Forestry Officer - Roma, Lazio, Italy

Job Description – Forestry Officer (2601170)

Job Information Job Posting: 01/Jun/2026

Closure Date: 29/Jun/2026, 9:59:00 PM

Job Type: Staff position

Primary Location: Italy – Rome

Duration: Fixed-term, two years with possibility of extension.

Organizational Setting The FAO Investment Centre (CFI) provides investment and finance solutions that lead to more efficient, sustainable, inclusive and resilient agrifood systems. Working in over 120 countries, the Centre provides a full suite of investment and finance support to FAO Members. It partners with governments, international and national financing institutions, the private sector, farmers, research institutions and academia to improve the quality and quantity of agrifood investment. The Centre’s four main areas of work include support to strategic investment planning and policy, public investment, private investment and innovative finance.

Reporting Lines The Forestry Officer reports to the Chief, Latin America and the Caribbean Service (CFIF) of the FAO Investment Centre (CFI).

Technical Focus Formulation, implementation support and evaluation of investment and finance support solutions in forest landscape management and restoration and sustainable forest management in the context of food security, agriculture, rural development, climate change and natural resource management. The focus includes biological diversity and ecosystem services, related institutions and access to markets for forest products, particularly sustainable wood and non‑timber forest products, and ecosystem services by forest dwellers and local communities.

Key Results Provision of technical expertise and capacity development for the design of investment operations in collaboration with country stakeholders and partners, and implementation support and evaluation of investment operations in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework.

Key Functions

Participate in and lead multidisciplinary teams to assist governments in identifying and preparing investment and finance support solutions in forestry and sustainable forest management, including pre‑appraisal and appraisal missions.

Assist in the implementation support and preparation of final evaluation of investment and finance support solutions in forestry and natural resources management.

Provide technical expertise in forestry and sustainable forest management in the context of food security, agriculture, rural development, climate resilience, natural resource management and agro‑processing.

Support sustainable forest management and development involving local dwellers and communities, producers, organizations, private sector actors, civil society organizations and government.

Formulate and deliver capacity development strategies and activities in forestry and sustainable forest management for government staff, non‑state actors and private sector organizations.

Prepare reports in accordance with FAO, governments and financing partner requirements.

Support task organization, selection of consultants, preparation of terms of reference and ensure quality of outputs.

Promote international cooperation and collaboration, advocate best practices, effective policy dialogue and provide technical expertise at international meetings.

Establish and maintain relationships with relevant FAO Technical Units and Decentralized Offices to maximise synergies.

Participate in resource mobilisation activities in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework.

Provide guidance and advice to colleagues and junior staff.

Specific Functions

Engage with “Forestry Division” units to capture FAO technical knowledge in investment work and inform investment support activities in forestry.

Contribute to forest sector strategies, plans and operations for investment implications, technical and environmental feasibility and compliance with national policies.

Assess constraints and opportunities for enhancing sustainable production of forest products and services to improve livelihoods of the rural poor.

Design forestry‑related activities and components of investment operations, including systems of implementation support and monitoring and evaluation of impacts.

Provide technical expertise on economic and financial instruments supporting sustainable sector development.

Assess budget and define technical parameters for sustainable forest development projects and financial models.

Qualifications

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in tropical and subtropical forest science, forest economics or a closely related field.

Seven years of relevant experience in planning and implementing forest resource management and sustainable development projects in developing countries or countries in transition.

Proficiency in English (level C) and intermediate proficiency in another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Performance & Competencies

Results focus

Teamwork

Communication

Building Effective Relationships

Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical and Functional Skills

Experience in multiple locations or areas of work, particularly field positions (desirable).

Relevance of experience in forest resources management, biodiversity conservation, natural resource management and climate change.

Experience in multidisciplinary teams for strategies, studies, and evaluation of forestry, rural development, natural resource management and agro‑processing investment initiatives.

Experience in investment design, implementation support and evaluation procedures with partners such as the World Bank, IFAD and other International Financing Institutions.

Knowledge of context and working experience with International Financing Institutions and bilateral partners in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Experience in capacity development for design and implementation of forest and forest landscape conservation and restoration, agriculture, rural development and sustainable natural resource management.

Experience dealing with government officials, development partners and country stakeholders.

Ability to write technical reports in English.

Working knowledge of Spanish is an asset.

General Information

Extension of fixed‑term appointments depends on performance certification and fund availability.

FAO reserves the right to not make an appointment.

Appointments subject to medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements and security clearances.

Conditions of Service

A competitive compensation and benefits package.

Dependency allowances.

Rental subsidy.

Education grant for children.

Home leave travel.

30 working days of annual leave per year.

Pension fund entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund.

International health insurance; optional life insurance.

Disability protection.

FAO staff expected to adhere to FAO Values of Commitment, Respect for All, Integrity and Transparency.

FAO Diversity Commitment

FAO is committed to 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.

All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

All applications will be treated with strict confidentiality.

FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director‑General, who may assign them to any activity or office.

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