Forestry Officer

Job Posting05/Jan/2026Closure Date27/Jan/2026, 10:59:00 PMOrganizational Unit: NFOJob TypeStaff positionType of Requisition : ProfessionalPrimary LocationItaly-RomeDuration : Fixed-term: two years with possibility of extensionPost Number : CCOG Code : 1H06IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal deviceThe length of appointment for internal FAO candidates will be established in accordance with applicable policies pertaining to the extension of appointments.FAO Commitment to Diversity and IntegrityFAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and cultureQualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and persons with disabilities are encouraged to applyEveryone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's valuesFAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero‑tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discriminationAll selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checksAll applications will be treated with the strictest confidentialityFAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director‑General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.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 SettingThe 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 Members, 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.The post is located in the Global Forest Resources Assessment Team (FRA) of the Forestry Division (NFO) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.Reporting LinesThe Forestry Officer (Global Forest Resources Assessment) reports to the Senior Forestry Officer/Team Leader of the Global Forest Resources Assessment Team (FRA).Technical FocusThe Forestry Officer (Global Forest Resources Assessment) leads delivery of designated country reporting, remote sensing and thematic study workstreams within the Global Forest Resources Assessment Team (FRA).Key ResultsComprehensive technical and policy expertise to support the planning, development and implementation of divisional programmes, projects, products and services in accordance with divisional objectives and the FAO Strategic Framework.Key FunctionsPlans and leads components of multidisciplinary teams; leads and/or participates in organization‑wide, cross‑divisional committees, project teams and working groups and/or provides specialised expertise on technical networks and/or international technical policy and standard setting bodies.Develops technical, analytical, monitoring and reporting frameworks and related methodologies, tools, systems and databases, etc., to support the planning, implementation/delivery and monitoring of programmes of work, projects, products and/or services.Designs and conducts research, data collection, validation, analysis and/or reporting activities to support the development of technical standards, international instruments, innovative approaches and strategies, new tools, technologies, technical reports/publications and/or policy proposals as well as the provision of technical/policy/specialist advice and expertise.Responds to country requests for technical and policy assistance; provides technical advice, assistance and solutions to Decentralized Offices as well as technical backstopping to field projects.Collaborates in, provides technical backstopping to and ensures the quality and effectiveness of capacity development and knowledge sharing activities within Member Nations such as policy support, organizational development and individual learning events including preparation of related information, learning materials and online tools.Promotes international cooperation/advocates best practices, increased policy dialogue and provides technical expertise at international/intergovernmental meetings.Participates in resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework.Specific FunctionsServes as the primary contact for FRA country reporting in an assigned region.Coordinates and delivers capacity development activities.Fosters collaboration with FAO Members, FRA National correspondents, Advisory Group and other stakeholders.Contributes to data review, analysis and report writing.Contributes to further development to FRA data entry, review and dissemination tool.Spearheads special studies for specific thematic areas to enhance future reporting on global forest resources.Coordinates project management and reporting activities.Performs any other duties, as required.Candidate RequirementsAdvanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in forest inventory, assessment and monitoring, natural resources management or a related field.Seven years of relevant experience in forest resources assessment, field inventories, remote sensing, data analysis, or related field.Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).Results FocusTeamworkCommunicationBuilding Effective RelationshipsKnowledge Sharing and Continuous ImprovementTechnical/Functional SkillsWork experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable.Extent and relevance of experience or knowledge of forest inventory and monitoring in diverse forest types and ecosystems.Extent and relevance of experience in analysing forest inventory and monitoring datasets.Extent and relevance of experience in data analysis and analytical writing.Extent and relevance of experience in different countries and regions, especially in developing countries and countries in transition.Ability to mobilize resources.General InformationExtension of fixed term appointments is based on certification of performance and availability of funds.FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment.Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.Conditions of ServiceA competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click on the following link: benefits, subject to eligibility, include:Dependency allowancesRental subsidyEducation grant for childrenHome leave travel30 working days of annual leave per yearPension fund entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension FundInternational health insurance; optional life insuranceDisability protectionFAO encourages a positive workplace culture to increase inclusivity and diversity within its workforce. FAO applies measures in which all staff members contribute equally and in full to the work and development of the Organization. This includes:Elements of family‑friendly policiesFlexible working arrangementsStandards of conduct.How to ApplyTo apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills.Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile.Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications.Incomplete applications will not be considered.Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO's behalf to provide employment support services such as pre‑screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application.Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered.Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile.We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO's client support team for further assistance: