Forest & Ecosystem Management Expert (Retainer)

Background Information - Job-specific

According to the 2015 Global Forest Resources Assessment (FAO, 2016): \"Forests” cover 13.2% of Lebanon’s land area and “Other Wooded Lands” cover 10.2%. Other lands with trees, including fruit trees, olive yards, highly degraded forest lands that do not fall under “Forests” or “Other Wooded Land” cover 11% of the total land area. The forest area in Lebanon, is divided into three sub-classes: Coniferous (incl. Pine, Juniper, Cedar, Cypresses, and Fir) (32%), Broadleaved (incl. Oak and Ostrya) (57%) and Mixed Forest (11%) (UNDP, 2021). Lebanon is currently updating its Forest Resources Assessment.

The lack of a comprehensive government response to the ongoing crisis in Lebanon has also led to inadequate actions related to other crisis, including the deterioration of Lebanon’s natural capital. An example is the inadequate response to the increased wildfire risks due to climate change and loss of forest area and related ecosystem services (i.e. water regulation, habitats). Reports of massive forest fires during the period 2019-2021 lamented the loss of trees and forest biodiversity but also loss of human lives and properties – mainly due to the lack of (i) a coordinated response, resources to fight fires incl. equipment) and (ii) preparedness and skills of the local government and local communities.

To respond to the need to better manage wildfires, the Ministry of Environment (MoE) has requested the assistance of the World Bank to support Lebanon with a pilot project entitled “Community-based Wildfire Risk Management in Lebanon’s Vulnerable Landscapes” which will be implemented in close coordination with other government entities which are responsible for managing fire risk and protecting Lebanon’s forests. The project is financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) with a grant of US$3.478million.

The agreed Project Development Objective (PDO) is to reduce wildfire risks in selected hotspots in Lebanon by improving forest landscape management.

The project will pilot activities in three (3) wildfire hotspots: Akkar, Minieh-Donniyeh, Aley-Shouf – incl. areas from Metn-Baabda. The selection of these hotspots was made based on ranking of all 14 fire hotspots against a set of agreed criteria, including risk for forest fire events and land degradation; number of communities within the hotspot, history of forest fires; biodiversity and the level of security.

The selection of participating municipalities in the 3 hotspots will be completed during the first month of implementation by applying additional criteria such as connectivity between participating municipalities; ability to cluster several project activities; ability to enhance the involvement of women and vulnerable groups in forest-relevant activities; land tenure situation; and readiness of municipalities to engage.

The project supports the efforts of the Government of Lebanon to manage (i) forest fire risks and actual occurrences in a more timely and effective manner; and (i) integrating forest fire risk considerations into the sustainable management of forest landscapes. This will be achieved by supporting policy changes, cross-sectoral collaboration at national and sub-national levels, gender-responsive capacity enhancement and knowledge sharing using and improving existing networks, including first responder networks, community-driven action groups, and social networks to fire risk early warning; and investments for forest landscape restoration (including tree planting, removal of invasive species, fire risk mitigation measures) as well as gender responsive evaluation and adaptive learning.

The Project consists of three (03) components that will be implemented over a four-year period, namely:

Component 1: Support for an enabling environment for wildfire management

This will be achieved through two-sub-components:

Sub-component 1.1: Wildfire management-related regulations & coordination and response mechanisms

This will be achieved through the:

Development of an action plan for the National Forest Fire Strategy, including a coordination mechanism for integrated wildfire risk management to enhance the cooperation between MoE, MoA and the DRM Unit.

Support to the National Forest Fire Emergency Fund with operational guidelines and procedures.

Development of forest fire academy, incl. forensics and advancing research on forest fires and their management in Lebanon (e.g., impact of climate change, post-fire-recovery and resilience, prescribed burning and grazing for reducing hazards, other nature-based solutions).

Development of a monitoring, reporting and verification mechanism on deforestation and forest degradation to access carbon markets.

Support small SMEs of low-cost local production of wood and non-wood products, equipment, tools and protection gear (incl. improvement of quality of products, introducing production standards and developing business plans to improve access to credits from local banks).

Sub-component 1.2: Capacity building, sensitization, and outreach

This will be achieved through the:

Identification of benefiting municipalities, group establishment & capacity support for municipal land management groups.

Support capacity building for forest guards and first responders on environmental and social risks in the forestry sector and fire management; gender inclusion into forestry and forest fire management.

Awareness creation campaigns ahead of each fire season (e.g., coordination in MoE) and annual stakeholder fora.

Outreach and capacity support to private landowners, including development of incentive systems to manage privately owned forests.

Component 2: Investments in improved forest and fire management

This component will provide investments to support forest and wildfire management activities in the context of community-based forest management. This will be achieved through:

Sub-Component 2.1: Equipment

Under sub-component 2.1, the project will support through:

Providing equipment and tools for first responders and purchasing vehicles.

Setting up joint operations centers for fire response at local level (Union of Municipalities).

