About Our Organization
The African Forest Forum (AFF) is an association of individuals who share a commitment to the sustainable management, wise use, and conservation of Africa’s forest and tree resources. AFF’s purpose is to provide a platform for independent and objective analysis, advocacy, and advice on policy and technical issues aimed at achieving sustainable management of Africa’s forests.
Our goal: to reduce poverty, protect the environment, and promote economic and social development across the continent.
1.0 Introduction
Africa hosts eight of the world’s 34 biodiversity hotspots, supporting immense plant and animal diversity. Forest ecosystems—covering approximately 624 million hectares (23% of Africa’s land area)—range from woodlands to tropical, montane, and mangrove forests.
These ecosystems are vital for livelihoods, local economies, and environmental stability, contributing directly to the African Union Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Over two-thirds of Africa’s population depends on forest biodiversity for goods and services. Forests also underpin national economies, especially through Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) and wildlife-based tourism.
However, between 2010 and 2020, Africa recorded a net forest loss of 3.9 million hectares (FAO, 2020), driven by habitat loss, invasive species, and climate change. Global and regional frameworks such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Nagoya Protocol, and Cartagena Protocol guide biodiversity conservation efforts, while the Sustainable Forest Management Framework (2020–2030) helps African nations enhance forest values sustainably.
Within this context, AFF is organizing a Community of Practice (CoP) titled:
“Sustainable Forest Management: The Critical Pathway for Biodiversity Conservation and Resilience in Africa.”
The CoP will explore technological, social, policy, institutional, and financial innovations shaping the future of biodiversity management across the continent.
1.1 Rationale
Under the 2025 Annual Work Plan of the Sida-supported project “Transforming the African Forest Forum to enhance its capacity to improve livelihoods and environmental stability…”,
AFF seeks two regional experts to serve as online moderators for the CoP.
The moderators will help foster understanding of Africa’s forests’ contribution to biodiversity and resilience, and facilitate discussions via Howspace, AFF’s interactive learning platform.
1.2 Purpose of the Consultancy
To provide a knowledge-sharing platform for African forestry and biodiversity stakeholders—focusing on how sustainable forest management contributes to biodiversity conservation and ecological resilience.
1.3 Specific Tasks
Moderators will:
Contribute to the CoP concept and discussion topics.
Promote and engage participants before sessions.
Coordinate with AFF Secretariat on program alignment.
Engage a broad network of stakeholders and experts.
Facilitate online discussions and summarize outcomes daily.
Lead webinars and energize participation between sessions.
Document insights, lessons, and recommendations.
Develop a strategy to sustain engagement post-CoP.
🗓 Duration: 24 – 28 November 2025
🕒 Engagement: 2 hours per day via Howspace
1.4 Deliverables
Regularly shared online learning resources
Daily and weekly discussion summaries
A sustainability strategy and action plan for ongoing peer exchange
A final report (submitted one week post-CoP)
1.5 Minimum Qualifications and Skills
Master’s degree (minimum) in forestry, natural resource management, or related field (PhD preferred)
≥ 5 years’ experience in forest management and biodiversity governance
Strong technical writing and policy communication skills
Bilingual proficiency (English and French)
Experience moderating online Communities of Practice is desirable
1.6 Duration of Assignment
📅 12 November – 12 December 2025
Work will be conducted remotely in close coordination with the AFF Secretariat.
1.7 Deadlines
📨 Application deadline: 5 November 2025
🚀 Start date: 12 November 2025
1.8 How to Apply
Send your application via email, including:
A cover letter highlighting relevant qualifications
An updated CV
A brief proposal on your approach to moderating the CoP
📧 Subject line:
Consultancy: Online Regional Moderator for Community of Practice on Sustainable Forest Management
Send to:
d.gitonga@cifor-icraf.org
CC: d.mutta@cifor-icraf.org, d.dali@cifor-icraf.org, exec.sec@afforum.org
🔗 Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.