Job Description

CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST - VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT: 2601964

Forestry Specialist

Job Posting

: 18/Sep/2026

Closure Date

: 09/Oct/2026, 9:59:00 PM

Organizational Unit: RAP - Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (Bangkok)

Job Type

: Non-staff opportunities

Type of Requisition: Consultant / PSA (Personal Services Agreement)

Grade Level: N/A

Primary Location

: Thailand-Bangkok

Duration: 3-11 months, with possibility of extension

Post Number: N/A

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device 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 person 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 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 discrimination　　All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checksAll applications will be treated with the strictest confidentialityFAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

Organizational SettingThe Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) is responsible for leading FAO’s response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO’s priority activities in the region. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the region and, in collaboration with the Offices, Centres and Divisions at headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to regional priorities. RAP also advises on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization’s Programme of Work and Budget and implements approved programmes and projects in the region, monitors the level of programme implementation and draws attention to problems and deficiencies. RAP also supports its Member States in the implementation of field projects and programmes, for which technical backstopping and oversight are among the Organization's core contributions. RAP develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions including the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and regional inter-governmental organizations.The Regional Office supports regional policy dialogue on food security, agriculture and rural development issues, facilitates the emergence of regional partnerships, and supports capacity development and resource mobilization for food security, agriculture (incl. forestry) and rural development in the region.The position is located in the Forestry and Biodiversity Team of the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok, Thailand.

Reporting LinesThe Forestry Specialist will report to the Senior Forestry Officer/Forestry Officer, RAP.

Technical FocusProvision of technical advice and expertise for (i) the oversight of forestry-related field project implementation in Asia-Pacific; and (ii) the design of investment operations, in collaboration with country stakeholders and cooperating partners, to mobilize resources for the biodiversity-friendly, climate resilient conservation, restoration and sustainable use of forests and trees – including in dryland landscapes - in Asia-Pacific, within the context of sustainable agrifood system transformation, with a particular focus on integrated approaches, forest and landscape restoration, value chain development and traceability, or sustainable financing and investments.

Tasks and responsibilities• Participate in multidisciplinary teams to assist governments in the identification, assessment, design and preparation of investment operations (national and regional level) with a focus on the thematic fields mentioned above;

• Participate in multidisciplinary teams to assist in the formulation of field programmes and projects, including the preparation of funding proposals and supporting background documents, notably for vertical funds (GEF, GCF, etc.), as well as bilateral donors and relevant private entities;
• Provide technical backstopping to the implementation of national field projects (notably GEF), with a focus on practical technical solutions;
• Provide advice and technical expertise on data and information analysis, policy making, strategy formulation and legislation, with a focus on the thematic fields mentioned above;
• Support capacity development activities and knowledge management, including the documentation of lessons learned / best practices and the preparation of publications, with a focus on the thematic areas listed above;
• Support coordination and engagement across multi-partner regional programmes and networks;
• Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWINGMinimum Requirements• For Consultants: Advanced University degree/University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in forestry, natural resources management, environmental sciences or any other discipline relevant to the work of the Organization. Consultants with bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.

• For PSA.SBS: University degree (or technical degree/certificate) from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in forestry, natural resources management, environmental sciences or any other discipline relevant to the work of the Organization.
• At least five years of relevant experience in the formulation and implementation of field projects or programmes;
• Working knowledge of English (Level C).

FAO Core Competencies• Results Focus

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

Technical/Functional Skills• Extent and relevance of experience in the formulation of forest and natural ecosystem programmes/projects, including financial strategies and resource mobilization;

• Extent and relevance of experience in sustainable forest management, forest and landscape restoration, dryland ecosystem management, integrated fire management, value chain development and traceability for wood and non-wood forest products, or sustainable financing and investment approaches (incl. blended finance);
• Extent and relevance of experience in capacity development for the design and implementation of natural resource management.
• Demonstrated experience in dealing with government officials, development partners, the private sector and other country level stakeholders, including in multi-partner regional programmes or networks;
• Relevance of work experience in more than one location, notably in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Experience with FAO technical tools and approaches is a plus.

Selection Criteria• Demonstrated technical experience in the thematic fields mentioned above.

• Demonstrated experience in technical backstopping of field project or programmes.
• Demonstrated ability in mobilizing resources.
• Ability to distil complex information into concise and easily understood information and communication.
• Demonstrated experience working in multidisciplinary and multi-cultural teams, including multi-partner regional programmes or networks.
• Experience in field positions, especially in Asia and the Pacific, is a plus.
• Knowledge of another FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish or Russian) is desirable. Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONFAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing)Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO listPlease 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 http://www.whed.net/ For more information, visit the FAO employment websiteAppointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. HOW TO APPLY• To 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 http://www.whed.net/. 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: https://fao.service-now.com/cspFAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT