Forestry Specialist
Organizational Context
The FAO Subregional Office for Central Asia (SEC) is dedicated to fostering sustainable, resilient, and productive forest landscapes throughout the subregion. Its forestry initiatives encompass diverse areas such as sustainable forest management, forest monitoring, restoration, biodiversity conservation, climate action, and capacity development. The Forestry Specialist will provide crucial technical expertise to SEC's forestry programs, ensuring the quality and effective implementation of initiatives, with a strong focus on sustainable forest management practices.
Job Purpose
This role focuses on advancing sustainable and multifunctional forest management practices. Key areas of emphasis include forest management planning, comprehensive forest resource assessment and monitoring, biodiversity and ecosystem conservation, forest and landscape restoration, and enhancing climate resilience. The position requires the application of evidence-based approaches, methodologies, and tools to ensure the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of forest management strategies across the subregion, contributing to the overall goals of FAO SEC.
Responsibilities
The Forestry Specialist will provide expert technical advice and support on sustainable and multifunctional forest management, contributing to the planning, implementation, and oversight of FAO SEC's forestry activities at national and subregional levels. This includes conducting technical assessments of forest management systems, identifying gaps and opportunities, and developing appropriate planning approaches and tools. The role involves analyzing forest-related data, synthesizing findings into actionable recommendations, and integrating biodiversity, climate change, and restoration considerations into forest management policies. The specialist will also contribute to forest resource assessment and monitoring, develop technical guidelines, provide guidance on field-based initiatives, and promote sound forestry practices and innovations. Facilitating workshops, capacity development, and collaborating with stakeholders are also key duties.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in forestry is necessary, with demonstrated technical expertise in sustainable forest management and forest management planning. Experience in related forestry disciplines is also required.
Skills
Essential skills include strong technical knowledge of sustainable and multifunctional forest management, including planning principles and practices. The ability to assess forest management systems, identify gaps, and formulate recommendations is crucial. Proficiency in forest resource assessment, inventory, and monitoring, as well as integrating biodiversity, ecosystem services, and climate change considerations, is required. Experience in developing and applying forestry methodologies, analyzing complex technical information, and utilizing geospatial information and digital tools is important. The role also demands strong communication, drafting, and presentation skills in English, along with the ability to facilitate workshops and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.