Forest Economics Specialist

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the 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 Setting

The Forestry Division (NFO) leads FAO's work in promoting sustainable forest management, the forest contributions to the bioeconomy, 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, and their contributions to forest-based bioeconomies.

The post is located in either the Forestry and Livelihoods team or the Forest Products and Bioeconomy team, NFO. The teams provides technical support, capacity development, guidelines, advisory and facilitation services to member countries to recognize the value of services provided by forest ecosystems and improve the scale and sustainability of forest product value chains.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall guidance of the relevant Team Leader, the incumbent(s) directly report(s) to the relevant Forestry Officer(s).

Technical Focus

The Incumbent(s) Will Contribute To The Implementation Of The FAO Strategic Framework, And In Particular The Program Priority Areas Of “green Innovation For Better Production” And “scaling Up Investments”. Specifically, The Forestry And Livelihood And Forest Products And Bioeconomy Teams Are Looking For International Consultants With Experience And Working Knowledge On Thematic Areas Related To

• Value chain analysis
• Governance and institutional arrangements for sustainable and efficient forest product value chains
• Financial structuring and investment design for sustainable value chains, including blended finance and delivery mechanisms
• Innovation and digital technologies for sustainable forest production and post-harvesting services
• Economics of forestry and landscape restoration
• Planted forests
• Forest finance
• Forest policy
• Partnerships development and resource mobilization
• Knowledge management and outreach for increased visibility
  
  

Tasks And Responsibilities

• Provide technical assistance on the technical areas of competence of the Forestry and Livelihoods and Forest Products and Bioeconomy teams, including in the field of sustainable forest product value chain development, value chain analysis and financing schemes.
• Support the design and structuring of financing mechanisms and investment models, ensuring alignment with FAO operational modalities and risk management frameworks.
• Support the design of institutional settings and/or frameworks for monitoring and reporting of national and international commitments, strategies, and plans.
• Develop approaches and tools to assess, monitor, and promote forest value chain interventions, including through the promotion of inclusive finance, social protection, decent employment, and inclusive business models.
• Research and summarize relevant data sources, organizations, and studies.
• Prepare materials and events that can help increase the visibility of the teams and their services/products.
• Prepare technical reports.
• Organize and conduct both online and in-person consultations with experts at the national and international levels, as needed.
• Plan and develop capacity building tools and activities including expert exchanges, workshops, online training, etc.;
• Provide direct support to countries through capacity building and mentoring.
• Contribute to the design and formulation of Sustainable Forest Product Value Chain Development project proposals, e.g. for FAO TCP, GEF, and GCF, bilateral donors and private sector.
• Perform other related duties as required.
  
  

FAO Standards And Guidelines

• Liaison with OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, aligned messaging, and appropriate review and clearance processes.
• All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including:
  
  

FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31: https://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/en

FAO social media policy and guidelines: https://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia

Social Media Branding Guidelines: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044en

FAOSTYLE https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb8081en

FAO terminology http://www.fao.org/faoterm

FAO Names of Countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/en

Story guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (available to staff).

• Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section.
  
  

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• For Consultants: Advanced University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Social Sciences, Political Sciences, Innovation, International relations or another field relevant to the work of the Organization. In alternative, a first-level degree and two years of relevant experience may be considered.
  
  

For PSA subscribers: University degree or a specific technical specialization in Social Sciences, Political Sciences, Innovation, International relations or another field relevant to the work of the Organization.

• At least 1 year (for Category C), 5 years (for Category B) or 10 years (for Category A) of relevant work experience in one or more of the following areas: Forest Economics, Forest Policy, Forestry Statistics, Sustainable Development, Agribusiness, Value Chain Analysis, Knowledge Management, Sustainable Forest Management, or related areas at national or international level
• Working knowledge (level C) of English, or of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
  
  

FAO Core Competencies

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

Call For Expressions Of Interest - Vacancy Announcement

Job Posting

29/Apr/2026

Closure Date

14/May/2026, 12:59:00 AM

Organizational Unit

NFO - Forestry

Job Type

Non-staff opportunities

Type of Requisition

Consultant / PSA (Personal Services Agreement)

Grade Level

N/A

Primary Location

Italy-Rome

Duration

11 months

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 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’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.