Technical Advisor (Forestry)

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind. The main aim of the FAO Representation in Cambodia is to assist government to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

With the contribution from the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation (SDC) in Cambodia, FAO leads the consortium of four partners (FAO, UNDP, WCS and RECOFT) to implement the project "Community Action for Sustainable Forests (CASFor)," in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF); and the Ministry of Environment (MOE). The project aims to promote the sustainable management of local forest resources while building resilience and improving livelihoods and ecosystem services to local communities and contributing to national commitments and global action on climate change. CASFor adopts a market-driven participatory approach across its activities, leveraging sustainable market opportunities while protecting forest landscapes and building livelihoods’ resilience. This collaborative investment will assist project partners, Community Forestry (CFs), and Community Protected Areas (CPAs) in tailoring their activities to align with market demand, understanding market requirements, identifying potential partners, and addressing existing barriers. Beyond forest products buyers, the engagement will extend to potential investors in the carbon market that could support forest restoration activities as part of the sustainable financing options.

Reporting Lines

The Technical Advisor (Forestry) reports to the FAO Representative (FAOR) in Cambodia and will work in close coordination with the Assistant FAO Representatives (AFAOR) for Programme and Administration and the Lead Technical Officer/Team at the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP). S/He will collaborate with the focal point(s) and team member of FAO Cambodia’s thematic areas of Forest, Land and Water and consortium partners (UNDP, WCS and RECOFTC), and nominated counterparts of MOE and MAFF.

Technical Focus

The Technical Advisor (Forestry) will be in charge of planning and implementation of all activities under the project with focus on developing an improved framework for targets and indicators, liaising with stakeholders, ensuring on-time reporting, and promoting relevant collaboration and synergies with relevant initiatives and project partners.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Technical Advisor (Forestry) will: • Lead and supervise overall project planning and implementation to ensure technical coherence between different project components; in accordance with the approved Project Document and the results-based Annual Work Plan and Budget, and in compliance with FAO procedures and Resource Partners’ requirements; • Liaise with technical staff assigned to the project from consortium partners; • Lead the recruitment processes for national and international experts (preparation of terms of reference, screening candidate profiles, drafting selection reports, chairing interview panels); • Supervise all project technical and support personnel (national and international); • Serve as the Responsible Officer for all Letters of Agreement and UN-to-UN Agreements signed with all the partners; • Deliver effective and close coordination with FA/MAFF and MoE for planning, project coordination and execution; • Ensure technical quality assurance and quality control of the outputs of the project, related to the themes of: regulatory framework, sustainable financing, capacity development, forest resource monitoring, value chain improvement; • Support establishment of a robust M&E system and ensure strong learning, communication and knowledge management within the project team and with wider stakeholders; • Establish working relations with appropriate national agencies, institutions and groups to ensure effective implementation of supported activities, and ensure adequate information flow, discussions and feedback among the various stakeholders of the project; • Monitor risk mitigation plan implementation in conjunction with the M&E specialist, and identify and develop mitigating measures for all risks that emerge during project implementation, as defined by the project’s risk log and FAO’s framework for environmental and social safeguards; • Support the organization of Project Steering Committee meetings with Secretariat services; • Represent the project in meetings and conferences relevant to the achievement of the Project’s objectives; • Maintain strong and up-to-date technical knowledge of all CASFor’s major areas of work through conducting desk reviews, technical discussions, participating in trainings, or other learning opportunities, as needed. Seek guidance and assistance from Lead Technical Officers and Lead Technical Unit, as needed; • Ensure the visibility and promotion of the project goals and objectives through targeted outreach as advised by the Communications Team; • Conduct in-country duty travel to oversee and assist in implementation of project activities as needed to ensure efficient project execution; • Support in the organization of the mid-term and final evaluations; • Prepare all the necessary periodic programme progress and financial reports (including budget revisions if necessary) with adequate technical production in timely manner according to FAO’s procedures and Resource Partners’ Requirements; • Any other tasks that may be requested by the BH or recommended by the PSC.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in management, natural resource management, forestry, or other relevant fields; • At least 7 years of working experience in the relevant field with excellent working knowledge of relevant issues related to social forestry, biodiversity, landscape management, and restoration; • Working knowledge (level C) of English and limited knowledge (level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Previous experience in project management and M&E in natural resource management and conservation; • Experience in project management in the area of natural resource management, forestry and climate change; • Systemic and analytical capacity on complex issues related to forestry, climate change, and natural resource management; • Knowledge and experience on forestry products and participatory approaches, UNFCCC frameworks and decision; • Experience with forestry and climate change linkages and community development; • Experience in organizing participatory processes and contribution to processes related to programme development through engagement of a wide range of stakeholders from the government, civil society, academia, and the private sector; • Proven experience and capacity in coordinating and leading the discussions with senior government officials; • Proven experience in coordinating and leading with project partners; • Good analytical, presentation and training skills; • Proficient in relevant computer applications such as word processing tools and spreadsheets (MS Office-Word, Excel, etc.); • Demonstrated ability to work independently, handle multiple tasks, work under pressure and deliver assignments on time; and Leading, engaging, empowering and an excellent team player.