestry, forest economics, forest engineering, or a related field. A minimum of five years of relevant experience in forestry development or natural resources management in developing countries is required. Proficiency in English at a level C and intermediate knowledge of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is also necessary. Candidates should demonstrate competencies in results focus, teamwork, communication, and building effective relationships, along with technical skills in forest assessment and monitoring, policy formulation, and data analysis.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in forestry or a closely related field. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of forest management and the technical aspects of the National Forest Monitoring System.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in forestry development, natural resources management, or related fields, particularly in developing countries. Candidates should have experience working in field positions and a strong understanding of forest assessment and monitoring issues, as well as familiarity with sustainability policies in the forestry sector.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with a level C proficiency required. Additionally, candidates should have at least an intermediate proficiency (level B) in another official FAO language, which could include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. This multilingual capability is essential for effective communication and collaboration in an international context.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and involves full-time engagement with the FAO. The role may require international travel for project-related activities and consultations. The contract duration and specific compensation details will be discussed during the recruitment process.