Organizational Setting

FAO Albania is implementing the Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) project TCP/ALB/3905/C4 (744284), “Support to access global environment and climate finance.” The national specialist for climate change will facilitate the country’s access to global climate and environmental finance in support of the sustainable transformation of the agricultural sector needed in the face of climate change.  Furthermore, the policies, project ideas and proposals which are supported or developed under this project will aim to ultimately translate into empowering communities whose livelihoods are intricately linked to agriculture and will pave the way for a transformative, long-term climate action agenda that ensures sustainable and resilient livelihoods, through targeted capacity-building initiatives, particularly in climate-smart agriculture practices.

Under the overall supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative and under the overall guidance of the Lead Technical Officer on natural resources, the National expert will be responsible to collaborate with FAO and stakeholders to identify priorities in climate change and agri-food systems, foster partnerships, review policies, and document project ideas to strengthen coordination and project development.

The FAO Office in Albania is multi-accreditation country of FAO and the FAO Representative for Albania is the Regional Programme Leader for Europe and Central Asia residing in the Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia in Budapest, Hungary. The incumbent will be based in Tirana, Albania.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative to Albania, the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO representative, under the technical leadership of the Lead Technical Officer on natural resources in close coordination with the FAO country team, and in consultation with focal points in the relevant Ministries, UN Agencies and international and national partners, the National expert for climate change, agriculture and resource mobilization will:

Technical Focus

The National Specialist will collaborate with FAO Albania and international experts to identify priority actions in climate change and agri-food systems, while reviewing national institutions, policies, and regulations to identify gaps. Additionally, the specialist will foster partnerships, organize consultative meetings, document project ideas, and provide regular updates to strengthen project implementation and alignment with FAO’s mandate.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Work closely with FAO Albania colleagues and International Experts to identify priority actions and areas requiring support in climate change and agri-food systems;
•    Engage in strategic collaboration by participating in relevant meetings and exchanges to strengthen coordination efforts.
•    Review of national institutions, regulations, and policies, actions and priorities related to climate change adaptation, environment, ecosystem, and natural resources management and identify gaps and needs aligned with FAO expertise and mandate
•    Foster relationships and partnerships in the project context to enhance collaboration and actively participate in and organize consultative meetings and workshops with national counterparts, line ministries, and other key stakeholders in accordance and together with FAO Office in Albania.
•    Document project ideas focusing on climate change, natural resources management and agri-food systems, facilitating the development of priority project proposals.
•    Share regular updates with country office colleagues and project LTO and undertake any other tasks relevant to the assignment as requested by the Assistant FAO Representative (AFAOR) and Lead Technical Officer (LTO) of the project.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    At least a Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, natural sciences or related technical field;
•    At least 2 years of professional experience related climate change policy or climate projects;
•    Working knowledge of English (C1 level) and Albanian (Mother tongue)
•    National of Albania or resident in the country with a valid work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills  

•    Work experience in Albania.
•    Work experience in more than one location or area of work is an advantage.
•    Extent and relevance of experience in programme/project management, stakeholder management, and monitoring
•    Familiarity with agriculture and rural development in Albania, as well as knowledge and relationships with local actors

Selection Criteria

•    Knowledge of the legal and institutional framework in The Republic of Albania related to climate change;
•    Proven understanding of The Republic of Albania climate change strategic documents;
•    Demonstrated experience working with a wide cross section of stakeholder groups;

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION