Organizational Setting

FAO contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its global mandate and goals and though its Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems.

The Rural Transformation and Gender Equality Division (ESP) coordinates FAO’s work on social protection, gender equality, decent rural employment, rural institutions and people’s empowerment, and the right to food. It is responsible for working with member countries and other partners to reduce rural poverty through strengthening social protection systems, diversifying rural employment opportunities, reducing gender gaps and other social inequalities in agriculture, strengthening producer organizations, improving the rural poor’s access to productive resources and rural services, and achieving the overall goal of realizing the human right to adequate food for all. The Division structures its work around three core Objectives: 1) Build sustainable and resilient livelihoods for vulnerable people in agrifood systems; 2) Achieve gender equality and women’s empowerment in agrifood systems; and 3) Promote equitable, inclusive, and sustainable climate action and natural resource management.

The position is based in the Division’s Social Protection Team, and largely contributes to the Divisional Objective 3 ‘Promote equitable, inclusive and sustainable climate action and natural resource management.

Reporting Lines

Under the general guidance of the Division Director, directly reports to the Senior Social Policy Officer/Social Protection Team Leader.

Technical Focus 

Bring specific technical expertise in social protection to FAO’s work on promoting equitable, inclusive and sustainable climate action by generating evidence, establishing partnerships, engaging in advocacy and policy dialogue and by providing institutional and human capacity development support.

Tasks and responsibilities

The specialist will contribute to primarily to ESP’s Objective 3 “Promote equitable, inclusive and sustainable climate action and natural resource management” and, more specifically output “Member countries are supported with technical guidance to integrate social protection systems into national climate policies and climate financing strategies by December 2025”.

Under the overall technical supervision of SOCPRO’s Team Leader, and under the coordination of the Lead of the Thematic Area on Social protection, economic inclusion and climate change, the incumbent will contribute to advancing work on advancing the social protection and climate agenda:

•    Develop and coordinate the implementation of the Social Protection Team’s programme of work on social protection and inclusive climate action.

•    Contribute to the design of national climate strategies (e.g., NDCs) and investment programmes financed through GCF, GEF, IFIs or bilateral/multilateral agencies by including social protection components in these.

•    Undertake a review of programming lessons in integrating social protection and climate action through desk-based research and key informant interviews.

•    Design and coordinate a learning programme aimed at capturing and sharing experiences across countries in bringing together social protection and climate action interventions.

•    Represent FAO in internal and external meetings and fora involving social protection and/or climate communities to advocate for the use of social protection as an instrument for inclusive climate action among rural populations.

•    Co-chair the USP 2030 Working Group on Social Protection and Climate Change and;

•    any other tasks as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    Advanced university degree in political science, development studies, economics, institutional development, or other relevant social sciences
•    At least 12 years of professional experience for Level A, and five years for Level B of relevant experience in social protection, socio-economic analysis, policy assistance, and capacity building in relation to social protection
•    Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate -–level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish)

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable
•    Extent and relevance of experience in quantitative and/or qualitative policy analysis and publications record
•    Extent and relevance of country-based experience in strengthening national social protection systems and their integration with other sectors
•    Extent and relevance of experience in working on integrating the social protection and climate agendas
•    Extent and relevance of experience in programme coordination