Organizational Setting

The Land and Water Division (NSL) aims at enhancing the agricultural productivity and nutrition by advancing the sustainable use of land and water resources through their improved governance, management, development and conservation. It addresses the challenges member countries face in ensuring productive and efficient use of land and water resources in order to meet present and future demands for agricultural products, while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the land and water quantity and quality. It promotes equitable access to these natural resources with a view to enhancing productivity, livelihoods and ecosystem services. It provides assistance to member nations in developing policies, programmes, best practices and tools in the fields of rainfed agriculture and irrigation and drainage, soil conservation, drought mitigation, water rights, access to natural resources, and improvement of land markets.

The purpose of this call is to provide FAO’s Land and Water Division (NSL) and the Water group with a list of qualified candidates for a number of profiles with different specializations to enhance the FAO Water portfolio as indicated below:

•    Food systems, water scarcity and climate change

Contracts will be either home-based or in FAO HQs with required travel for field missions, where relevant.

The posts are located in the Water Team and specifically in the Global Framework on Water Scarcity (WASAG) and Addressing Water Scarcity in Agriculture and the environment (AWSAMe) Team.

Reporting Lines

The Incumbents will report to the WASAG /AWSAMe Team leader, under the overall supervision of the Director of the Land and Water Division.

Technical Focus

Supporting the development, quality control, management and effective implementation of FAO’s water portfolio, focusing on providing assistance to governments and other stakeholders in the development and implementation of policies, strategies, programmes and field capacity for the adaptation of food systems to water scarcity, increasing water productivity and achieving the national objectives under the Sustainable Development Goals framework.

Tasks and responsibilities

Food systems, water scarcity and climate change

•    Provide support in the organization, follow-up of meetings, consultations and conferences with various stakeholders, the development/production of required materials and the provision of information and assistance to partners. This includes the Third WASAG international forum planned for the 2025 and follow up meetings.
•    Prepare detailed reports on the meetings and revise draft versions based on the outcomes of the meetings as well as the feedback from various stakeholders.
•    Undertake analysis, provides technical input for plans and reports and edit/revise technical/scientific documents related to water scarcity in agriculture.
•    Contribute to relevant studies, publications and analyses, knowledge products and dissemination materials related to food systems and water scarcity in agriculture, including guidelines, capacity building and training material
•    Participate in multi-disciplinary project/work teams related to water, migration, nutrition, drought preparedness, sustainable agriculture water use, saline agriculture and financing mechanisms.
•    Contribute to the development of new programs in the above area, as well as concept notes and/or proposals to support these investments in the context of food systems, water footprint, water scarcity and climate change.
•    Develop and maintain an up-to-date database on donors, including on their priorities and opportunities for funding in alignment with their strategic objectives.
•    Update relevant databases, web pages and communication material. Contribute to various tasks related to the Land and Water Division and provide assistance in carrying out any other duties as required.
•    Contribute to relevant studies, publications and analyses, knowledge products and dissemination materials related to NSL Water Programme, including guidelines, capacity building and training material.
•    Any other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    Advanced university degree or a university degree combined with 2 years of relevant experience in environmental engineering, water management, natural resources management, sustainable agriculture, strategic project management and/or a related field;
•    Minimum of one year of relevant working experience for Category C or minimum five years for Category B in supporting project management, formulation and implementation; governmental or multilateral organizations; integrated land and water assessment and management; preparation of training material and organization and implementation of capacity development activities;
•    Working knowledge of English or French.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Relevant experience in working successfully in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, particularly in multilateral organizations
•    Essential interpersonal skills for teamwork and capacity for work and analysis in multicultural, multisector and multidisciplinary environments;
•    Proven ability to deliver quality output working under tight deadlines;
•    Relevant experience and knowledge in collecting, managing and analysing technical information and data, as well as in sustainable development in the agricultural sector;
•    Relevant experience in the preparation, editing and revision of technical/scientific documents and in organizing meetings and workshops.
•    Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable;

Selection Criteria

•    In addition, a limited knowledge of a second official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, English, Spanish, Russian) will be an advantage.