Job Description
Organizational Setting
The Forest Assessment, Management and Conservation Division provides services to member countries on matters relating to the forest assessment, development, management, conservation, restoration and protection of forests, trees, water, mountains, biodiversity, wildlife and related natural resources as well as for providing a neutral forum for the discussion of such topics. Other topics of interest for the Division are agroforestry, urban forestry, and forests and climate change, including Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+).
This position is located in the Forest Assessment, Management and Conservation Division (FOM) in the Forestry Department.
Reporting Lines
The Forestry Officer reports to the Senior Forestry Officer/Team Leader, Forest Resources Management Team
Technical Focus
Planning, developing, implementing and technically supporting programmes and activities in the field of conservation and sustainable management of wildlife, and protected area management.
Key Results
Comprehensive technical and policy expertise to support the planning, development and implementation of Departmental/Division programmes, projects, products and services in accordance with Departmental/Division objectives and FAO Strategic Objectives
Key Functions
- Plans and leads components of multi-disciplinary teams, leads and/or participates on Organization-wide, cross-Departmental committees, project teams, and working groups and/or provides specialized expertise on technical networks and/or international technical policy and/or international technical policy and standard setting bodies;
- Develops technical, analytical, monitoring and reporting frameworks, and related methodologies, tools, systems and databases etc. to support the planning, implementation/delivery and monitoring of programmes of work, projects, products and/or services;
- Designs and conducts research, data collection, validation, analysis and/or reporting activities to support the development of technical standards, international instruments, innovative approaches and strategies, new tools, technologies, technical reports/publications, and/or policy proposals as well as the provision of technical/policy/ specialist/advice and expertise;
- Responds to country requests for technical and policy assistance, provides technical advice, assistance and solutions to Decentralized Offices and provides technical backstopping to field projects;
- Collaborates in, provides technical backstopping to and ensures the quality / effectiveness of capacity development and knowledge sharing activities within member countries such as policy support, organizational development and individual learning events including preparation of related information, learning materials, on-line tools;
- Promotes international cooperation/advocates best practices, increased policy dialogue and provides technical expertise at international/intergovernmental meetings;
- Participates in resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Corporate strategy.
Specific Functions
- Supervises and implements normative activities in conservation and sustainable management of wildlife, and protected area management;
- Promotes and advises member countries on policies, strategies and methods of conservation and sustainable management of wildlife, and protected area management, including the use of participatory methods for better contribution of wildlife conservation and management to rural development, livelihood improvement and food security;
- Collaborates with other divisions concerned in related technical fields and support collaborative inter-agency activities in above areas, including servicing the Collaborative Partnership on Sustainable Wildlife Management;
- Serves as the Forestry Department focal point for biodiversity related to wildlife including i.e. participation in inter-departmental activities and programmes, and participation in FAO’s contribution to international agreements in these areas.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
- Advanced university degree in Forestry, Biology or related discipline with specialization or a post-graduate degree in protected areas and wildlife conservation and management
- Seven years of relevant experience in in forestry, wildlife conservation and management, and protected area management
- Working knowledge of English, French or Spanish and limited knowledge of or one of the other two or Arabic, Chinese, Russian
Competencies
- Results Focus
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Building Effective Relationships
- Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
- Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable
- Extent and relevance of experience in wildlife conservation and management and protected area management
- Extent and relevance of experience in developing countries and knowledge of global issues, international initiatives and agreements related to conservation and sustainable management of forests and biodiversity
- Working knowledge of other official languages would be an asset
About the Organization
An intergovernmental organization, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has 194 Member Nations, two associate members and one member organization, the European Union. Achieving food security for all is at the heart of FAO's efforts - to make sure people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO's mandate is to raise levels of nutrition, improve agricultural productivity, better the lives of rural populations and contribute to the growth of the world economy.
