Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Our goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 members – 194 countries and the European Union, FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide. FAO Ukraine is seeking to increase the resilience of livelihoods to threats and crises that affect agriculture, food and nutrition, focusing on four major areas: – rural economic development – transition to sustainable agriculture and food production practices – adaptation to climate change – humanitarian assistance.

FAO Ukraine is the country office of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, a specialized agency dedicated to achieving food security, reducing rural poverty, and promoting sustainable management of natural resources. FAO Ukraine works in close partnership with the government, civil society organizations, private sector, and other UN agencies to address the diverse challenges and opportunities in the agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and environmental sectors. By providing technical assistance, policy advice, and capacity development support, FAO Ukraine plays a vital role in fostering sustainable agricultural practices, strengthening the resilience of rural communities, and enhancing food security and nutrition across the country.

The role is in-office, based in Kyiv, Ukraine.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of DRO/FAO Ukraine Head of Office and the Head of Programme, and the direct supervision of the Senior International Forestry Expert. The main tasks will ensure the effective and efficient day to day support and implementation of the Forestry Advisory Network including planning, monitoring and evaluation and reporting.

Technical Focus

The National Forest Policies Specialist will play a pivotal role in the development and implementation of the Forestry Advisory Network. He will supervise and guide FAN-related activities by working with Ukrainian forestry institutions and other stakeholders including research institutions, private associations and NGOs.

Tasks and responsibilities

The National Forest Policies Specialist will be responsible for the following tasks:

•    Support the preparatory activities for the implementation of the Forestry Advisory Network project.
•    Support the establishment of the Forest Advisory Network, including the provision of a technical secretariat and the identification of the most suitable legal and organizational form.
•    Facilitate the establishment of active cooperation between FAN and governmental bodies including the MEPNR and parliament.
•    Facilitate the design of FAN strategy for the next five years of activities.
•    Facilitate FAN activities for the revision of forestry legislation and further sharing to support public involvement.
•    Facilitate country capacity building to transfer knowledge on sustainable forest management related policies.
•    Facilitating the FAN in the definition of new forestry policies to be introduced into the Ukrainian legislative system.
•    Technically supervise and review the products delivered by the FAN to facilitate the upload and sharing through a website.
•    Facilitate liaising between national and international FAN members and organize several international seminars to ensure proper transfer of knowledge in support of Ukrainian forestry policies.
•    Facilitate the activities of the FAN in preparing policy proposals and draft laws to be reviewed and eventually approved by the Parliament.
•    Organize several seminars on forest terminology, to support alignment of Ukrainian forestry policies to EU.
•    Support the liaising of the FAN with the international donors and identify means to economically sustain the FAN beyond the FAO project activities.
•    Support the technical planning and design of a website to serve as a document repository for all the activities developed by the FAN.
•    Perform other related duties as required by FAO.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements 

•    University degree relevant to forestry including forestry, forest policies, forest economy, forest laws
•    Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in forestry in Ukraine
•    Working knowledge or Native (Level C) Ukrainian
•    Working knowledge (Level C) English
•    National of Ukraine

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Ability to take ownership and accountability for assigned processes and to work autonomously
•    Ability to work independently and as part of a team
•    Proficient computer skills (MS Office, including Team, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet)
•    Strong stakeholder engagement skills
•    In-depth knowledge of the Ukrainian forestry institutions
•    Experience in Ukrainian forestry policies and in liaising with national forestry bodies

Selection Criteria

•    Advanced university degree in a discipline relevant to the assignment is an asset
•    Additional years of experience within the forestry sector in Ukraine is an asset
•    Additional international experience in international forestry policies, particularly in the EU countries, is an asset
•    Familiarity with international forestry institutions is preferred

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION