Forestry Officer

Organizational Setting
The 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 Lines
The Forestry Officer (Global Forest Resources Assessment) reports to the Senior Forestry Officer/Team Leader of the Global Forest Resources Assessment Team (FRA).

Technical Focus
The 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 Results
Comprehensive 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 Functions

• Plans 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 on-line 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 Functions

• Serves 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.

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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements

• Advanced 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).

Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work 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.

Job Posting
05/Jan/2026

Closure Date
28/Jan/2026, 12:59:00 AM

Organizational Unit
NFO

Job Type
Staff position

Type of Requisition
Professional

Grade Level
P-4

Primary Location
Italy-Rome

Duration
Fixed-term: two years with possibility of extension

Post Number
2001357

CCOG Code
1H06

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

The length of appointment for internal FAO candidates will be established in accordance with applicable policies pertaining to the extension of appointments.
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• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, 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 discrimination
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
• FAO 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.