Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the 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.

The Forestry Division 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

FAO has long had a programme on integrated fire management and has unique global-to-local reach, experience, technical capacity, and networks among the many disciplines and sectors that impact fire. It has contributed an invaluable body of work on fire management, including publications and programmes, services to its member countries and engagement in joint initiatives with many other international organizations, multilateral agencies, development partners, NGOs and INGOs, and networks.

Given FAO’s long-term experience in integrated fire management and clear demand from the international fire community, FAO, UNEP and other partners are co-developing the Global Fire Management Hub (Fire Hub). The Fire Hub aims to strengthen countries’ capacities to implement Integrated Fire Management, with the major impact of reducing the many negative effects of wildfires on people, landscapes, biodiversity and global climate stability.

This call for expressions of interest aims to identify consultants to support the Fire Hub. The positions are located in the Forests and Climate Team of the Forestry Division (NFO) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy and other locations.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall guidance of the Senior Forestry Officer/Team Leader of Forests and Climate, and the direct supervision of relevant technical officers in the team.

Technical Focus 

The assignment aims to support the Fire Hub’s work on promoting Integrated Fire Management (IFM). The Consultant may be involved in cross-sectoral work, contributing to FAO’s Four Betters.

Cross-cutting themes:

•    Technical expertise in Integrated Fire Management (e.g. community-based fire management, fire equipment and tools, fire remote sensing, fire management policy and governance)
•    Information and web content development and management
•    Integrated Fire Management communication and outreach, including Fire Hub information and web content development and management
•    Project support and coordination

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Support the development and implementation of guidelines, practical tools, and methodologies to promote Integrated Fire Management (IFM) through cross-sectoral and participatory approaches in alignment with relevant international agreements.
•    Support the design and management of frameworks, tools, and systems to plan, implement, and monitor the Fire Hub IFM programmes and activities.
•    Conduct research, data analysis, and reporting to develop standards, tools, strategies, and policies supporting IFM and providing expert advice.
•    Liaise with pertinent FAO units (or other organizations) to obtain guidance and advice on specific elements of IFM (for Consultants only).
•    Contribute to assigned programmes/activities in accordance with FAO rules, procedures and systems.
•    Organize and participate in missions and other events in support of the delivery of FAO’s programme of work in IFM, including consultation, training, capacity building and technical assistance to beneficiaries of FAO support programmes and projects (for Consultants only).
•    Contribute to relevant studies, publications and analyses, knowledge products and advocacy material related to IFM, including guidelines, capacity building and training material.
•    Contribute to the coordination of IFM webinars, events, projects, and initiatives, including preparing materials, presentations, web news, etc.
•    Perform any other duties as required.

FAO Standards and guidelines:

Liaison with the OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, appropriate review and clearance processes.

All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including:
FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31: https://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/en
FAO social media policy and guidelines: https://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia
Social Media Branding Guidelines: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044en
FAOSTYLE: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb8081en
FAO terminology: http://www.fao.org/faoterm
FAO Names of Countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/en
Story guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (available to staff).

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

•    University degree in Forestry, Natural Resources, Environmental Sciences, Communications, International Development Studies, Business/Public Administration, Social/Political Science or related field.
•    Two to four years of relevant experience for category C consultants, at least five years of relevant experience for category B consultants, and at least 10 years of relevant experience for category A consultants in issues related to technical expertise in one or more areas of integrated fire management, information and web content development and management, forestry communications and outreach, programme/project development and management, or project support and coordination.
•    Working knowledge (proficiency – level C) of English.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Selection Criteria 

•    Extent and relevance of technical work experience in one or more of the cross-cutting themes covered by the roster.
•    Extent and relevance of work experience in one or more regions, especially in developing or emerging countries.
•    Demonstrated ability to formulate, draft and finalize clear technical and policy documents, guidelines and manuals, in English.
•    Excellent communication skills.
•    Extent of knowledge and experience to conduct (global) technical and policy analysis in topics related to IFM may be considered an asset.
•    Knowledge management experience at FAO may be considered an asset.
•    Knowledge of programme/project administrational processes at FAO may be considered an asset.
•    Limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of a second FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) may be considered an asset.
•    Familiarity with FAO procedures and operational activities, including Letters of Agreement may be considered an asset.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements