Senior Advisor on Forestry

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 Senior Advisor on Forestry 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 and direct supervision of Lead Technical Officer in close collaboration with AFAOR in Türkiye, , the Senior Advisor on Forestry will perform the following tasks:

In particular, the incumbent will:

• Prepare detailed Project Implementation Strategy and annual work plans in line with project budget, objectives and outcomes in collaboration with stakeholders, and make necessary arrangements for their successful implementation in a timely manner; • Coordinate and implement the day-to-day activities of the project through effective and efficient use of resources in close collaboration with Operation Specialist; • Manage, with the guidance and coordination National Operations Specialist, the project budget and fulfil all project reporting duties (Project Progress Reports , annual Project Implementation Report and etc.) according to GEF and FAO principles; • Collect annual co-financing data from all stakeholders; • Establish links between FAO, National Project Management Unit, focal points at Ministerial level, PSC and stakeholder board. • Align the Model Forest approach with concepts and activities planned under the project • Support to preparation of technical specifications to procure goods and materials for implementation of project activities such as rehabilitation of degraded lands, pasture rehabilitation; • Prepare IFFMPs for two forest management sub-districts • Review cooperative and other arrangements between target villages and their respective forest districts for harvesting NWFPs • Promote cultivation of Medicinal Aromatic Plants which were identified during the project preparation • 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 • Support activities related to the integration and sustainable management of forest, agricultural and other production systems in Kazdağlari’s landscapes. • Enhance awareness, understanding and capacities to integrate management for conservation and production purposes across landscapes • Support preparation of a GAP Strategy for the Project Area

Perform other related tasks and duty travel as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• At least 10 years national experience in forest management, forest restoration, forest planning, forest biodiversity, soil erosion and NWFPs etc. • University degree in forestry, natural resources management or a related relevant fields • 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; • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written; • At least 10 experience in project 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.