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Head of Forest Sector Transformation Unit (FSTU)

United Nations Development Programme
Full-time
On-site
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Description

Background



 


Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.



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.



Ethiopian Forestry Development is implementing REDD+ Investment Program (RIP II) in order to contribute to NDC targets of emission reduction, increased forest cover and to enhance contribution of the forest sector to the national GDP. It is established in the RIP II document that a forest sector transformation unit (FSTU) will continue to enhance RIP-II coordination, resource mobilization and better monitoring and communication. FSTU will be responsible for providing information on potential funding sources and spearheading resource mobilization endeavors, liaising with development partners and other stakeholders, coordinate joint monitoring missions, organize program review meetings and prepare regular progress reports for submission to Ministry of Finance (MoF). In addition, the FSTU will manage the activities in the component one of RIP II and also closely work with all components of the RIP II project.

The FSTU will have its own Head with a high caliber of senior leadership. Governance is provided by the Ethiopian Forestry Development. The Head (of FSTU) will play a critical role both in internal FSTU leadership, coordination of other RIP components and external relations (in terms of partnership and soliciting additional resources based on the directions from EFD). The ideal candidate should have a passion for improving the forestry sector in Ethiopia and a deep knowledge of the Ethiopian forestry sector. Likewise, s/he is expected to have outstanding leadership, management and communications skills, and an ability to translate forestry policy and strategies and other national and global visions into real and tangible progress. The Head is also expected to be an outstanding problem-solver and possess the ability to build trust with a broad range of stakeholders, including senior political leaders, EFD Directorates, donors, regional governments, FSTU staff and others. The Head is also expected to report directly to the UNDP Deputy Resident Representative (Programme), Director General of Ethiopian Forestry Development, and work closely with other stakeholders. The duration of the contract is for one year with possible extension. 



Position Purpose

The Forest Sector Transformation Unit (FSTU) Head will coordinate RIP-II and other forestry projects, lead resource mobilization, facilitate monitoring and communication activities, enhance the capacity of the forest sector to fulfill its mandate at all levels. The FSTU Head will work with various non-state actors working in the forestry sector to share best practices and explore opportunities for scaling up successful forestry practices to inform policy and decision makers.


UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration. 



Duties and Responsibilities


 


1) Lead the forest sector transformation unit


  • Overseeing the implementation of FSTU activities stated in RIP II and support implementation of other REDD+ Investment Program II components and other forestry projects in EFD;

  • Setting high-level direction, strategy and approach for the Forest Sector Transformation Unit;

  • Providing substantive guidance and oversight to all advisors and specialists that are recruited under FSTU and other different forestry projects (as needed by EFD);

  • Serving as a strategic advisor to EFD senior leadership on issues related to the forestry situation in Ethiopia;

  • Oversee the recruitment of key staff of the FSTU and other forestry projects;

  • Building the strategy, approaches and core processes of the FSTU and other forestry projects;

  • Familiarization of the FSTU's mandates, partnership and management arrangements to various stakeholders; 

  • Provide overall guidance and leadership to all forestry projects towards the attainment of the set goals.


2) Manage core stakeholder relationships and lead resource mobilization



  • Work closely with regions, the Climate-Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) Steering Committee and the CRGE Facility, development partners, and the private sector to fulfill the mandate of FSTU and strengthen its role within the forest sector;

  • Monitoring of results across forest sector initiatives and reporting of those results to key stakeholders;

  • Continuously engaging key stakeholders (in government, regions, donor agencies, private sector, NGOs and others) in the forestry sector;

  • Organizing high level engagements and dialogues in the forestry sector; 

  • Lead the design and implementation of partnership building strategies and knowledge management initiatives;

  • Spearhead and support the preparation of project proposals to mobilize financial resource from bilateral and multilateral agencies including GCF; GEF sectors  to support the transformation of the forestry sector in the country; 

  •  Design strategy and implement   to mobilize resource from Private Sector and Civil Society Organizations. 



3) Lead initiatives of FSTU


  • Advise and support the RIP II Component Coordination Units and other forestry projects in implementation through tracking of milestones and capability-building activities; 

  • Building a portfolio of partnerships that will accelerate achievement of Ethiopia's forestry sector goals contained in the national policies, plans and strategies and forestry related global commitments;

  • Providing guidance to all forestry projects and initiatives; 

  • Coordinate the preparation of annual work plans of RIP II and consolidate periodic progress reports to be submitted to EFD, MoF and others as needed;

  • Organize joint monitoring missions and periodic program level review meetings;

  • Prepare and disseminate communication materials; 

  • Identify potential funding sources, prepare fundable projects and regularly provide information;

  • Managing forest sector portfolio projects and overall performance and risks; 

  • Rendering support to the implementation of ongoing programs under the RIP II both at the federal and regional levels, including facilitating fund disbursement ensuring the timely transfer of funds. 



