Forest Landscape Restoration Specialist

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU) leads the region's response to food security, agriculture, and rural development priorities. FAO REU oversees the FAO Project Office in Serbia, which manages the country programme and monitors agri-food sector policy development. A significant Green Climate Fund (GCF) project, "FOREST Invest," operational since February 2025 with USD 83.8 million in financing, aims to enhance Serbian forest resilience. FAO serves as the Executing Entity for this project.

Job Purpose

The Forest Landscape Restoration Specialist will support the technical implementation of project activities under the leadership of FAO as the Executing Entity, adhering to the Annual Work Plan and Budget. This role requires close cooperation with national counterparts and project partners to ensure the effective technical execution of project activities in target areas. A key focus will be on forest restoration interventions, particularly those related to Outcomes 2 and 3, and contributing to the enabling conditions for implementing Serbia’s Law on Forests (2010). The specialist will play a crucial role in advancing the project's objectives within Serbia.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include enhancing nursery capacities for climate-adaptive seedlings at national nurseries and seed centers, including training staff in seed handling. The specialist will manage seed stand selection, seed collection, storage, and treatment to produce up to 35 million seedlings. This role involves overseeing logistics for planting material transfer and planting operations on selected lands for forest and agroforestry investments, using sustainable and climate-adaptive practices. Site preparation, planting, and maintenance of public and private lands are also included. The specialist will develop the capacities of public and private stakeholders in forest restoration, assess and monitor restoration interventions and their impacts, and contribute to project communication and knowledge management. Additionally, the role requires preparing technical inputs for progress and monitoring reports and ensuring national stakeholders understand and fulfill their roles for high-quality output delivery.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of relevant experience in project/programme implementation within the natural resources management sector is required. Experience in more than one location or area of work, and specific experience in implementing natural resources management projects, are also valued.

Skills

Essential skills include results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing. Proficiency in English, both oral and written, is necessary. Experience in project management at the field level, particularly in natural resources management projects, is highly desirable. The ability to work effectively in diverse locations and contribute to continuous improvement is also important.

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