Senior Forest Advisor

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Strengthening institutional and technical capacities of National Center for Vegetation Cover and Combating Desertification

Project Description:

In support of the realization of the ambitious Saudi Arabia and Middle East Green initiative under the Saudi Vision 2030, the National Center for Vegetation Cover and Combating Desertification (NCVC) has been tasked with combating desertification, rehabilitating forest vegetation cover, protecting local endangered plant species and managing national parks. This project is designed to support NCVC in increasing necessary institutional, technical, and technological capacities to realize its mandate more effectively and efficiently. The enhanced NCVC capacity will be achieved through transforming information technology and digital capabilities, establishing cooperation and strengthening its network internationally, and promoting forest conservation practices, and increasing environmental awareness to ensure the long-term sustainability of NCVC activities at the policy level and on the ground. The project will support the achievement of the ambitious Saudi Green Initiative by designing a model of a tree nursery and seed bank with a road map for establishing a large-scale nursery facility to meet the Kingdom's afforestation goals, along with by aligning policy and standards of tree planting and creating a mechanism to coordinate the afforestation work among different actors. These objectives will be achieved through a whole-of-society approach, in close partnership with the private sector, academia, youth, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the long-term sustainability of the activities across the project lifecycle and beyond. This project will build upon the long-standing Standard Basic Framework Agreement (SBBA) which was agreed upon between the Kingdom and the UNDP in 1975.

The project expected outputs are:

Output 1: Strengthening international cooperation and network.

Output 2: Promoting conservation practices and strengthening environmental awareness via advocacy and outreach.

Output 3: Model tree nursery design and ecosystem conservation.

Output 4: Transformation of information technology and digital infrastructure .

Output 5: Strengthening institutional and technical capacity.

The Senior Forest Advisor will be responsible for the following:

• National Forest Strategy Development:
• Review, analyze, and propose improvements to all relevant documents associated with the National Forest Strategy.
• Assist in the evaluation of outcomes from ongoing projects to ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
• Attend and contribute to pertinent workshops, bringing expertise to the discussions.
• Recommend actionable solutions addressing forest-related challenges in KSA.
• Establishment of Forest Monitoring System:
• Furnish technical advice determining the scope and breadth of the project.
• Aid the project team in clarifying expected outputs and devising an effective implementation strategy.
• Establishment of Forest Research Center:
• Offer specialized advice for the initiation of the Al Baha Forest Centre and other decentralized forest regional units.
• Develop precise technical specifications for the Forestry Research Center's laboratories, ensuring alignment with global standards.
• Support in formulating a 10-year operational strategy for the Forestry Research Center.
• Provide auxiliary advisory assistance as deemed necessary.
• Forest Strategic Plan:
• Facilitate the drafting of Concept Notes or Scope of Work for identified projects when required.

D. Expected Outputs and Deliverables

The Senior Forest Advisor will be responsible for delivering the following:

• National Forest Strategy Development:
• A comprehensive report that assesses current documents related to the National Forest Strategy and suggests areas of improvement.
• Evaluation documents highlighting the outcomes and efficiency of ongoing projects.
• Attendance and contribution records from relevant workshops.
• A technical advisory report detailing the scope of the forest monitoring project.
• Documentation outlining the expected outputs and the devised implementation strategy.
• Establishment of Forest Research Center:

A 10-year operational plan for the Forestry Center, highlighting objectives, expected outcomes, and milestones.

• Additional reports or documents on any auxiliary matters as they arise.
• A series of Concept Notes or Scope of Work drafts for the projects identified for mid-to-long-term implementation.

It's important to note that the expected outputs and deliverables may be subject to adjustment and refinement during the project based on evolving needs and priorities.

E. Institutional Arrangement

The Senior Forest Advisor will work at the General Directorate of Forests under the overall supervision of National Project Coordinator at NCVC and indirectly to the National Project Officer at UNDP.

F. Duration of the Work

• The expected duration of the work is 12 months, the candidate will work 72 days only: 52 days remotely (one day weekly) and 20 days in KSA across up to 4 visits (5 days each).
• The project is anticipated to start on [1 October 2023] and end on [1 October 2024].
• The completion of deliverables and milestones will be spread out throughout the duration of the project, with specific timelines provided in the deliverables table.
• The timeline for review and feedback on deliverables will be communicated by the Project Manager at the NCVC.
• Any adjustments or extensions to the duration of the work will be mutually agreed upon by the Senior Forest Advisor and the NCVC, considering the project's progress and requirements.