4) Build strategic partnerships and provision of top- quality advocacy


  • Maps relevant stakeholders, development partners and their potential contribution to future programming;

  • Engages in coordination efforts related to relevant donor and other stakeholders' initiatives dealing with forestry;

  • Identifies opportunities and contributes to the overall resource mobilization efforts in line with priority areas of EFD interventions; 

  • Identifies and supports the realization of synergetic initiatives and/or contribution from various stakeholders, which would add value and maximize the specific results. 



5) Lead knowledge building, knowledge management and capacity building


  • To pledge to national and regional authorities, in collaboration with the EFD and partners, on the best practices and experiences implemented in the framework of FSTU;

  • To strengthen the national and regional capacities in collaboration with the partners of EFD, through the mobilization of best expertise in the field of forestry;

  • To share Forest Sector transformation Unit and overall RIP II and other project’s results and lessons learned with other stakeholders in the forestry sector that are implementing similar programmes. 



The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization. 


 


Institutional Arrangement


 


The Head of Forest Sector Transformation Unit (FSTU) will report to the Resident Representative (Programme). 


Competencies


Core Competencies



  • Achieve Results: LEVEL 4: Prioritize team workflow, mobilize resources, drive scalable results/strategic impact;

  • Think Innovatively: LEVEL 4: Easily navigate complexity, encourage/enable radical innovation, has foresight;

  • Learn Continuously: LEVEL 4: Create systems and processes that enable learning and development for all;

  • Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 4: Proactively initiate/lead organizational change, champion new systems/processes;

  • Act with Determination: LEVEL 4: Able to make difficult decisions in challenging situations, inspire confidence;

  • Engage and Partner: LEVEL 4: Construct strategic multi-partner alliances in high stake situations, foster co-creation;

  • Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 4: Create ethical culture,  identify/address barriers to inclusion.




Functional/Technical competencies


2030 Agenda: Planet  



  • Nature, Climate and Energy: Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Access and benefit sharing of biodiversity, land, water and forests. 


Digital & Innovation



  • Data analysis: Ability to extract, analyze and visualize data (including Real-Time Data) to form meaningful insights and aid effective decision making. 


Business Management: Portfolio Management



  • Ability to select, prioritize and control the organization’s programmes and projects, in line with its strategic objectives and capacity; 

  • Ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives and the maintenance of business-as-usual, while optimizing return on investment.  


Business Management



  • Partnership Management: Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies.



Business Direction & Strategy: Strategic Thinking



  • Ability to develop effective strategies and prioritized plans in line with  UNDP’s objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, potential risks and opportunities; linking the vision to reality on the ground, and creating tangible solutions.

  •  Ability to leverage learning from varies  of sources to anticipate and respond to future trends; to demonstrate foresight in order to model what future developments and possible ways forward look like for UNDP.


Business Direction & Strategy



  • System Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgment to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system. 


Business Direction & Strategy



  • Effective Decision Making: Ability to take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with ones authority, area of expertise and resources.



 


Required Skills and Experience


 


Education:



  • Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Forestry is required. 

  • A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in Forestry in combination with an additional two (2) years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.




Experience:



  • Minimum of 10 years (with master’s degree) and or 12 years (with bachelor's degree) of leadership experience at different levels in the forestry sector is required; 

  • Outstanding forestry research and communications skills with proven publication records and experience of coordinating of development-oriented research in forestry is desired;

  • Proven record of experience of working on forest development and management activities on the ground, advisory services and with sound technical knowledge and familiarity in working in forest enterprises is desired;

  • Experience in establishing partnerships and networks with partners in the INGOs, NGOs and private sector is an asset;

  • Experience and excellent knowledge of policy process and resource mobilization in the forestry sector is an asset;

  • Experience, and knowledge and understanding of National Forestry Policy and Strategies, National Forest Sector Development Programme, REDD+ implementation and implications for designing demonstration activities based on national priorities is desired;

  • Experience on forest carbon related studies and activities including MRV is an asset;

  • Experience in designing, implementation, data analysis, presentation and budget management in the forestry sector is desired;

  • Proven experience in preparing of forest management plans, engagement in participatory forest management and evaluating forestry projects is an asset;

  • Demonstrated experience in forestry sector at the leadership level and in developing effective strategic plans and strengthening the capacity of public bodies is desired;

  • Proven experience in leadership of forestry institution is an asset;

  • Demonstrated experiences of working with diverse organizations and stakeholders in forestry sector is an asset; 

  • Proven experience in forestry professional experience in representing an organization and managing complex work environment is an asset;

  • Proven records of ability to drive toward results in a dynamic and fluid work context and systematic thinker who is able to track many diverse tasks is an asset. 



Languages:


  • Fluency in English is required.

  • Fluency in the national language (Amharic) of the duty station is required for local staff. 



 


Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.


 



 


Disclaimer     
 



Applicant information about UNDP rosters


 


Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.



Non-discrimination


 



UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.  


 


UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status. 



 


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