Organizational Setting

The Forestry Division 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, food security and nutrition. It liaises with member countries, 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. It is also responsible for promoting sustainable mountain development and watershed management. 

The posts are located the Mountain Partnership Secretariat which is hosted in the FAO Forestry Division. The Secretariat acts as a networking and liaison point for members, connecting institutions and countries for activities in sustainable mountain development to ensure advancement of the mountain agenda at any level. It is also engaged in raising awareness globally about the importance of mountains and in advocating increased attention to sustainable mountain development. The Mountain Partnership Secretariat plays a facilitating role in helping members build and develop joint activities, mobilize resources, promote closer collaboration and achieve better results for sustainable mountain development.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will be working under the direct supervision of the Mountain Partnership Project Coordinator and technical officers and the overall supervision of the Director, Forestry Division.

Technical Focus 

The incumbent(s) will provide technical assistance, plan and implement capacity development activities, and conduct research on sustainable mountain development, climate change and biodiversity conservation.
 

Tasks and responsibilities

The Sustainable Mountain Development Specialist will:
•    Provide technical and policy assistance on Sustainable Mountain Development 
•    Support training sessions on   vulnerability, climate change, biodiversity, agrobiodiversity and marketing.
•    Support project backstopping missions 
•    Revise project documents
•    Draft project proposals
•    Plan, implement and develop mountain-related capacity development activities and tools
•    Conduct data collection and analytical research in the field of sustainable mountain development, climate change, and biodiversity conservation.
•    Support the implementation the Business Incubator and Accelerator for small scale producers
•    Support the implementation of the Mountain Partnership Products initiative
•    Support the implementation of the Fashion for Fragile Ecosystems initiative

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    Master’s degree from recognised institutions or Bachelor’s degree plus two years of experience (for consultants) and a specific technical specialization (for PSA) in the fields of mountain and environmental sciences, agriculture, ecobiology, social and political sciences, environmental law, environmental engineering, sustainable management of natural resources, forestry, agriculture, food systems’ policies, international studies, communications, journalism and/ or economics;
•    At least 1 year for level C and 5 years for level B of relevant experience in one or more of the following areas: mountain issues, sustainable development, project management, policy advice on climate change and biodiversity, agribusiness, value chain analysis, food security and nutrition, indigenous peoples’ issues, communications, knowledge management, advocacy, watershed management, data analysis, remote sensing and GIS; 
•    Working knowledge of English.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Selection Criteria 

•    University degree for PSA would be an asset.
•    Understanding of the sustainable mountain development framework and international processes
•    Good presentation and writing skills 
•    Relevant and demonstrated experience in training and other capacity development activities 
•    Work experience in supporting sustainable mountain development programmes