Forest Economics Specialist

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency

HOW TO APPLY

To apply visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate complete and includes your employment records academic qualifications and language skills
Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
Once your profile is completed please apply and submit your application

Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED) a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.

Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work character education military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
Incomplete applications will not be considered
Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAOs behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications assessment tests background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time by withdrawing your application in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries please create a one-time registration with FAOs client support team for further assistance: IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient inclusive resilient and sustainable agrifood systems for better production better nutrition a better environment and a better life leaving no one behind.

Organizational Setting

The Forestry Division (NFO) leads FAOs work in promoting sustainable forest management the forest contributions to the bioeconomy and providing leadership on the environmental social and economic dimensions of forestry including its contributions to poverty reduction and food security and nutrition. It liaises with Members civil society and the private sector in aspects ranging from development of effective forest policies to forest conservation and management issues and strengthens the role of forests in climate change mitigation and adaptation. The Division also collects analyses and disseminates information on the worlds forest resources and on the production trade and consumption of wood and non-wood forest products and their contributions to forest-based bioeconomies.
The post is located in either the Forestry and Livelihoods team or the Forest Products and Bioeconomy team NFO. The teams provides technical support capacity development guidelines advisory and facilitation services to member countries to recognize the value of services provided by forest ecosystems and improve the scale and sustainability of forest product value chains.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall guidance of the relevant Team Leader the incumbent(s) directly report(s) to the relevant Forestry Officer(s).

Technical Focus

The incumbent(s) will contribute to the implementation of the FAO Strategic Framework and in particular the program priority areas of green innovation for better production and scaling up investments. Specifically the Forestry and Livelihood and Forest Products and Bioeconomy teams are looking for international consultants with experience and working knowledge on thematic areas related to:
Value chain analysis
Governance and institutional arrangements for sustainable and efficient forest product value chains
Financial structuring and investment design for sustainable value chains including blended finance and delivery mechanisms
Innovation and digital technologies for sustainable forest production and post-harvesting services
Economics of forestry and landscape restoration
Planted forests
Forest finance
Forest policy
Partnerships development and resource mobilization
Knowledge management and outreach for increased visibility

Tasks and responsibilities

Provide technical assistance on the technical areas of competence of the Forestry and Livelihoods and Forest Products and Bioeconomy teams including in the field of sustainable forest product value chain development value chain analysis and financing schemes.
Support the design and structuring of financing mechanisms and investment models ensuring alignment with FAO operational modalities and risk management frameworks.
Support the design of institutional settings and/or frameworks for monitoring and reporting of national and international commitments strategies and plans.
Develop approaches and tools to assess monitor and promote forest value chain interventions including through the promotion of inclusive finance social protection decent employment and inclusive business models.
Research and summarize relevant data sources organizations and studies.
Prepare materials and events that can help increase the visibility of the teams and their services/products.
Prepare technical reports.
Organize and conduct both online and in-person consultations with experts at the national and international levels as needed.
Plan and develop capacity building tools and activities including expert exchanges workshops online training etc.;
Provide direct support to countries through capacity building and mentoring.
Contribute to the design and formulation of Sustainable Forest Product Value Chain Development project proposals e.g. for FAO TCP GEF and GCF bilateral donors and private sector.
Perform other related duties as required.

FAO Standards and guidelines:

Liaison with OCC will be maintained either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator to ensure compliance with OCC standards aligned messaging and appropriate review and clearance processes.
All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards including:
FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31:
FAO social media policy and guidelines:
Social Media Branding Guidelines:
FAOSTYLE
FAO terminology
FAO Names of Countries
Story guidelines Story template UN map standards FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (available to staff).
Further guidance regarding FAO communications policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet OCC section.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

For Consultants: Advanced University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Social Sciences Political Sciences Innovation International relations or another field relevant to the work of the alternative a first-level degree and two years of relevant experience may be considered.
For PSA subscribers: University degree or a specific technical specialization in Social Sciences Political Sciences Innovation International relations or another field relevant to the work of the Organization.
At least 1 year (for Category C) 5 years (for Category B) or 10 years (for Category A) of relevant work experience in one or more of the following areas: Forest Economics Forest Policy Forestry Statistics Sustainable Development Agribusiness Value Chain Analysis Knowledge Management Sustainable Forest Management or related areas at national or international level
Working knowledge (level C) of English or of another official FAO language (Arabic Chinese French Russian or Spanish).

FAO Core Competencies

Results Focus
Teamwork
Communication
Building Effective Relationships
Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender nationality background and culture.
• Qualified female applicants qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply;
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct and to uphold FAOs values
• FAO as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status objectives and mandate including sexual exploitation and abuse sexual harassment abuse of authority and discrimination
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

FAOs commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.