Forestry Expert

Result of ServiceThe engaged Consultant is responsible for delivering the results and outputs as indicated below, electronically: Verify the quantity and quality of planting materials, ensuring they meet quality standards (quality certificate) and are in optimal health. Prepare progress reports after each planting season, detailing the quality of work activities implemented as per the contract between the engaged companies and UNEP. Prepare a final report assessing the overall implementation of the contract between the afforestation companies and UNEP, with a separate report for each pilot site. First consultancy report on the implemented activities pertaining to the work plan outlined above and delivered progress report on the quality and quantity of implemented afforestation activities of the first planting season indicated in the contract between the engaged partner and UNEP. Second/Final consultancy report and delivered final report assessing the quality and quantity of the overall, implemented afforestation work of the contract between the afforestation partner and UNEP, with a distinct report provided for each pilot site. Work LocationHome-based/North Macedonia Expected duration4 Months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Under its Western Balkan portfolio, it facilitates the implementation and execution of numerous projects pertaining to climate change, biodiversity protection, land degradation and other environmental related aspects. The Consultant will be engaged for the purposes of the GEF6 project implemented in North Macedonia titled “Promoting Sustainable Land Management (SLM) Through Strengthening Legal and Institutional Framework, Capacity Building and Restoration of Most Vulnerable Mountain Landscapes”, executed with support from UNEP Vienna Programme Office. UNEP Vienna Programme Office is currently supporting the execution of the GEF6 funded project “Promoting Sustainable Land Management (SLM) Through Strengthening Legal and Institutional Framework, Capacity Building and Restoration of Most Vulnerable Mountain Landscapes” in North Macedonia, whose overall objective is to reduce the effects of land degradation and land use pressures on natural resources in the mountain landscapes through development and strengthening of national policies and institutional capacity building for sustainable land management (SLM) and to contribute to achieving the national land degradation neutrality target with integrated landscape management in north-western mountainous ecosystems of North Macedonia. To achieve this objective, the Project will support activities through the implementation of the following three components: 1) Strengthened legal and institutional framework and capacity building for SLM and SFM; 2) Implementation of sustainable land and forest management practices for reducing the effects of land degradation in three pilot sites in the most vulnerable mountainous region (testing and demonstration in selected pilot sites in the most vulnerable mountainous regions, as basis for lessons learned, replication and upscaling); 3) Knowledge management and public awareness. To effectively implement Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) practices and prioritize afforestation efforts on 400 hectares of forest and non-forest land, the Consultant is expected to assist UNEP, in overseeing and verifying the quality and quantity of implemented work by the local partners, engaged in re/afforestation activities in Republic of North Macedonia in the selected pilot sites, Bogoslovec (Sveti Nikole), Golashec (Gevgelija), and Goceva Gora (Negotino). The Consultant will ensure proper use of suitable plant species, planting techniques, and cultivation measures to maintain the quality and sustainability of the afforestation efforts conducted. Specific tasks and responsibilities: Under the supervision of the Head of UNEP Vienna Programme Office – Secretariat of the Carpathian Convention and the Associate Programme Management Officer, UNEP Vienna Programme Office-SCC, the Consultant will be responsible for the continuous supervision and monitoring of the quality and quantity of work performed by the engaged afforestation companies. The Consultant will monitor if the implemented work by the contracted partner is following the prescribed activities envisaged in the prepared Afforestation programme for the selected pilot sites (Bogoslovec/Sveti Nikole, Golashec/Gevgelija, and Goceva Gora/Negotino). Each phase of the implementation must be photo-documented. The consultant will perform the following activities and services: • Ensuring that the afforestation activities are conducted according to the description in the prepared Afforestation programme and at the indicated pilot sites, • Ensure quality of site preparation for afforestation, • Assess the quality of planting materials (verification of the quality and health status certificates), proper afforestation techniques, and maintenance practices employed by the engaged companies, • Regularly monitor the afforestation activities to ensure observance to project timelines and quality standards, • Ensure compliance with environmental and sustainability standards, • Document any issues, such as pest infestations or disease, and recommend corrective measures, • Revise and validate the provided reports on the implemented afforestation activities by the engaged companies. Qualifications/special skillsA master’s degree in forestry/forest management is required, supported by at least five (5) years of relevant working experience in forest and nature ecosystem management, or a related field. A minimum of five (5) years’ professional experience in the execution of similar projects related to afforestation or sustainable forest management in various locations, bioengineering with a focus on afforestation for erosion prevention, and landscaping to combat land degradation, is required. Proof of successful implementation of at least three (3) assignments of similar complexity, is required. Excellent time management, outstanding written and oral communication skills, excellent work ethic and interpersonal skills is desired. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position, fluency in oral and written English and Macedonian is required. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.