A Unique Opportunity to Shape Mediterranean Forestry as an FAO Forestry Expert

An Esteemed Role in Global Forestry

Forestry Expert Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is looking for a dedicated to lead the Secretariat of the Committee on Mediterranean Forestry Questions (Silva Mediterranea). This 11-month consultancy position, based in Rome, Italy, offers a professional an exceptional opportunity to influence forest policy and restoration efforts across multiple Mediterranean nations. With an application deadline of February 25, 2026, this role is designed for a senior professional with a deep understanding of regional forestry challenges and a passion for international cooperation.

This prestigious position places the successful candidate at the heart of a long-standing international initiative. Silva Mediterranea, established in 1948, serves as a critical platform where Mediterranean member countries from three regional commissions converge to exchange knowledge and establish cooperative programs. The Forestry Expert will act as the Secretary of this committee, ensuring that the collaborative vision for the region’s forests is translated into concrete action and tangible progress.

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Key Responsibilities and Strategic Impact

The role encompasses a wide range of high-level duties focused on coordination, implementation, and advocacy. The Forestry Expert will be responsible for following up on the committee’s recommendations and organizing its biennial sessions and executive meetings. A significant part of the work involves coordinating the implementation of action plans for Silva Mediterranea’s multiple working groups and task forces, which focus on emerging topics in Mediterranean forestry.

Furthermore, the expert will monitor advancements in the field, facilitating knowledge transfer through publications, policy briefs, and regional capacity-building events. A landmark responsibility includes coordinating interventions funded by a Multi-Partner Trust Fund under the UN Decade on Ecosystems Restoration flagship, “Restoring Mediterranean Forests.” This position also involves supervising the activities of the Mediterranean Youth Taskforce, ensuring the next generation of forestry professionals is engaged, and leading the organization of the ninth Mediterranean Forest Week scheduled for the first semester of 2027 in Rome.

Qualifications and Expertise Required

Candidates for this influential Forestry Expert role must meet stringent requirements that reflect the position’s strategic importance. Applicants need an advanced university degree in forestry from a recognized institution, with consultants holding a bachelor’s degree requiring two additional years of professional experience. A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in forestry, forest and landscape restoration, or sustainable land management is essential, including work at national and/or international levels.

Technical skills must be robust, with a strong background in Mediterranean forestry issues such as restoration, climate change adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and landscape approaches. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a proven ability to coordinate complex, multi-stakeholder processes involving member countries, regional organizations, and civil society. Proficiency in English (Level C) is mandatory, and knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is a valuable asset. Additional desirable skills include experience in resource mobilization, project development, and organizing large international events.

Visit Official Site : https://jobs.fao.org/careersection/fao_external/jobdetail.ftl?job=2600309&tz=GMT%2B02%3A00&tzname=Africa%2FHarare

The Benefits of a Career with FAO Forestry

Accepting the role of Forestry Expert with Silva Mediterranea comes with a multitude of professional and personal benefits. Working within the FAO’s Forestry Division provides an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to global environmental sustainability, a core objective of the organization’s strategic mission. You will join a diverse and dedicated international team committed to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, upholding the values of the United Nations.

This position allows for direct impact on a critical region, shaping policies and initiatives that affect the health of Mediterranean forests and the communities that depend on them. The consultant will build an extensive professional network, collaborating with key regional stakeholders, government representatives, and international partners. The role is based at FAO headquarters in Rome, offering a dynamic and culturally rich work environment. Furthermore, the 11-month contract includes the possibility of extension, providing a pathway for longer-term engagement in meaningful international forestry work.

How to Apply for the Forestry Expert Position

Interested candidates are required to apply through the official FAO recruitment portal. The process begins by creating an accurate and complete online profile that includes detailed employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills. A letter of motivation must be attached to the profile, which is a crucial component of the application. FAO emphasizes that incomplete applications will not be considered, and all submissions must be received before the 6:59 AM (Central European Time) deadline on February 25, 2026.

The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct incompatible with its UN mandate and conducts rigorous reference and background checks on all selected candidates. Importantly, FAO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process. Applications will be screened based on the online profile, so attention to detail is paramount. For assistance, applicants can register with FAO’s client support team. This position represents more than a job; it is a calling for a professional ready to dedicate their expertise to the sustainable future of Mediterranean forests.

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The Mediterranean basin’s forests are a unique and vital ecosystem facing unprecedented challenges. The Forestry Expert chosen for this role will not just fill a position but will become a key architect in the regional response to climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development. By steering the Silva Mediterranea committee, the expert ensures that decades of cooperative tradition continue to foster innovation, youth engagement, and tangible restoration on the ground. For a senior forestry professional seeking to apply their knowledge on an international stage with lasting impact, this opportunity with FAO is truly unparalleled.

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