Advisor on Nature Conservation

Organizational Setting

The main aim of the FAO Country Offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist the governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fishery and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

FAO Türkiye (FETUR) in close cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture is implementing the project entitled “GCP/TUR/904/GFF -Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Forest Management in Kaz Daglari” Forestry funded by Global Environment Facility (GEF). The project is designed to enhance the conservation of biodiversity across Türkiye’s Kazdağları Region through an integrated (multi-sectoral) landscape management approach that strengthens protected areas at system and individual site levels, while also safeguarding peripheral forest and agricultural lands under production through sustainable management practices, and enhancing biodiversity conservation. This integrated landscape approach will be demonstrated in the Project Area of 184,297 ha, comprising 25 forest sub-districts in Balıkesir and Çanakkale Regional Forest Directorates and including Kazdağı National Park, with the intention of being mainstreamed post-project in accordance with a Regional Vision developed by this project to conserve Kazdağları’s biodiversity

Reporting Lines

The Advisor on Nature Conservation reports to the Lead Technical Officer under the overall guidance of the FAO Sub regional Coordinator for Central Asia and the FAO Representative in Türkiye.

Technical Focus

Programme development, coordination and operational assistance based on knowledge of the local conditions, culture, language and institutions in the country of assignment. Ensure the smooth functioning of project operations, consistent service delivery, and continuous evaluation, readjustment and improvement of the operational environment to reflect the FAO Representation’s evolving needs.

Tasks and responsibilities

Under overall supervision of the FAO Sub-regional Coordinator for Central Asia and FAO Representative in Türkiye, direct supervision of Lead Technical Officer, in close cooperation with project team, the Advisor on Nature Conservation will perform the following tasks: • Work closely in partnership with relevant sectors to draft policies including demonstrating best practices and examples besıdes the current situation and subsequently consult widely with stakeholders at national, provincial and local levels, • Review existing policies and propose new policy measures accordingly. Also, identify new policies to strengthen the PAs system within Kazdaglari region, • Support to strengthening protected areas management within a sustainable landscape management context • Support to the integrated management of the Kazdaglari Region to safeguard its unique biodiversity and enhance the functioning of its ecosystems to ensure the provision of goods and services. • Present the GEF-7 METT template, completed during the PPG, to the Project Inception Workshop for affirmation and subsequent endorsement by the PSC, • Draft policy document and guidance on strengthening PAs and submit to MAF, • Provide inputs to design and facilitate a participatory process to deliver a consensual Regional Vision for safeguarding Kazdağlari’s biodiversity, • Support development of an Ecotourism Strategy and Action Plan for the Project Area. • Review and implement planned ecotourism routes, review ongoing and planned ecotourism initiatives within the Project Area • Contribute to raising the profile of the project’s objective and outcomes, • Support the preparation of technical specification to procure materials for implementation of the related project activities, • Draft the EHI template for the project site,

Perform other related tasks and duty travel as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in forestry, agriculture, natural resources management or a related field. • Minimum 8 years of relevant experience in the field of protected areas, forest biodiversity, and nature conservation • Working knowledge (level C) of English and Turkish • National of Turkiye

FAO Core 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 • Knowledge of UN field programmes, or FAO operational work within the agricultural sector in Türkiye would be an asset • Extent and relevance of experience in programme/project management including PCM, project design techniques, donor reporting • Demonstrated understanding of the purpose and functions of technical programmes, operational guidelines and programme/project management procedures, preferably those adopted by the United Nations (UN) or FAO, would be considered an asset • Demonstrated ability to analyse complex donor compliance, project implementation and other operational issues in line with governing regulations, rules and relevant project management guidelines • Experience in the region covered by SEC is desirable; • Proven report writing skills • Specific experience in project management, development of policy, programs, management plans and strategies on natural resources management

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help please contact: [email protected]
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• 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 http://www.whed.net/
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.