Organizational Setting
The Forestry Division (NFO) leads FAO’s work in promoting sustainable forest management 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 Member Nations, 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 world’s forest resources and on the production, trade and consumption of wood and non-wood forest products.
The Forests and Biodiversity Team of the Forestry Division (NFO) supports FAO Member Nations on all aspects of sustainable forest management and forest biodiversity including in dryland landscapes.

The post is located in the Forestry Division (NFO) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines
The Forestry Officer (Dryland) reports to the Senior Forestry Officer and Team Leader of the Forests and Biodiversity Team under the overall guidance of the Director, NFO.

Technical Focus
All aspects of sustainable management of forests and trees in drylands, within the context of Programme Priority Area Better Environment 3 (Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services for Food and Agriculture, BE3) of the FAO Strategic Framework.

Key Results
Comprehensive technical and policy expertise to support the planning, development and implementation of divisional programmes, projects, products and services in accordance with divisional objectives and the FAO Strategic Framework.

Key Functions
• Plans and leads components of multidisciplinary teams, leads and/or participates in Organization-wide, cross-divisional committees, project teams and working groups and/or provides specialized expertise on technical networks and/or international technical policy and/or standard setting bodies.
• Develops technical, analytical, monitoring and reporting frameworks, and related methodologies, tools, systems and databases, etc., to support the planning, implementation/delivery and monitoring of programmes of work, projects, products and/or services.
• Designs and conducts research, data collection, validation, analysis and/or reporting activities to support the development of technical standards, international instruments, innovative approaches and strategies, new tools, technologies, technical reports/publications, and/or policy proposals as well as the provision of technical/policy/specialist/advice and expertise.
• Responds to country requests for technical and policy assistance, provides technical advice, assistance and solutions to Decentralized Offices and provides technical backstopping to field projects.
• Collaborates in, provides technical backstopping to and ensures the quality/effectiveness of capacity development and knowledge sharing activities within member countries such as policy support, organizational development and individual learning events including preparation of related information, learning materials and on-line tools.
• Promotes international cooperation/advocates best practices, increases policy dialogue and provides technical expertise at international/intergovernmental meetings.
• Participates in resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Corporate Strategy.

Specific Functions
• Leads the identification, design, implementation and technical backstopping of programmes and projects related to dryland forests or agrosilvopastoral systems in close collaboration with relevant technical divisions and Decentralized Offices.
• Facilitates FAO’s cooperation and coordination with multi- and bilateral donor institutions and international technical organizations on projects and other initiatives related to dryland forests and agrosilvopastoral systems.
• Strengthens country capacity and promotes the use of sustainable dryland forest and agrosilvopastoral management in rural development, poverty reduction efforts, degraded ecosystem restoration and combating desertification.
• Serves as the Secretary of FAO’s Working Group on Dryland Forests and Agrosilvopastoral Systems, liaises with members and organizes meetings of the Working Group.
• Represents FAO in intergovernmental meetings and negotiations related to dryland forests and sustainable dryland management, including United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
• Develops practical guidance and training material for dryland restoration and sustainable forest management in drylands and conducts training courses related to sustainable management of forest resources in drylands.
• Performs other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree in forest resources management or a related field.
• Seven years of relevant experience in sustainable forest or agrosilvopastoral system management and restoration, including in drylands.
• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

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

Technical/Functional Skills
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable.
• Extent and relevance of professional experience in dryland forestry or agrosilvopastoral management, especially in developing countries and in contexts of rural development, poverty reduction efforts.
• Extent of technical knowledge on sustainable forestry or agrosilvopastoral management and restoration of dryland forests.
• Experience in organizing regional and national workshops and trainings.
• Demonstrated ability to mobilize resources.