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’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

The Programme Management Unit (PMU) of the FAO-Saudi Technical Cooperation Programme (2019-2025) facilitates, coordinates and manages all technical and advisory services to be provided by FAO to the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MoEWA). The project ‘UTF/SAU/051/SAU Strengthening MoEWA’s Capacity to Implement the Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Programme’ is the first project that has been approved within the framework of FAO-Saudi Technical Cooperation Programme (2019-2025). The project will provide technical and advisory assistance to the MoEWA in implementing its flagship sustainable rural agricultural development programme that has recently been approved within the context of the National Transformation Programme of the Saudi Vision 2030. The project expected results will be achieved through implementation of nine project components: 1) Development of coffee Arabica production, processing and marketing; 2) Development of beekeeping and honey production; 3) Development of rose production and trade; 4) Development of sub-tropical fruits production, processing and marketing; 5) Strengthening capacity of small-scale fishermen and fish farmers; 6) Strengthening capacity of small-scale livestock herders; 7) Development of rain-fed cereals production; 8) Enhancing value addition from smallholdings and rural activities; and 9) Strengthening MoEWA’s capacity in sustainable management of rangelands, forests and natural resources to support rural livelihoods.
The post is located in RNE in the Programme Management Unit of the FAO-Saudi Technical Cooperation Programme in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the Programme Director of the FAO-Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) Technical Cooperation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the National Professional Officer (Senior National Parks Management Expert) reports directly to the Chief Technical Adviser of the Project Component “Strengthening MoEWA’s capacity in sustainable management of rangelands, forests and natural resources to support rural livelihoods”.

Technical Focus

Support the technical capacity of the National Centre for Vegetation Cover and Combating Desertification (NCVC) on sustainable management of National Parks.

Key Results

Effective and efficient management and coordination of the technical and operational support of the programme and project.

Key Functions

•    Participates in policy dialogue and advises government authorities, local, national and international institutions in the areas of FAO’s activities and liaises with other UN agencies. Represents FAO at inter-agency meetings.
•    Promotes the image of FAO through advocacy of the Organization’s mandate, programmes, national priorities and activities including the coordination of development and maintenance of communication tools such as website, press releases and publications, and supports the implementation of FAO’s regulatory frameworks (Codex Alimentarius, Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, Safe Use of Pesticides, etc.) in the country.
•    Coordinates and manages the maintenance of country data on food, crops, livestock, forestry and fisheries, including information on external aid in FAO’s corporate systems and monitor and communicate changes in national policies affecting the agricultural sector.
•    Takes the lead in producing technical, economic and policy studies as well as developing country level development frameworks such as the Country Programming Framework (CPF) and the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF).
•    Identifies, formulates and coordinates the preparation of programme and project proposals, monitors FAO field programme implementation, ensuring that all operational activities are carried out in line with the work plan and the project document, and makes recommendations on how to improve results and increase efficiency.
•    Briefs, trains and supervises lower grade level programme staff regarding all aspects of the job. Ensures adherence to procedures and work requirements and accuracy and diligence of the work provided.

Specific Functions

•    Participates in policy dialogues and technical advisory support to the NCVC in the areas of enhanced protection, rehabilitation and restoration of key biodiversity habitats to improve conservation and reduce biodiversity loss in the Centre’s managed National Parks.
•    Coordinates and manages the implementation of need-based technical training programmes and courses to NCVC staff on best practices for sustainable management of National Parks.
•    Takes the lead in producing a stakeholders and community engagement plan or strategy in National Parks development and management.
•    Contributes to and supports the promotion of outreach programmes on conservation education and awareness creation on conservation and important values in KSA National Parks.
•    Supports the development of guidelines, manuals and applicable standard operating procedures that will ensure recreation tourism in coordinated and sustainably ways developed to minimize negative impacts on National Parks.
•    Develops standard methodology for determining visitor carrying capacity in KSA National Parks as a form of visitor use management framework that will guide outdoor recreation in National Parks.
•    Contributes to the formulation of an FAO National Park subcomponent workplan and ensures that all the operational activities are carried out in line with the annual work plan developed.
•    Briefs and supports both the NCVC National Park department and the FAO team on any activities upon request.
•    Performs other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    National of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
•    Advanced university degree in parks conservation, natural resource management, sustainable tourism and protected area management, environment conservation, or any other related field.
•    Seven years of relevant experience in conservation, recreation tourism development and sustainable management of National Parks and/or project implementation in Protected Areas
•    Working knowledge (full proficiency – level C) of Arabic and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency – level B) of English.

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 natural resource conservation and protected area management.
•    Demonstrated understanding of the purposes and functions of National Parks in KSA, the role of the NCVC and MoEWA in the conservation and sustainable management of the natural resources of the Kingdom.
•    Extent and relevance of experience in effective community engagement approaches to conservation, recreation tourism development in Protected Areas, capacity development of employees and /or policy analysis relating to environment management.