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Senior Regional Advisor (Forestry Development) Job in Cameroon

Org. Setting and Reporting

 

This post is located in the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Sub-Regional Office for Central Africa (SRO-CA), Yaoundé, Cameroon.

 

Responsibilities

 

Under the overall responsibility of the Director of the ECA Sub-Regional Office for Central Africa, Yaounde, the incumbent performs the following duties:

  Leads or participates in analytical studies of the forestry sector paying attention to inhibiting factors (internal and external) and the opportunities for growth and development; 
  Promotes the contributions of the forestry sector in Africa to economic growth and diversification, environmental protection and human/social capital creation;
  Leads studies on the level of harmonization and alignment of forest policies and strategies in different sub-regions on the  continent ;
  Conceives and contributes to compiling good practices and related compendia on sustainable forest management focusing on reforestation, afforestation, agro-forestry, REDD & REDD+;  
  Assists member States in the development of sub-regional sustainable forest management programmes taking into account relevant proposals for action of the Intergovernmental Panel on Forests / Intergovernmental Forum on Forests and resolutions of the United Nations on Forests;
  Undertakes measures aimed at strengthening both human and institutional capacity development including building communities of practice and peer learning groups to spearhead the implementation of sustainable forest management at all levels; ;
  Prepares training material and modules focusing on the development and implementation of sustainable forest management policy frameworks;
  Leads studies assessing the linkages between the forestry sector and other key sectors and formulation of strategies to maximize such linkages (agro-forestry, ecotourism, etc.);
  Liaises with the Secretariats of the UN-REDD programme (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries), UNFCCC, UN CBD, UNCCD to enhance synergy and opportunities for resource mobilization;
  Works in close collaboration with the Land Policy Initiative (LPI) and the Africa Climate Policy Centre (ACPC);
  Coordinates the delivery of technical advice on REDD+ and forest carbon projects development in Africa by supporting African countries (RECs, Governments, NGOs or community) in REDD+ readiness activities and REDD+ field demonstration actions; and
  Develops and implements forest carbon initiatives in Africa though technical assistance in project designs, start-up and maintenance;
  Provides leadership and works with relevant ECA Divisions, SROs, and external partners to design and deploy effective capacity building programs related to sustainable forest management for a variety of audiences.

 

Competencies

 

Professionalism:
In-depth knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts, approaches and practices relevant to policy analysis and programme management as they relate to forest management; good grasp of linkages between the forestry sector and economic growth and environmental sustainability. Practical experience of the forestry sector; excellent analytical skills and problem identification and solving skills.

Core Competencies:

Planning & Organizing:
-Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies
-Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required
-Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work
-Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning
-Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary
-Uses time efficiently

Teamwork:
-Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals
-Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others
-Places team agenda before personal agenda
-Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position
-Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings


Managerial Competencies:

Leadership:
-Serves as a role model that other people want to follow
-Empowers others to translate vision into results
-Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives
-Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support
-Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions
-Drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo
-Shows the courage to take unpopular stands
-Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Managing Performance:
-Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority
-Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member
-Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills
-Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines
-Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff
-Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative
-Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff
-Appraises performance fairly

 

Education

 

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in natural resources, forestry development and management, or related sectoral fields is required.  A first university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lie of the advanced university degree.

 

Work Experience

 

A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in the development and management of forestry resources at regional or country level in the context of Africa is required.  Experience with working with regional economic communities, national governments or international organizations is an advantage.

 

Languages

 

Fluency in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, English or French, (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage

 

Assessment Method

 

Competency-based interview and other assessment method.

 

Special Notice

 

Extension of the appointment is subject to Extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds.

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers In accordance with established rules and procedures.

 

United Nations Considerations

 

The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
 
 

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