National Forest Policy Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind. FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level. 
The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources. 
Specifically, FAO Country Offices: 
(i)    Advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate.
(ii)    Provide technical assistance and deliver core services. 
(iii)    Assist and catalyze partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation. 
(iv)    Position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management

Tanzania adopted its National Forest Policy (NFP) in 1998, its Implementation Strategy was developed and adopted in 2021. The strategy will be under operation until 2031 aimed at guiding coordinated actions towards the sustainable management, conservation, and utilization of forest and woodland resources. The Implementation Strategy provides a structured framework to achieve the policy goals through enhanced stakeholder participation, institutional coordination, capacity development, and alignment with international and national commitments including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), National Development Vision 2025, and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

As part of the ongoing Cook Fund Project jointly implemented by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism (MNRT) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) with funding from the European Union, an independent evaluation of the Implementation Strategy is essential. The evaluation will assess progress to date, identify implementation gaps, and recommend adjustments to improve effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of forest sector interventions through to 2031.
For the management of the above project, a National Forest Policy Specialist is required. The purpose of the National Forest Policy Specialist is to conduct a midterm evaluation of the National Forest Policy Implementation Strategy 2021–2031, with a focus on assessing institutional delivery, coordination, financing mechanisms, policy coherence, and field-level impacts. The findings will inform policy review processes, strengthen accountability, and improve implementation planning for the remaining years of the strategy.

Reporting Lines

The National Forest Policy Specialist will work under the overall guidance of the FAO Representative in Tanzania, and that of the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme), and guidance from other technical officers at the FAO Headquarter, Regional and Sub regional offices, and working in close collaboration with other relevant officers at the country office. Also, will work in close collaboration with the Forest and Beekeeping Division/Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism (MNRT) and Tanzania Forest Services (TFS).

Technical Focus

The National Forest Policy Specialist will conduct a midterm evaluation of the National Forest Policy Implementation Strategy 2021–2031, with a focus on assessing institutional delivery, coordination, financing mechanisms, policy coherence, and field-level impacts in the United Republic of Tanzania.

The position is a home-based, Tanzania.

Tasks and responsibilities

More specifically, the consultant will perform the following activities:

a)    Document Review

•     Review the NFP (1998), Implementation Strategy (2021–2031), Forest Act and relevant policy instruments.
•     Analyze national development frameworks, sectoral plans, reports, and forest-related programmes.

b)    Progress Assessment

•     Assess implementation progress across thematic areas (e.g., forest protection, afforestation, community-based forest management, forest business development, research and innovation).
•     Analyze achievements against key targets, outputs, and indicators.

c)    Institutional and Stakeholder Analysis

•     Map roles and responsibilities of key actors (MNRT, TFS, LGAs, NGOs, communities, private sector).
•     Review coordination, financing, human resources, and monitoring systems.

d)    Field Consultations

•     Gather data on field implementation, community involvement, and private sector engagement.

e)    Gap and Risk Analysis

•     Identify challenges in policy implementation, funding, technical capacity, governance, and compliance.
•     Explore best practices and innovations that could be scaled up.

f)    Recommendations and Way Forward

•     Propose practical and policy-relevant recommendations to improve strategy delivery in the remaining period.
•     Suggest updates to indicators and performance monitoring frameworks.

The National Forest Policy Specialist will also provide support for other activities as deemed necessary.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     Advanced degree in Forestry, Environmental Policy, Public Policy, or Natural Resource Management
•     Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in forest policy implementation, planning, and evaluation
•     Working knowledge (level C) of English and Kiswahili. 
•     National of Tanzania or resident in the country with a valid work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

•     Results Focus
•     Teamwork
•     Communication
•     Building Effective Relationships
•     Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Selection criteria

•     Proven knowledge of Tanzania’s forestry sector, institutions, and legal frameworks
•     Experience in policy analysis, stakeholder consultation, and development of strategic reports
•     Strong analytical and writing skills; ability to synthesize complex findings into practical recommendations
•     Experience working with FAO or other UN agencies is an asset.
•     Excellent communication and facilitation skills