G. Duty Station

• This assignment will be NCVC Riyadh and home-based.
• UNDP will cover the around ticket to/from the duty station.
• If unforeseen travel outside the consultant's duty station city is requested by UNDP and not required by the Terms of References (ToR), such travel shall be covered by UNDP in line with applicable rules and regulations and upon prior written agreement. In such cases, the consultant shall receive living allowances not exceeding the United Nations (UN) Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) rate for such other location(s).

Note: A written approval from UNDP and relevant authorities will be required to facilitate the consultant's travel to any locations than stated on this TOR on official missions where necessary.

Core

Achieve Results:

LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact

Think Innovatively:

LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems

LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences

Adapt with Agility:

LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands

Act with Determination:

LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results

Engage and Partner:

LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration

Enable Diversity and Inclusion:

LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

Thematic Area

Name

Definition

Knowledge of intergovernmental bodies (General Assembly, ECOSOC, UNDESA, etc.), including respective mandates, ways of working, and negotiation processes

Business Direction and Strategy

Effective Decision Making

Ability to take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one's authority, area of expertise and resources

Planet

Nature, Climate and Energy

Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Conservation and Sustainable use of biodiversity, land, forests and oceans

Planet

Nature, Climate and Energy

Climate and Forests: Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest

Planet

Nature, Climate and Energy

Green Economy: Green economy and green growth

Prosperity

Inclusive Growth

Economic Transformation, Policy and Planning

Governance

Local Governance

Effective and efficient delivery and implementation of Programs and Projects

Min. Education requirements

Advanced university degree (PhD) in Forestry or a closely related field.

Min. years of relevant work experience

Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in international and regional experience in national institutional capacity development and strategic planning related to forests and the forestry sector.

Required skills

• Expertise in conservation and sustainable development of forests and forestry.
• Ability to conduct scientific research and produce relevant academic publications.
• Proficiency in strategic planning related to forests and the forestry sector.
• Experience in preparing documents, project proposals, and detailed reports focused on sustainable forest development.
• Capability to work autonomously and with minimal guidance.
• Ability to meet deadlines and deliver expected results in a timely manner.

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section

• Familiarity with the Middle East region and understanding of its environmental challenges.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Knowledge of advanced technological tools and software relevant to forestry research and monitoring.
• Ability to effectively lead and participate in interdisciplinary teams.

Required Language(s)

• Fluency in both Arabic and English.

Professional Certificates

• N/A

A.The following documents shall be required from the applicants:

• Personal CV or P11, indicating all past positions held and their main underlying functions, their durations (month/year), the qualifications, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate, and at least three (3) the most recent professional references of previous supervisors. References may also include peers.
• A cover letter (maximum length: 1 page) indicating why the candidate considers him-/herself to be suitable for the position.

Step 1: Please prepare all required documents electronically.

Step 2: Combine all documents in ONE SINGLE FILE (preferably in PDF however, Word format can also be accepted) and upload to the UNDP Jobs links

Step 3: After that, you will receive an auto-reply from the UNDP jobs if your offer is received successfully.

Interested applicants are advised to carefully review this advertisement and ensure that they meet the requirements and qualifications described.

Given the volume of applications that UNDP receives, only shortlisted offerors will be notified.

UNDP reserves the right to reject any incomplete applications.

Please be informed that we don't accept applications submitted via email.

Interested Offerors are required to submit an application via UNDP Jobsite system as the application screening and evaluation will be done through UNDP Jobsite system. Please note that UNDP Jobsite system allows only one uploading of application documents, so please make sure that you merge all your documents into a single file. Your online application submission will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an email acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. In such cases, please resubmit the application if necessary. Please combine all your documents into one (1) single PDF document as the system only allows you to upload a maximum of one document.

Any request for clarification/additional information on this procurement notice shall be communicated in writing to UNDP office or send to a copy the Procurement Unit would endeavor to provide information expeditiously, only requests receiving at least 3 working days prior to the submission deadline will be entertained. Any delay in providing such information will not be considered as a reason for extending the submission deadline. The UNDP's response (including an explanation of the query but without identifying the source of inquiry) will be posted on the Individual Consultant (IC) Procurement Notice page as provided above. Therefore, all prospective Offerors are advised to visit the page regularly to make obtain updates related to this Individual Consultant (IC) Procurement Notice.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Interested applicants are advised to carefully review this advertisement and ensure that they meet the requirements and qualifications described.

The interested offeror must read the Individual Consultant (IC) Procurement Notice, which can be viewed atUNDP | Procurement Notices Senior Forest Advisor for more detailed information about terms of references, instructions for the offeror, and to download the documents to be submitted in the offer online.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.