Organizational Setting

This position with the Forest Governance and Value Chains Programme is located in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, with support from the FAO Representation in Mongolia.

The EU Forest Governance and Value Chains Programme (FGVC) implemented by FAO’s Forestry Division (NFO) supports the implementation of Forest Partnerships (FP) between the European Union and Partner Countries. Forest Partnerships are a new and key instrument of the European Union’s Action to promote sustainable forest management and value chains. They are based on a holistic and integrated approach to forests, reflecting a high-level commitment to enhancing the role of forests in sustainable and inclusive national development whilst improving sector law enforcement, governance and trade. Forest Partnerships promote innovative investment and finance models to create efficient, pragmatic and impactful links between government, industry and forest communities. EU and Mongolia signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a Forest Partnership in November 2022, and a roadmap for implementation of the Forest Partnership was endorsed by both parties.

The EU Forest Governance and Value Chains Programme support to Forest Partnerships revolves around two pillars:

•    improving governance for sustainable forest management, forest protection and restoration, and plantation development;
•    developing legal and sustainable forest-based value chains.

In Mongolia, one of the key Forest Partnership milestones is improving governance in the forest sector via implementing institutional reform to achieve consistent local governance, capacity building for public service and refining the human resource strategy in the forest sector. In this context, the Technical Working Group requested the FGVC to develop corresponding actions, resulting in the Forest Institutional Reform Map (FIRM) Initiative to be overseen by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC). FIRM will assess options for institutional reform whilst making the broader case, and raising awareness for, the need for forest sector reform.

A project manager is therefore needed for developing and implementing the Forest Institutional Reform Map.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent reports to the FGVC Programme Manager and is expected to carry out the following tasks under the supporting guidance and direction of the FGVC Forestry Officer on Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade and Assistant FAO Representative to Mongolia.

Technical Focus 

Institutional reform, including knowledge of organizational management and structuring, legislative reform and high-level policy-making processes and awareness raising strategies. Programme management skills, including oversight and monitoring and evaluation of programme effectiveness against intended objectives.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Provide thought leadership over the FIRM Initiative’s approach and strategy, in close collaboration with the FGVC Forestry Officer focusing on Forest Governance;
•    Lead development and implementation of a 2025 Work Plan for the FIRM Initiative that identifies staffing, resource needs and targets/milestones based on the activity framework outlined in approved concept note. Prepares quarterly reports of progress against the Work Plan;
•    Develop and maintain a national network of partners, champions and allies to support FIRM, based on stakeholder mapping, to deepen the FGVC’s understanding of institutional/legal reform needs and options;
•    Conducts desk research and prepares analyses related to the topic of the forest sector and institutional reform, as needed;
•    Support recruitment process(es) and onboarding of consulting positions under the FIRM initiative, including reaching out to prospective candidates, and providing inputs on Terms of Reference and selection reports;
•    Conduct technical reviews and quality control over FIRM consultant deliverables;
•    Routinely coordinate with (a) government partners, especially at MECC, NFA and MOFALI, to ensure government ownership over and involvement with the FIRM Initiative, and (b) other existing relevant projects and initiatives in the forest sector, including close cooperation with the STREAM project and other EU-funded initiatives;
•    Contribute to the identification and development of synergies with other relevant forestry projects being implemented at the country level;
•    Support the Forest Partnership process as requested by government, including facilitation of and preparation for TWG and PWG meetings, providing briefings for TWG/PWG members to secure their active participation, and supporting the TWG to prepare annual work plans, targets, and monitoring structures for PWG approval;
•    Provide inputs to required MECC / FGVC / FAO Mongolia / EU reporting as requested;
•    Represents the FIRM Initiative, as an action under the FGVC and Forest Partnership, both internally and externally to the Organization;
•    Develop presentations and briefing materials in both English and Mongolian languages;
•    Conduct duty travel within the country in support of FIRM activities;
•    Performs other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    Advanced degree in forestry, natural resources management, law, economics, political economy, or other fields related to the work of the Organization;
•    At least 5 years of relevant experience in programme management and/or oversight in an area related to FAO’s work in the country;
•    Working knowledge of English (level C).

FAO Core Competencies

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

Selection Criteria

•    Advanced experience with government relations and legislative processes
•    Strong technical knowledge in political economy and governance of natural resources and environment
•    Previous work experience in Mongolia would be a strong asset
•    Strong knowledge of Mongolia’s forest-related policies and ongoing international cooperation initiatives;
•    A broad network of forestry-sector stakeholders in Mongolia, including amongst government, private sector, civil society and academia;
•    Experience working in complex governance processes involving a wide variety of stakeholders with diverse interests;
•    Limited knowledge of an additional FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish or Russian) is an asset.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements