Forest Economics Specialist

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

Technical Focus

• 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 – 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

• 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 Organization. In 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

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing)
• Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list
• 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.
• For more information, visit the FAO employment website
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.