Biodiversity Specialist

About the Company

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through 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.

Organizational Setting

The Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) is responsible for leading FAO’s response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO’s priority activities in the region. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the region and, in collaboration with the Offices, Centres and Divisions at headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to regional priorities. RAP also advises on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization’s Programme of Work and Budget and implements approved programmes and projects in the region, monitors the level of programme implementation and draws attention to problems and deficiencies. RAP develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions including the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and regional inter-governmental organizations.

The consultant will be located in the Forestry and Biodiversity Team of the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific. The team’s mission is to support member nations in accessing technical advice and finance for implementing sustainable forest management in Asia and the Pacific by supporting the formulation and implementation of field projects funded by a diversity of donors, including the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). Current thematic priorities: halting deforestation and enhancing resilience, forest and landscape restoration, and the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. The team also hosts the Secretariat of the Asia-Pacific Forestry Commission (APFC) with 34 member nations for advising and taking action on key forestry issues at regional level.

The position is located in the Forestry and Biodiversity Team of Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok, Thailand.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall guidance of the module leader of the Forestry and Biodiversity Team, the consultant will report to the Forestry Officer.

Technical Focus

The Consultant will support analytical work, technical assistance and project delivery related to biodiversity across the Asia and the Pacific. The Consultant will contribute to biodiversity mainstreaming across agrifood systems, forest biodiversity conservation, sustainable forest management, and the formulation and implementation of biodiversity and forestry projects funded by FAO and development partners.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Conduct analytical work on biodiversity mainstreaming across agrifood systems and forestry sectors in Asia and the Pacific, including reviews of policies, strategies, investments, and country commitments related to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) and relevant FAO strategies.
• Support regional and national assessments of biodiversity and forestry priorities, including analyses of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), forestry policies, institutional frameworks, and implementation gaps, and prepare technical reports and knowledge products.
• Compile, analyse and maintain information on FAO tools, methodologies, case studies and good practices related to biodiversity conservation, sustainable forest management, and biodiversity mainstreaming across agrifood systems.
• Support resources mobilization and concept development of biodiversity projects, including baseline assessments, stakeholder analyses, theory of change, results frameworks, project documentation and resource mobilization materials.
• Provide technical support to the implementation of ongoing biodiversity and forestry projects, including work planning, monitoring and reporting, coordination with executing and implementing partners, organization of technical meetings and workshops, and follow-up on agreed actions.
• Contribute to the development of technical publications, policy briefs, communication materials and knowledge products on biodiversity and forestry issues relevant to Asia and the Pacific.
• Support the organization of regional and national consultations, capacity development activities, knowledge exchange events and technical dialogues related to biodiversity and forestry.
• Compile and synthesize information on biodiversity initiatives, projects and partnerships in the region to support programme development, communication and reporting requirements.
• Support monitoring, evaluation and reporting of biodiversity and forestry programmes and projects, including the collection and analysis of project results, indicators and lessons learned.
• Perform other duties as required, including support to FAO internal and official meetings.

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in environmental policy, biological sciences, or international development. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• At least 1 year of relevant experience in biodiversity, natural resources management, or sustainable agriculture.
• Working knowledge of English (C1).

FAO Core Competencies

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

Selection criteria

• Knowledge of another FAO language (Arabic, Chin)