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. Staff of the Division liaise 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 strengthening 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.
Healthy forests are crucial for sustainable forest management, but they face various threats, such as pests, diseases and wildfires, leading to tree mortality and reduced ecosystem services. The complexity of these factors and their impact on forest health is challenging to unravel. These impacts have far-reaching consequences, affecting social, economic and environmental dimensions.
FAO’s forest protection and health programme assists countries and national institutes in safeguarding forests, forest ecosystems, and trees outside forests, focusing on insect pests, diseases and harmful agents. FAO offers advice on preventive measures, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and recommended actions to minimize transboundary risks. Assistance is not limited to emergencies but extends to long-term prevention and protection strategies. FAO also has extensive experience on integrated fire management.
The purpose of this call is to provide FAO’s Forestry Division with a list of qualified candidates in the field of forest protection and health to increase resilience of forests to shocks, such as insect pests, diseases, invasive species, wildfires and the impacts of climate change.
Reporting Lines
Selected applicants will work under the direct supervision of a Forestry Officer in NFO.
Technical FocusÂ
One technical focus of the work is forest health with specialized knowledge in forest pests, diseases, phytosanitary regulations, biosecurity and related areas. The role involves working on projects related to forest health and contributing to the development of technical guidelines and reports. This includes working closely with FAO partners to ensure effective measures to safeguard forests, promoting sustainable management and environmental resilience. Another technical focus is integrated fire management.
Tasks and responsibilities
•   Conduct an analysis of emerging trends in biotic and abiotic threats affecting forests.
•   Provide advice on policies and sound strategies and methods of integrated pest management or integrated fire management in forests for the protection of forests and forest lands.
•   Provide technical support for capacity building by generating, compiling and disseminating technical information, publications, guidelines and training course materials.
•   Plan, organize and participate in international meetings, seminars and workshops on matters related to forest protection and health or fire management.
•   Lead the development of viable responses to plant health emergencies and pest and disease outbreaks and long-term solutions including natural sources of resistance and biodiversity.
•   Work closely with partner organizations to strategize and plan initiatives aimed at safeguarding forests.
•   Collaborate on pest risk analysis and environmental impact assessments related to forest health.
•   Provide expert input on potential forest risks and mitigation strategies.
•   Provide technical support to the regional invasive species networks or regional fire networks and assist with facilitating activities and meetings.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
•   University degree in applied entomology, plant pathology, forest protection, environmental science, biology, forestry, or a closely related field.
•   Five years of relevant professional experience in forest health and forest invasive species management or integrated fire management
•   Working knowledge (level C) of English and limited knowledge (level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French or Russian). For PSA, working knowledge (level C) of English is required.
FAO Core Competencies
•   Results Focus
•   Teamwork
•   Communication
•   Building Effective Relationships
•   Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional SkillsÂ
•   Strategic Partnership Development: Proven ability to establish strategic partnerships and scientific networks within the field of forest health or fire management, collaborating effectively with academic experts, research institutions and relevant scientific organizations.
•   In-depth Knowledge of Forest Health Policies: Proficient understanding of global, regional, and local forest health policies, initiatives, and best practices, with a focus on pest, disease and invasive species management, or fire management.
•   Data Management Expertise: Desirable skills in data management, encompassing the collection, analysis, and interpretation of forest health and/or fire data. Proficiency in utilizing data-driven insights to inform decision-making processes related to forest pests, diseases and invasive species management, or fire management.
