Organizational Setting

The Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB) works to ensure that countries and stakeholders respond to the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. OCB provides a cross organizational coordination role on issues related to climate change, biodiversity and the environment and is the focal point for major multilateral environmental agreements including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The Office also assists FAO Members in their responses to the interlinked challenges of food security, climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation including through facilitating access to climate and environmental financing (such as the GEF and the GCF). In addition, OCB hosts the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) Programme, the Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture and the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture as well as FAO’s work on environmental safeguards.

OCB is coordinating a number of projects related to climate change, energy and related education and capacity building programmes around agriculture, forestry and food systems. The roster will support the identification of personnel to support project implementation both at HR and country level duty stations.

Reporting Lines

The specialist will work under the overall technical supervision of the relevant project LTO and/or FAO decentralized Office, as appropriate. When activities are carried out in countries, the specialist will be required to work in close collaboration with the national project focal points, FAO Representation in the relevant country of assignment, as well as the relevant FAO regional office when needed.

Technical Focus 

Supporting the implementation, further knowledge development, and training and dissemination activities of FAO’s projects related to climate change, energy and education.

Tasks and responsibilities

The specialist will support FAO, national counterparts and partners in the activities of the projects including both global and national level activities, knowledge sharing and generation, technical capacity building and training

Specific tasks include:
•    Develop technical guidance and support in related fields of agriculture, energy and forestry, with a climate change context;
•    Create educational and capacity building curriculum and educational resources;
•    Support government and private sector policy and guidance recommendations and dialogues;
•    Write concept notes, project proposals and other relevant documents that contribute to co-financing provisions;
•    Organize training sessions and workshops;
•    Undertake needed reporting and M&E provisions;
•    Liaise with relevant FAO units (or other organizations) relevant to their assignment;
•    Participate in country missions;
•    Any other duties related to programme as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    University degree in energy, engineering, agricultural sciences, natural resources management or a related field;
•    At least 2 years (category C), 5 years (category B) or 10 years (category A) of relevant experience in energy, agriculture or forestry, with a strong background in education and capacity building
•    Working knowledge of English

FAO Core Competencies

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

Selection Criteria 

•    Advanced university degree is an advantage:
•    Work experience in one or more areas of work related climate change, energy, and related agriculture and forestry;
•    Extent and relevance of experience in research, education and capacity building in areas related to energy, agriculture and forestry.
•    Extent and relevance of experience in agrifood systems (technical analysis, analysis of financial, economic,
social and environmental costs and benefits, implementation, monitoring and evaluation); and
•    Experience in developing educational, guidance materials and training resources in technical areas mentioned above;
•    Strong analytical skills and able to work on both policy and technical interventions;
•    Ability to work with number of stakeholder groups including liaising with government officials.