Forestry and Biodiversity Portfolio Coordinator

Organizational Setting

For more than four decades, FAO has been working with the Government of the Philippines, civil society, community-based organizations and the private sector to address challenges in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector. Joint efforts have included increasing sustainability in agricultural production, promoting value-adding practices, improving post-harvest management, enhancing productivity and increasing the resilience of agriculture-based livelihoods to natural disasters, climatic hazards and armed conflict. FAO supports countries worldwide in addressing the complex challenges at the nexus between the environment, agriculture, forestry, marine and freshwater resources. With FAO’s mandate and expertise in agri-food systems (including crops, livestock and aquaculture), forestry and fisheries, FAO is uniquely positioned to support projects and progammes related to environmental science and management, biodiversity conservation, sustainable forest management, landscapes restoration from degradation, management of chemicals and wastes, and sustainable cities, in the context of achieving sustainable food systems and climate action.

Reporting Lines

The Forestry and Biodiversity Portfolio Coordinator will be under the overall guidance of the FAO Representative, and the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme).

Technical Focus

Forestry and Biodiversity

Tasks and responsibilities

The Forestry and Biodiversity Portfolio Coordinator reports to the Assistant FAO Representative for Programme in carrying out the following tasks:

• Support all activities and resources related to the implementation in the Philippines of “GCP/INT/296/GER: The Paris Agreement in action: upscaling forest and landscape restoration to achieve nationally determined contributions” • Serve as Portfolio Coordinator on forestry and biodiversity programming by providing overall guidance and technical supervision related to project development, implementation and monitoring and evaluation activities; • Support in promoting innovation and advancement in the forestry sector as indicated in FAO’s mandate and the organization’s strategic approach while promoting FAO-introduced tools and frameworks; • Formulate concept notes and detailed project proposals related to biodiversity, forestry, environment and natural resources; including proactive identification of opportunities for resource mobilization and expansion of partnerships, and design of overall programmatic approach on initiatives related to forestry and biodiversity while ensuring alignment to the updated Country Programming Framework (CPF) and other relevant strategic documents; • Ensure proper coordination with relevant technical divisions in FAO Headquarters and the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific regarding comments and recommendations on various proposals for possible FAO assistance; • Conduct review and quality assurance of technical documents, reports and relevant data, technical briefers and other related communications in support of forestry and biodiversity initiatives including requirements for project cycle management, and technical clearances; • Coordinate and liaise with the designated representatives of government counterparts, and other relevant development organizations, NGOs and stakeholders, as well other UN Organizations channeling FAO’s diverse expertise to support the government in the identification and preparation of project proposals; • Facilitate, coordinate and participate in relevant technical and sectoral workshops, meetings, consultations and other events organized by other UN agencies, Government, donors and civil societies related to the thematic areas of biodiversity, forestry, environment and natural resources, among others; • Submit regular updates to FAOPH senior management on the liaison activities with the DENR, DA and other government partners, including key developments, recommendations and opportunities that can be further pursued in line with FAO mandate; • Provide technical guidance and serve as resource person as needed, in the conduct of capacity building activities on related initiatives; prepare and submit progress reports mentioning activities undertaken, problems encountered if any, and other documents that may be required periodically. • Serve as country focal or coordinator for assigned projects and initiatives in relation to portfolio on environment and natural resources, among others; • Support visibility and outreach on environment and natural resources initiatives of FAO in the country, including development of technical briefers, speeches and contribute to other communications materials; • Carry out other relevant duties within his/her technical competence as requested by FAO Representative.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced Degree in Forestry, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Environmental Planning, Natural Resources, Economics, Development Studies, or other related fields; • At least seven (7) years relevant and progressive experience assisting in programme or project implementation related to forestry; • Working knowledge of English and Tagalog; • National or Resident of the Philippines.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Good interpersonal skills; • Knowledge on forestry programming, at the international, national and local level is an advantage; • Proficient in report writing; • General knowledge and skills in the use of standard office software, such as MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point). • Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Tagalog • Experience of working for, or in cooperation with, government institutions and private sector;