Forestry Officer

Organizational Context

The FAO Investment Centre (CFI) in Rome, Italy, provides investment and finance solutions to enhance agrifood systems globally. Operating in over 120 countries, CFI collaborates with governments, financial institutions, the private sector, and research bodies to improve agrifood investment quality and quantity. Its work spans strategic investment planning, policy, public and private investment, and innovative finance, complemented by knowledge sharing and capacity development programs.

Job Purpose

The Forestry Officer will be responsible for formulating, implementing, and evaluating investment and finance solutions for forest landscape management, restoration, and sustainable forest management. This role supports food security, agriculture, rural development, climate change mitigation, and natural resource management. Key functions include providing technical expertise for designing investment operations in collaboration with stakeholders, mobilizing resources for critical development areas, and supporting implementation and evaluation of these operations. The officer will lead multidisciplinary teams, assist governments in preparing investment solutions, and contribute to national sector strategies and investment plans, ensuring alignment with FAO's Strategic Framework.

Responsibilities

The Forestry Officer will participate in and lead multidisciplinary teams to assist governments in identifying and preparing investment and finance support solutions in forestry and sustainable forest management, particularly concerning food security, agriculture, rural development, and natural resource management. This includes participation in pre-appraisal and appraisal missions. The role involves leading teams for implementation support and final evaluations of forestry and natural resources management investment operations. The officer will provide technical expertise for national sector investment plans and programmes, supporting sustainable forest management involving local communities and private sector actors. Additionally, the role includes formulating and delivering capacity development strategies for government staff and non-state actors, preparing reports, supporting task organization, and promoting international cooperation and resource mobilization.

Work Experience

Seven years of relevant experience is required in planning and implementing forest resources management and sustainable development projects and programmes. This includes experience in the formulation and/or implementation of forest and agroforestry, forest landscape restoration, rural development, natural resource management, and agro-processing investment operations in developing countries and/or countries in transition.

Skills

The role requires experience in major technical fields related to forest resources management, biodiversity conservation, natural resources management, and climate change in developing countries. Experience in multidisciplinary teams for strategy preparation and evaluation of investment initiatives in forestry and rural development is essential. Familiarity with investment design and evaluation procedures of major development partners like the World Bank and IFAD is beneficial. Experience with International Financing Institutions (IFIs) and bilateral development partners, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean, is advantageous. Demonstrated experience in capacity development and stakeholder engagement, along with strong technical report writing skills in English, is necessary. Working knowledge of Spanish is an asset.

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