Join to apply for the Ecosystem-based adaptation Consultant role at FAO
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 member countries, 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 Forestry Division coordinates FAO's work on forest‑based adaptation, including with mangrove, peatland and fire considerations, and supports countries through global work and a developing portfolio of projects in advancing ecosystem‑based adaptation, resilience, and reducing vulnerability through adaptation plans and climate commitments.
Reporting Lines
The incumbent reports to the Forestry Officer (Adaptation with mitigation synergies), under the overall guidance of the Senior Forestry Officer/Team Leader of the Forests and Climate Team. S/he will work closely with members of the team and the Division, Decentralised Offices and other relevant FAO units.
Technical Focus
Technical support, capacity development and policy guidance related to forests, wetlands and ecosystem‑based adaptation (EbA).
Tasks and Responsibilities

Provides technical and project management support to FAO's normative work and portfolio of projects related to ecosystem-based adaptation, including the sustainable management, restoration, and conservation of forests and wetlands, integrated fire management, and related socio‑economic aspects. This includes adaptation planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) and reporting efforts in developing countries and regions including Sub‑Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia‑Pacific, and others.
Contributes with technical advice and liaises with global partner organisations and partnership networks.
Assists developing countries by providing science‑based information to support EbA monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) as well as reporting in line with international agreements and goals.
Supports programme and pipeline development, management and reporting related to forests, wetlands and EbA, including formulation of project documents.
Contributes to internal and external communications, supports the development and dissemination of knowledge products, and facilitates stakeholder engagement and outreach in collaboration with communication experts.
Organises meetings, workshops, conferences and other events, summarising and reporting results.
Coordinates diverse stakeholder groups ensuring timely and effective delivery of project activities and outputs.
Performs other duties as needed.

Minimum Requirements

Advanced university degree from an institution recognised by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in climate change, forests, rural livelihoods, natural resources management, wetlands, land use, water, soils, law, international development or a related field. Consultants with a bachelor’s degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
Relevant work experience (at least 1 year for a category C, 5 years for a category B, or 10 years for category A) in international development linked with climate change action, forests, wetlands, fire management or other land uses.
Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical / Functional Skills

Limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) would be an asset.
Relevant experience in project design, management and/or implementation.
High level of organisation and ability to work across multiple ongoing work streams.
Familiarity with climate change adaptation.
Demonstrated knowledge of ecosystem management, restoration and/or conservation, with their climate, biodiversity, and human dimensions.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a dynamic multicultural environment.
Extent and relevance of experience in international organisations, including UN systems.
Extent and relevance of experience in the development, management, and implementation of international programmes.
Strong communication skills, including proven ability to draft technical documents.

Selection Criteria

Clarity of expression.
Readiness for duty travel missions to developing countries and field sites as needed.
Work experience in developing countries or elsewhere in Spanish‑speaking and/or tropical countries would be an asset.
Extent and relevance of experience in monitoring, evaluating and learning efforts for adaptation, resilience and/or vulnerability reduction.
Extent and relevance of experience in climate risk and vulnerability assessments.
Extent and relevance of experience in capacity development.
Extent and relevance of experience in the setting up, coordination, liaison and management of projects.
Proven record of resource mobilisation, stakeholder engagement and/or knowledge management and outreach.

Vacancy Announcement
Job Posting: 10 Dec 2025
Closure Date: 04 Jan 2026
Organisational Unit: NFO
Job Type: Non‑staff opportunities
Type of Requisition: Consultant / PSA (Personal Services Agreement)
Duration: Assignments up to 11 months
Important Notice – Diversity and EEO

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 specialised 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.

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