Professional vacancy announcement at FOM
FAO – Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations – Rome, Italy
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: 18 September 2013
POSITION TITLE: Forestry Officer (Forest Genetic Resources and Biodiversity)
GRADE LEVEL: P-4
DUTY STATION: Rome, Italy
ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT: Forest Assessment, Management and Conservation Division (FOM)
DURATION: Fixed Term: 2 years
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the overall guidance of the Director, FOM, and the direct supervision of the Senior Forestry Officer/Team Leader, Forest Resources Management Team, the incumbent will be responsible for planning, developing and implementing programmes and activities in the field of conservation and sustainable management of forest genetic resources. In particular, the incumbent will:
- supervise and implement normative activities in conservation and sustainable management of forest genetic resources;
- advise member countries on, and promote policies, strategies and methods of conservation and sustainable management of forest genetic resources;
- serve as Secretary of the Intergovernmental Technical Working Group on Forest Genetic Resources, and contribute to supporting the work of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture;
- maintain and regularly update a global database and information system on forest genetic resources;
- plan, organize and participate in international meetings, seminars and workshops on matters related to forest genetic resources;
- support capacity building; generate, compile and disseminate technical information, publications, training course materials and maintain websites;
- develop response programs and help raise resources for their implementation through the Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) and other funding mechanisms;
- provide support and technical backstopping to field projects and to member countries and institutions in conservation and sustainable management of forest genetic resources;
- serve as the Forestry Department focal point for genetic resources, biotechnology, biosafety, including participation in inter-departmental activities and programmes, and in making FAO’s contribution to international agreements in these areas (including CBD, CITES etc);
- provide technical support to the regional networks on forest genetic resources and assist with facilitating activities and meetings;
- perform other related duties as required.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Candidates should meet the following:
- Advanced university degree in Forestry or related discipline
- Seven years of professional experience in forestry and forest genetic resources conservation and management
- Working knowledge of English, French or Spanish and limited knowledge of one of the other two or Arabic, Chinese or Russian
SELECTION CRITERIA
Candidates will be assessed against the following:
- Extent of knowledge and expertise in conservation and sustainable management of forest genetic resources
- Extent and relevance of experience in developing countries and knowledge of global issues, international initiatives and agreements related to conservation and sustainable management of forests and biodiversity (including genetic resources)
- Ability to effectively plan and organize work, and coordinate and evaluate the work of others
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
- Working knowledge of other official languages would be an asset
Please note that all candidates should possess computer/word processing skills and should be capable of working with people of different national and cultural backgrounds. The length of appointment for internal FAO candidates will be established in accordance with applicable policies pertaining to the extension of appointments
Fixed Term: 2 years
REMUNERATION
A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered.
