Work from Home/Remotely as a Forestry Policies Specialist at Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) leads international efforts to defeat hunger and achieve food security for all. FAO works in over 130 countries, helping governments and partners design evidence-based policies and programs that promote sustainable agriculture, forestry, and fisheries while ensuring natural resource management and rural development.

Organizational Context: FAO in Ukraine

FAO’s collaboration with the Government of Ukraine focuses on strengthening national capacities for sustainable management of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, as well as supporting early recovery and resilience in conflict-affected regions. FAO Ukraine operates through offices in Kyiv, Lviv, Kharkiv, and Dnipro under the overall direction of the Head of the FAO Office/Designated Responsible Officer.

Following the escalation of hostilities in Ukraine, FAO has scaled up humanitarian and resilience programming to support vulnerable farmers, rural households, and the agrifood sector. Its interventions are guided by the FAO Rapid Response Plan (RRP), aligned with the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) and the UN Transitional Framework for Ukraine, focusing on:

• Immediate life- and livelihood-saving assistance;
• Restoring agrifood system functionality;
• Strengthening government capacity to sustain food system services.

This consultancy will be home-based, operating within FAO Ukraine’s office hours.

Position Overview

Title: Forestry Policies Specialist
Assignment Type: Consultancy
Supervision: The consultant will work under the overall supervision of the Head of Programme, FAO Ukraine, and the direct supervision of the Senior International Forestry Expert and Project Manager for Project GCP/UKR/021/EC.

Technical Focus

The Forestry Policies Specialist will provide technical and policy support to strengthen the sustainable development, governance, and institutional capacity of the forestry sector in Ukraine, ensuring alignment with EU frameworks and best international practices in line with FAO’s Forestry Support Strategy 2023–2027.

Key Responsibilities

The consultant will undertake the following duties:

• Policy and Technical Support
  • Provide technical expertise to the Project Coordinator and FAO forestry teams on forestry policy, governance, and EU alignment.
  • Support the analysis and development of national forestry strategies, legislation, and institutional reforms.
• Research and Analysis
  • Contribute to policy dialogue, analytical reports, and research activities related to forest management, biodiversity, and natural resource governance.
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Documentation and Reporting
  • Prepare project reports, briefing notes, and concept papers.
  • Support the drafting of recommendations and action plans for forestry policy implementation.
• Other Duties
  • Perform additional tasks as requested by FAO supervisors to ensure project success.

• Education:
  • Master’s degree in Forestry, Forestry Policies, Forest Economics, or a related field.
  • A Bachelor’s degree with at least two additional years of relevant work experience will also be considered.
• Experience:
  • At least five years of relevant professional experience in forestry policy, management, or governance.
• Language:
  • Working knowledge of English (Level C) or native fluency.
• Results Focus – Demonstrates efficiency in delivering quality outcomes.
• Teamwork – Works collaboratively in a multicultural environment.
• Communication – Conveys complex ideas clearly and respectfully.
• Building Effective Relationships – Develops and maintains constructive partnerships.
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement – Encourages learning and innovation.

Technical and Functional Skills

• Strong understanding of forestry governance, institutional frameworks, and regulatory processes.
• Ability to operate effectively under pressure and in complex humanitarian settings.
• Proven skills in interpersonal communication, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement.
• Capacity to work independently and meet tight deadlines.
• Familiarity with humanitarian principles and sustainable natural resource management.

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Selection Criteria

• Proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Demonstrated experience with Ukrainian forestry policies, institutions, and reform processes.
• Knowledge of EU forestry policy frameworks and international governance standards.
• Prior experience with international forestry institutions or mechanisms (e.g., UN, EU, FAO).
• Strong analytical, communication, and writing skills.
• Working knowledge (Level C) or native proficiency in Ukrainian is a distinct advantage.
• An advanced degree (PhD or equivalent) will be considered a strong asset.

FAO Values

All candidates must uphold FAO’s core values:

• Commitment to FAO’s mandate and sustainable development goals.
• Respect for all, promoting diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency in professional conduct.

Additional Information

• FAO does not charge fees at any stage of recruitment.
• Only degrees from accredited institutions recognized in the IAU/UNESCO World Higher Education Database (WHED) will be accepted.
• Appointment is contingent on medical clearance, security checks, and visa requirements.
• FAO maintains a non-smoking environment.

Submit your application before 29 November 2025

Applications will be screened based on the details provided in the online profile. Candidates may be requested to provide references, performance evaluations, or consent for background checks.

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