Forest Health and Protection Specialist

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations; Dihlabeng Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international agricultural organization is seeking a qualified candidate to join the Forestry Division in forest health management. The successful applicant will provide technical support, conduct analyses of threats to forests, and develop strategies for integrated pest management. Candidates must have an advanced degree in a related field and relevant experience. Proficiency in English is required, and knowledge of other FAO languages would be an asset. This position offers an opportunity to lead initiatives aimed at safeguarding forests against various threats.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of experience in forest health and management.
• Proficient in English.
• Limited knowledge of another FAO language is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Conduct analysis of threats to forests.
• Provide advice on policies for forest protection.
• Generate and disseminate technical information and training materials.
• Participate in international meetings and workshops.
• Lead development of responses to forest health emergencies.

Skills

Forest health expertise

Integrated pest management

Capacity building

Data management

Collaboration with partners

Education

Advanced university degree in related field

Job description

Organizational Setting

The Forestry Division (NFO) leads FAO's work in promoting sustainable forest management and providing leadership on the environmental, social and economic dimensions of forestry, including its contributions to poverty reduction and food security and nutrition. It liaises with member countries, civil society and the private sector in aspects ranging from development of effective forest policies to forest conservation and management issues and strengthens the role of forests in climate change mitigation and adaptation. The Division also collects, analyses and disseminates information on the world's forest resources and on the production, trade and consumption of wood and non-wood forest products. Healthy forests are essential for sustainable forest management, yet they face numerous threats such as pests, diseases, invasive species and wildfires, which can lead to tree mortality and reduced ecosystem services. The complexity of these factors and their impact on forest health is challenging to address, and their consequences extend across social, economic, and environmental dimensions. FAO’s Forest Protection and Health Programme supports countries and national institutions in safeguarding forests, forest ecosystems, and trees outside forests, with a focus on insect pests, diseases, and other harmful agents. FAO provides guidance on preventive measures, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Integrated Fire Management (IFM), and recommended actions to minimize transboundary risks. This assistance goes beyond emergency response, encompassing long-term prevention and protection strategies. The purpose of this call is to provide FAO’s Forestry Division with a list of qualified candidates in the field of forest protection and health, aimed at increasing the resilience of forests to shocks such as insect pests, diseases, invasive species, wildfires, and the impacts of climate change.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent reports to a Forestry Officer, under the overall guidance of the Senior Forestry Officer/Team Leader of the Forests and Climate Team. S/he will work closely with members of the team and the Division, Decentralized Offices and other relevant FAO units.

Technical Focus

The technical focus of the work is forest health, with specialized knowledge in forest pests, diseases, invasive species, phytosanitary regulations, biosecurity, integrated fire management and related areas. The role involves working on projects related to forest health and contributing to the development of technical guidelines and reports. This includes collaborating closely with FAO partners to ensure effective measures to safeguard forests, while promoting sustainable management and environmental resilience.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Conduct an analysis of emerging trends in biotic and abiotic threats affecting forests.
• Provide advice on policies, as well as on sound strategies and methods of integrated pest management or integrated fire management for the protection of forests and forest lands.
• Provide technical support for capacity building by generating, compiling and disseminating technical information, publications, guidelines and training course materials.
• Plan, organize and participate in international meetings, seminars and workshops on matters related to forest protection and health or fire management.
• Lead the development of viable responses to forest health emergencies and pest and disease outbreaks and long-term solutions including natural sources of resistance and biodiversity.
• Work closely with partner organizations to strategize and plan initiatives aimed at safeguarding forests.
• Collaborate on pest risk analysis and environmental impact assessments related to forest health.
• Provide expert input on potential forest risks and mitigation strategies.
• Provide technical support to the regional invasive species networks and assist with facilitating activities and meetings.
• Perform other duties as needed.

FAO Standards and guidelines

•Liaison with OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, aligned messaging, and appropriate review and clearance processes. All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including the FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31, FAO social media policy and guidelines, Social Media Branding Guidelines, FAOSTYLE, FAO terminology, FAO Names of Countries, and related branding guidelines. Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section.

Candidates will be assessed against the following

Minimum Requirements

•For Consultants: Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in applied entomology, plant pathology, forest protection, environmental science, biology, forestry, law, international development or a related field. Consultants with a bachelor’s degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience. For PSAs: University degree from an institution recognized by the IAU/UNESCO in applied entomology, plant pathology, forest protection, environmental science, biology, forestry, law, international development or a related field. •Relevant work experience (at least 1 year for a category C, 5 years for a category B, or 10 years for a category A) in forest health and forest invasive species management or integrated fire management. •Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•Limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) would be an asset. •Strategic Partnership Development: Proven ability to establish strategic partnerships and scientific networks within the field of forest health or fire management, collaborating effectively with academic experts, research institutions, and relevant scientific organizations. •In-depth Knowledge of Forest Health Policies: Proficient understanding of global, regional, and local forest health policies, initiatives, and best practices, with a focus on pest, disease, and invasive species management or fire management. •Data Management Expertise: Desirable skills in data management, encompassing the collection, analysis, and interpretation of forest health data. Proficiency in utilizing data-driven insights to inform decision-making processes related to forest pests, diseases, and invasive species management, or fire management.