Organizational Setting

The Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) is responsible for leading FAO’s response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO’s priority activities in the region. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the region and, in collaboration with the Offices, Centres and Divisions at headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO’s strategic response to regional priorities. RAP also advises on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization’s Programme of Work and Budget and implements approved programmes and projects in the region, monitors the level of programme implementation and draws attention to problems and deficiencies. RAP develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions including the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and regional inter-governmental organizations.

The mission of the Forestry and Biodiversity Module at RAP is to support member nations in accessing technical advice and finance for implementing sustainable forest management in Asia and the Pacific by supporting the formulation and implementation of field projects funded by a diversity of donors, incl. the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). Current thematic priorities: halting deforestation and enhancing resilience, forest and landscape restoration, and the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. The team also hosts the Secretariat of the Asia-Pacific Forestry Commission (APFC) with 34 member nations for advising and taking action on key forestry issues at regional level.

The incumbent will be located in the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) in Bangkok, Thailand.

Reporting Lines

The specialist will report to the Forestry Officer/Lead Technical Officer (LTO) of the regional TCP “Accelerating agri-food system transformation in the Asia-Pacific region through promoting biodiversity mainstreaming and traditional knowledge on nature-positive food production” .

Technical Focus 

Under the overall guidance of the Budget Holder and direct supervision of the Forestry Officer/LTO, the specialist will support the implementation of the regional Biodiversity Mainstreaming TCP and other related work on biodiversity mainstreaming across agriculture sectors.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Draft and coordinate the publication of a technical brief on the status and relevant developments on biodiversity mainstreaming across agricultural sectors in the Asia-Pacific region, by inter alia taking stock of key actors (organizations, regional bodies) and regional commitments or initiatives, and their links to the CBD Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework and FAO’s Strategy and Action Plan on Mainstreaming Biodiversity Across Agricultural Sectors.
•    Build on FAO’s Strategy and Action Plan on Mainstreaming Biodiversity Across Agricultural Sectors and the FAO Biodiversity Knowledge Hub , continue to stock-take FAO’s relevant tools and methods on the conservation and sustainable use of forest biodiversity and develop plans to apply in national contexts under the Biodiversity Mainstreaming TCP.
•    Buil on prior results of NBSAP analysis on country commitments to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in agriculture sectors, conduct a national level gap analysis for selected countries under the Biodiversity Mainstreaming TCP. The national gap assessment should review critical gaps in national policy, institutional framework, and capacity on biodiversity mainstreaming in agriculture sectors, as identified based on expert interviews of key informants in FAO country offices and relevant stakeholders in target countries (at least 3).
•    Based on the gap analysis and findings from national consultation meetings, the specialist will help develop a national roadmap on biodiversity mainstreaming in agriculture sectors in selected countries (at least 3) with priority strategies highlighted.
•    Support development of resources mobilization plans for priority countries to facilitate initial implementation of the roadmaps.
•    Provide support to the organization of biodiversity mainstreaming knowledge events, including national consultation meetings in priority countries.
•    Compile information (documents, web links, illustrative case studies) about relevant FAO work in the Asia-Pacific region as regards the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in agrifood system transformation as input for website development and general communication materials.
•    Perform other duties as required, incl. support to FAO internal and official meetings.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    Advanced degree (Master or above) in environmental policy, biological sciences, or international development.
•    At least 1 year of relevant experience in natural resources management, biodiversity, climate changes, or international development.
•    Working knowledge of English (level C)

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Fluency in English writing