Forest Lab Development Specialist

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FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

• 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 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.

Organizational Setting

The Amazon region, with its unparalleled biodiversity and environmental significance, holds immense potential for driving innovation through nature-based solutions (NBS). The proposed Forest Lab in Belém, Pará, Brazil, will serve as a collaborative and transformative space to foster sustainable development, promote research, and engage diverse stakeholders in addressing environmental and societal challenges.
This assignment aims to establish the foundational structure for a new Forest Lab in the Amazon Region, providing a blueprint for its design, development, and implementation while aligning with global sustainability objectives, such as the UN SDGs and the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30).

Reporting Lines

The incumbent reports to the Assistant Representative in FAO Brazil – Programme.

Technical Focus

Develop technical inputs for the design of the foundational structure of a conceptual Forest Lab in Belém, PA, Brazil, and for its implementation. This lab will foster innovation, collaboration, and the application of nature-based solutions to address environmental and societal challenges, particularly those relevant to the Amazon region.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Evaluate the current state of the forest and the NBS innovation ecosystem in Brazil, with a focus on the Amazon Region.
• Assist in the identification, mapping, and establishment of connections with potential stakeholders, including local communities, researchers, policymakers, NGOs, and private sector entities.
• Identify opportunities and challenges for implementing a Forest Lab.
• Create a conceptual framework and a business model tailored to a Forest Lab.
• Draft a comprehensive design for a Forest Lab, encompassing physical and digital infrastructure requirements.
• Propose a governance structure, operational framework, and strategies for stakeholder partnerships.
• Develop a financial plan, including the identification of potential funding sources.
• Outline a step-by-step roadmap for a Forest Lab’s development and rollout.
• Provide recommendations for training programs and initiatives to strengthen local expertise.
• Establish measurable outcomes and indicators to track the success and impact of a Forest Lab.
• Identify and systematize key communication elements into reports and/or other diffusion materials proposals for promoting a Forest Lab.
• Develop a phased communication strategy aligned with the lead-up to COP30.
• Offer recommendations for sustaining engagement with key stakeholders.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced degree in agriculture, environmental sciences, sustainable development, innovation, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of proved experience in innovation consultancy.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English and Portuguese
• Brazilian nationality or resident of the country with valid work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Excellent project management and report-writing skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Amazon region and its innovation ecosystems, including prior engagement with key stakeholders
• Proven track record in designing and implementing innovation environments and ecosystems.
• Strong understanding of nature-based solutions and their applications.
• Expertise in stakeholder engagement, participatory approaches, and capacity-building initiatives.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing).
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help or have queries, please contact\: Careers@fao.org
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
• Only language proficiency certificates from UN accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT) will be accepted as proof of the level of knowledge of languages indicated in the online applications.
• For other issues, visit the FAO employment website\: http\://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment 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
• 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/csp

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