Forest Lab Development Specialist

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.
  
  

Job Posting

12/Feb/2025

Closure Date

26/Feb/2025, 8:59:00 PM

Organizational Unit

FLBRA - FAO Representation in Brasil

Job Type

Non-staff opportunities

Type of Requisition

PSA (Personal Services Agreement)

Grade Level

N/A

Primary Location

Home-Based

Duration

6 months

Post Number

N/A

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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.