Natural Resources Officer

The Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB) promotes integration of innovative approaches in the activities of the Organization, for the sustainable use, management and conservation of natural resources for food and agriculture. OCB assists FAO Members in their responses towards the challenge of climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as the development of adaptive capacities of agriculture, fisheries and forestry for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and other natural resources. It provides a coordination role on climate change, biodiversity and the environment. The Office also serves as the focal point for a multidisciplinary and global approach to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conferences (UNFCCC), Commission on Biological Diversity (CBD) and topics on bioenergy as well as on Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS), ecosystem restoration and green and climate resilient agriculture.

The position is located in the Climate Support Team of OCB at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy

The Natural Resources Officer (Climate Change Adaptation) reports to the Senior Natural Resources officer, OCB. 

Within the framework of the project ”Strengthening National Adaptation Planning capacities for Food Security and Nutrition” (SAGA phase  global project – GCP /GLO/1159/GQC, support the coordination of activities in Cote d’Ivoire, Haiti and Senegal and contribute to policy analysis, monitoring and reporting.

Collection and analysis of information, data, statistics and project/meeting services to support programme projects, products and services.

Key Functions:

• Collects and analyses relevant technical, social, economic, environmental, institutional and technology related information, data and/or statistics to support the delivery of programme projects, products and services.
• Undertakes analysis, provides technical input for plans and reports and edits/revises technical/scientific documents.
• Participates in the development of improved work methods, tools and systems.
• Updates databases and web pages.
• Participates in multi-disciplinary project/work teams.
• Collaborates in the development of training tools and materials and the organization of workshops/seminars, etc.
• Participates in the organization, conduct and follow-up of meetings, consultations and conferences, the development/production of required materials and the provision of information and assistance to partners.

Specific Functions:

• Contributes to the successful implementation of the project SAGA 2, in accordance with the project workplan and budget.
• Ensures the multi-stakeholder coordination of SAGA 2, providing guidance and support to national coordinators and implementing partners.
• Facilitates and contributes to the organization of national and international meetings, workshops and events related to climate change adaptation in the agricultural sectors, food security and nutrition.
• Supports the technical development and/or review of the project activities and deliverables, including analysis, policy briefs, technical reports, capacity development materials and workshops on climate change adaptation planning and implementation for food security.
• Facilitates collaborations and synergies between SAGA 2 and other initiatives linking climate action to food security, agrifood systems, gender equality and youth integration.
• Liaises with FAO Country Offices to provide technical and policy guidance to the ministries in charge of agriculture and environment on National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
• Facilitates the inclusion of various nexus areas relevant for climate change in agrifood systems (energy, land, water, biodiversity and other), in the preparation and implementation of the project and proposals for resource mobilization.
• Performs other duties as required.

Candidates Will Be Assessed Against The Following:

Minimum Requirements:

• Advanced university degree in agriculture, natural resources, environment or a related field.
• Three years of relevant experience in natural resources management, climate change adaptation and project management.
• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Technical/Functional Skills:

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions.
• Extent and relevance of experience in planning and implementation of projects on climate change adaptation and agriculture.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, manage and monitor consultative multi-stakeholder processes and technical meetings at national and global levels.
• Ability to write clearly and concisely, edit technical and policy reports, guidelines and manuals, and deliver effective oral presentations on climate action in agriculture.
• Extent and relevance of experience and knowledge of climate change and agricultural policies in particular in relations to NAPs and NDCs.
• Extent and relevance of experience in collecting and analysing technical information and data, including analysis of national policies on climate change adaptation.
• Working knowledge of French (proficient – level C) would be considered a strong asset.

Source:  https://jobs.fao.org/careersection/fao_external/jobdetail.ftl?job=2400998