Installing communication systems for surveillance, alert, early detection, and prompt response to wildfires (national and local levels) to support first responder teams and local civil defense centers.

Sub-Component 2.2: Technical Assistance

Technical forestry support, including biodiversity assessment to establish a baseline and monitoring forest habitats; silvicultural treatment plans for high-risk areas which will include forests waste management and non-wood product considerations) and wildfire management (e.g., readiness, risk reduction, restoration); SFM/fire management demonstrations to CBFM groups; regional fire management plans and develop/review of local Forest Management Plans (FMP) in targeted areas, incl. needs assessment; development/ improvement of FMPs.

Sub-Component 2.3: Forest Landscape Restoration

Design and implement post-fire restoration activities, including assessment, planting, maintenance (slope stabilization; incl. woodlot plantations on public lands; seedlings; hardware).

Component 3: Gender responsive Project Management, Monitoring and Evaluation; Knowledge Management and Learning

Component 3 will focus on project management, establishing an inclusive Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) system, implementing a Knowledge Management and Learning (KM/L) plan and communications. This component will support operating costs associated with day-to-day project management and implementation including procurement, financial management, and environmental and social management functions to be carried out by the Project Management Unit (PMU) established at the Ministry of Environment.

The PMU at the MoE will be responsible for the day-to-day administration of overall planning, coordination, technical, procurement, financial management, monitoring, evaluation, and ensuring compliance with environmental and social obligations and arrangements under the Project, in accordance with the provisions of the Grant Agreement (GA) and the Project Operations Manual (POM).

This component will also support the implementation of the monitoring and evaluation, reporting, ensure timely and efficient implementation of the M&E plan of the Project, conduct mid-term and technical evaluations, and develop and carry out a communication strategy and public dissemination campaign on the Project.

Component 2 is implemented by UNOPS through an output agreement signed with the Ministry of Environment. Functional Responsibilities
Purpose and Scope of Assignment

The purpose of this assignment is to provide specialized technical expertise in forestry and forest ecosystem management to support the planning, design, and implementation of integrated forest management and restoration activities under the project. The Forestry & Ecosystem Management Expert plays a key role in ensuring that forest ecosystems are managed sustainably, resiliently, and in a manner that contributes to biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, and long-term socio-environmental benefits.

This role is central to ensuring that all forest-related interventions—from the development of Forest Management Plans (FMPs)(mandate of MoA) to on-the-ground implementation—are designed and executed with a robust scientific foundation, aligned with national policies, global environmental commitments, and community needs. Since the mandate for sustainable forest management and forest protection is shared across several government entities including MoA, the consultant will work in close collaboration with MoA and others to help bridge the gap between ecological goals and operational delivery by providing oversight, guidance, and validation across multiple technical domains including biodiversity conservation, silvicultural planning, wildfire risk reduction, sustainable harvesting, and forest ecosystem restoration.

The scope of the assignment includes the development, technical review, and updating of FMPs; integration of biodiversity and fire management strategies into forest planning; oversight of baseline biodiversity assessments; development of silvicultural treatment prescriptions; and provision of restoration guidance for degraded landscapes. The expert will also contribute to the preparation of technical documentation, including bills of quantities and design drawings, support tendering and procurement processes, participate in the inspection and acceptance of goods and services, and contribute to periodic progress and financial reporting.

In addition, the expert will engage closely with key stakeholders, government agencies, municipalities, local communities, and other partners—to ensure alignment of forest interventions with broader conservation and development goals, and to foster knowledge sharing and capacity building at the local level.

By combining ecological expertise with field-based technical support and stakeholder collaboration, the Forestry & Ecosystem Management Expert ensures that the project delivers lasting environmental impact, strengthens natural resource governance, and promotes the resilience of forest landscapes and communities. Functional Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Project Manager and in coordination with the MoE project team and relevant stakeholders, the Forestry & Ecosystem Management Expert will be responsible for the following functional responsibilities:

Task 1: Forest Management Planning and Review

Using the guidelines developed by the MoA, develop and review Forest Management Plans (FMPs) for targeted areas, ensuring integration of biodiversity, silvicultural practices, and fire management strategies.

Validate and update plans based on field data, assessments, and evolving project needs.

Task 2: Biodiversity Integration

Ensure biodiversity assessment findings are incorporated into FMPs and silvicultural treatments.

Support the formulation of forest restoration and conservation strategies aligned with ecological sustainability.

Task 3: Silvicultural Treatment Planning

Develop and review silvicultural prescriptions, particularly for high fire-risk or degraded forest areas affected by fires.

Ensure alignment of treatments with biodiversity conservation principles and sustainable resource use. This includes the use of local fire-resistant species and the development of mixed forest stands.

Task 4: Fire Management

Integrate wildfire risk reduction measures into FMPs, including technical recommendations for fire prevention, preparedness, and post-fire recovery. This includes considerations for fire breaks, pruning, controlled burning.

Task 5: Technical Oversight and Validation

Provide technical oversight for baseline biodiversity assessments to ensure relevance and alignment with sustainable forest management goals.

Review and validate outputs and findings from consulting firms related to forestry, biodiversity, and fire management.

Task 6: Ecosystem Restoration

Provide guidance on restoration of degraded ecosystems with emphasis on native species regeneration and resilience building.

Advise on appropriate techniques for site preparation, planting, and post-restoration monitoring.

Task 7: Sustainable Harvesting

Develop and recommend sustainable harvesting practices for wood and non-wood products that balance ecological integrity with livelihood needs.

Identify low-impact harvesting zones, methods and sustainable harvesting quota.

Task 8: Stakeholder Engagement

Collaborate with government agencies, municipalities, local communities, and NGOs to ensure forest management activities reflect local priorities and conservation goals.

Facilitate capacity building for beneficiaries in selected UOMs and other stakeholders as agreed in the project steering committee and knowledge transfer sessions as needed.

Task 9: Technical Documentation and Reporting

Assist in the preparation of technical specifications, bills of quantities, and design drawings for relevant procurement packages.

Contribute to the development of periodic technical and financial reports, as well as updates to the project implementation schedule.

Task 10: Support to Procurement and Implementation

Participate in receipt and inspection of equipment, goods, and field implementation activities.

Ensure technical compliance of procured items with project and forest management requirements.
Final Product

The incumbent will be responsible for preparing and finalizing the below deliverables:

The consultant is expected to submit one report or technical output for each assigned task, as follows:

Task 1: Forest Management Planning Report
Includes reviewed and updated Forest Management Plans (FMPs) for targeted areas with integrated biodiversity, silvicultural, and fire management strategies. These FMPs need to be approved by the MoA.

Task 2: Biodiversity Integration Report
Summarizes findings and recommendations of the biodiversity baseline report for integrating biodiversity into FMPs and silvicultural treatment plans, including restoration guidance.

Task 3: Silvicultural Treatment Plan
Provides detailed silvicultural prescriptions for high-risk or degraded areas, including biodiversity-sensitive approaches and treatment schedules.

Task 4: Fire Management Strategy Note
Outlines fire prevention, risk reduction, and post-fire restoration measures to be integrated into the overall forest management framework.

Task 5: Technical Review & Validation Report
Presents technical feedback and validation notes on consulting firm outputs related to biodiversity, silviculture, and fire management.

Task 6: Ecosystem Restoration Guidance Document
Details site-specific restoration strategies, native species recommendations, and post-restoration monitoring protocols.

Task 7: Sustainable Harvesting Guidelines
Recommends ecologically sound harvesting techniques, spatial zoning for low-impact extraction, and livelihood integration.

Task 8: Stakeholder Engagement Summary and Training Materials
Includes stakeholder meeting records, capacity-building session summaries, and training presentations or handouts.

Task 9: Technical Procurement Package
Includes technical specifications, design drawings, bills of quantities (BoQs), and cost estimates for forestry-related procurement.

Task 10: Implementation Support & Inspection Report
Documents inspection and verification of delivered goods and equipment, ensuring technical compliance with project specifications.
Competencies Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground. Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Forestry, Environmental Science, Ecosystem Management, Natural Resources Management, or a closely related field is required.

A first-level university degree in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:

Minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible experience in forest management, silviculture, ecosystem restoration, or biodiversity conservation within diverse ecological and institutional contexts.

Proven experience in the development, review, and implementation of Forest Management Plans (FMPs), with integrated approaches that include biodiversity conservation, silvicultural treatment, and wildfire risk reduction. (Required)

Demonstrated capacity to design and apply silvicultural prescriptions, particularly for high-risk, degraded, or ecologically sensitive forest areas, balancing ecological integrity with resource use objectives. (desired)

Extensive involvement in biodiversity assessments, including oversight of baseline studies, interpretation of ecological data, and integration of findings into forest planning and restoration strategies.(Required)

Practical experience in ecosystem restoration, particularly in developing guidance on reforestation, enrichment planting, species selection, and post-restoration monitoring using nature-based solutions. (Required)

Strong familiarity with sustainable harvesting practices, including the development of site-specific recommendations and spatial zoning for low-impact forest utilization. (desired)

Experience in reviewing and validating technical reports and outputs produced by consulting firms or implementing partners, with the ability to provide actionable feedback and ensure alignment with forest management goals.(desired)

Background in fire management planning, including the integration of prevention, mitigation, and recovery measures into forest strategies. (Required)

Prior work with international development agencies, government bodies, or environmental NGOs in supporting forestry and conservation projects, particularly those involving stakeholder consultation, community engagement, or policy interface. (desired)

Familiarity with technical documentation and procurement, including the preparation of technical specifications, bills of quantities (BoQs), design drawings, and participation in the inspection of delivered goods or equipment.(desired)

Experience contributing to project reporting, including progress reports, technical summaries, and implementation schedule updates aligned with donor or institutional requirements.(desired)

Language:

Strong command of English and Arabic is required. French is a plus.

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Information

Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.

Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.

UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.

We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.

For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.

All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.