JOB DESCRIPTION

Organizational Setting

FAO Country Office in Turkiye is responsible for partnership with and support to the Government of the Republic of Turkiye,
bringing together technical assistance and innovative, international best practices and global normative work standards with
national and regional expertise.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the FAOR in Turkiye, and under the technical guidance and supervision of the Project Lead Technical Officer (LTO) and in collaboration with the National Project Coordinator, and relevant technical and programme units of the FAO Representation in Turkiye.

Technical Focus 

Greening of the olive oil value chain in Türkiye; development of eco-friendly certifications; policy and strategy development to align olive oil production and trade with international sustainability frameworks such as the EU Green Deal; enhancing market access through environmentally sound practices.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Expert will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Project Lead and in close coordination with relevant national stakeholders. The main task of the consultant will be to support the development of a national enabling environment that advances green trade in the olive oil sector by assessing, advising, and aligning policy frameworks, certification systems, and value chain practices with international eco-friendly standards to improve market access, sustainability, and competitiveness of Türkiye’s green olive oil. S/he will be responsible for the following tasks:

•    Conducting a comprehensive review of existing policy, incentives, and regulatory frameworks related to the olive oil value chain.
•    Mapping and assessing eco-certification schemes (e.g. organic, carbon-neutral, biodiversity-friendly) relevant to the green olive oil market.
•    Identifying barriers and opportunities for Turkish producers to access premium international markets through green certifications.
•    Recommending policy measures and institutional mechanisms to mainstream green practices in the olive oil value chain.
•    Acting as the Lead Writer of the Policy Framework and step-by-step Guideline for traders, producer unions, and cooperatives on the application process and requirements for the EU Green Deal and other international environmental trade certifications. This includes guidelines, strategies and business models to support eco-friendly certifications for green olive oil trade and to enhance environmental and social sustainability.
•    Supporting capacity building of national stakeholders on eco-certification requirements and compliance pathways, including technical assistance to stakeholders on international certification processes and compliance with sustainability standards and designing and delivering training programs on greening policy frameworks and market access through eco-certifications.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    Advanced degree in environmental policy, agricultural economics, food systems, international trade, or related fields.
•    At least 10 years of experience in policy analysis and regulatory frameworks for agri-environmental trade
•    Greening value chains, eco-certifications, organic certification, or environmental compliance schemes relevant to the olive oil or similar agrifood sectors.
•    Proven track record in the olive oil sector or similar commodities.
•    Strong knowledge of international sustainability standards, eco-certification systems (e.g., EU Organic, ISO standards, carbon/water foot printing, biodiversity standards), Trade-related sustainability standards and their application to Mediterranean commodities, especially olive oil.
•    Working knowledge of English (spoken and written) is essential.
•    Knowledge of Turkish is an asset.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Work experience in more than one country or region, preferably involving the Mediterranean olive oil trade.
•    Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate institutional and technical work across multi-disciplinary teams.
•    Relevant experience in managing or supporting sustainability-focused programmes or policy-driven projects.
•    Familiarity with environmental certification systems, particularly within the EU Green Deal framework.
•    Sound knowledge of socio-economic dynamics and institutional structures related to agri-food trade in Europe and the Mediterranean region.
•    Demonstrated analytical, negotiation, and advisory skills in international development or policy environments.
•    Strong computer literacy, including proficiency in spreadsheets, databases, and online collaborative tools.
•    Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; ability to prepare high-quality technical documentation and training materials.

Selection Criteria 

•    Involvement in at least one national or regional project/programme related to policy development or environmental certification in the olive oil or agri-food sector.
•    Previous work experience in Türkiye or the wider Mediterranean region is an asset.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements