National Forestry Specialist

Organizational Context

The FAO Country Office in Kyrgyzstan, led by an FAO Representative, supports the government in developing policies, programs, and projects to enhance food security, reduce hunger and malnutrition, and promote sustainable agricultural, fisheries, and forestry sectors. FAO Kyrgyzstan actively participates in field projects focused on food security, agriculture, and rural development, aligning with sustainable food and agriculture frameworks to boost production, address climate change, manage natural resources, and improve rural livelihoods. Currently, FAO is implementing the GCF-funded project “Carbon Sequestration through Climate Investment in Forests and Rangelands (CS-FOR)” in collaboration with the Kyrgyz Republic.

Job Purpose

The National Forestry Specialist will provide essential technical and project support to the GCF-funded project “Carbon Sequestration through Climate Investment in Forests and Rangelands (CS-FOR)” (GCP/KYR/020/GCF). This role is crucial for the successful implementation of project activities aimed at increasing carbon sequestration through climate investments in forests and rangelands. The specialist will contribute to reducing degradation and emissions by supporting institutional frameworks, promoting ecosystem-based sustainable natural resource management, and facilitating green growth investments. The position directly contributes to developing a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy while capitalizing on adaptation and disaster risk reduction co-benefits.

Responsibilities

The National Forestry Specialist will provide technical support to trainers for various training sessions, including those on Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure (VGGT) at municipal and local levels. Responsibilities include supporting and participating in regional and district-level dialogues, assisting the project team in organizing stakeholder review and planning workshops, and aiding in the organization of Training of Trainers (ToT) on Natural Resource Management (NRM), ecosystems, VGGT, and mentoring for sectoral institutions. The specialist will support international forestry consultants, establish a system for documenting findings, and develop Terms of Reference for forestry-related subcontracting and consulting services. Key tasks involve conducting technical discussions on study areas, including legislative impacts on biodiversity and livelihoods, to inform regulatory harmonization and support dialogues on biodiversity conservation and forest ecosystem development, ensuring gender equality. The role includes supporting the development and implementation of Integrated Natural Resource Management and Climate Resilience Plans (INRMCRP), preparing for reforestation and assisted natural regeneration activities, and mobilizing communities for training, analyzing gender implications. The specialist will also support gender-responsive forestry activities, assist in improving forest resource management, restoration, and afforestation using innovative practices, and conduct capacity-building activities. Technical inputs will be provided for developing INRMCRP guides, organizing forestry activities, nurseries, and supporting innovative planting methods. The specialist will ensure adherence to the project work plan, prepare progress reports, and initiate the development of necessary project documents, while providing advisory support to pilot forestry enterprises and nature parks.

Work Experience

Requires at least 8 years of experience in forest management, encompassing forest monitoring, inventory, and resource assessment. A minimum of 5 years of this experience must be with national or regional projects in the forestry sector. Fluency in Russian and Kyrgyz is necessary, with English at a B level being advantageous.

Skills

Key competencies include Results Focus, Teamwork, Communication, Building Effective Relationships, and Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement. The role requires strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, effective communication and interpersonal skills, and the capacity to work collaboratively within a team and with diverse stakeholders.

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