Organizational Setting

The Value-Added Innovation Team within the Forestry Division (NFO) is responsible for leading FAO’s work on scaling up technological, policy, institutional, social and financial innovations and innovative practices that boost forest-related conservation, restoration and sustainable use. The work is based on the Organization’s Programme of Work and Budget and is performed in collaboration with other teams in NFO, in collaboration with divisions at Headquarters, and in collaboration with FAO’s offices on regional, sub-regional and national levels.

The Value-Added Innovation Team of FAO’s Forestry Division aims to support:
•    the inclusive scaling up of innovations in the forest sector;
•    countries’ capacity to drive innovations through partnerships and enhanced collaboration including with forest research, civil society, indigenous peoples, knowledge institutions and the private sector; and
•    strengthen knowledge and capacity related to innovation in the forest sector.

Reporting Lines

The incumbents will report to the Team Leader or a technical officer on his/her assignment in the Value Added Innovation Team, Forestry Division.

Technical Focus 

The incumbent(s) will contribute to the implementation of FAO’s Strategic Framework, FAO’s Science and Innovation Strategy and FAO’s Forestry Roadmap, in particular the cross-cutting accelerator and objectives related to innovation.

He/she will provide operational support for scaling up forestry innovation practices across the entire typology (i.e. technology, policy, social, institutional and financial innovations). Support will include but not be limited to activities related to forest product value chains, sustainable forest management and partnership development.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Support the collection, compilation, analysis and dissemination of data and information in areas related to forest sector innovation.
•    Contribute to the preparation of publications and presentations related to forest sector innovation.
•    Facilitate knowledge management, capacity building and dissemination of information related to forest sector innovation at country and regional level.
•    Support the monitoring of forest sector innovation initiatives, providing recommendations for improvement and scaling of successful practices.
•    Contribute to resource mobilization efforts of the team.
•    Coordinate with relevant partners at various levels in the implementation of specific tasks.
•    Provide support to the organization of events relevant to forest sector innovation.
•    Identify synergies and coordinate collaboration with other units at FAO on areas most relevant to forest sector innovation.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    University degree relevant to the above areas (e.g. forestry, environmental sciences, wood science, economics, statistics, data sciences, mathematics, or related disciplines)
•    For level C (Consultants): at least one year of relevant experience
•    For level B (Consultants): at least five years of relevant experience
•    For level A (Consultants): at least twelve/fifteen years of relevant experience respectively

•    Working knowledge of English, French, Spanish Arabic, Chinese or Russian

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Extent and relevance of knowledge and experience of innovation in the forest sector.
•    Extent and relevance of knowledge of different innovation types – technological, social, institutional, policy and financial.
•    Extent and relevance of experience in providing forest sector technical support at local, national, or regional levels.
•    Extent and relevance of professional experience in project and/or programme formulation and implementation.
•    Familiarity with and understanding the work of international organizations, regional entities, and national governments.
•    Ability to organize and conduct technical meetings, conferences, and workshops when applicable.

Selection Criteria 

•    Based on requirements, competencies, and skills