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.

The Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs (MTEA) is mandated to coordinate climate change issues in Eswatini which is focal to a number of multilateral agreements and funds such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Global Environment Facility (GEF), Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the Adaptation Fund (AF). The National Climate Change Committee (NCCC) is the main institutional arrangement set up for the coordination of climate change issues in Eswatini. The NCCC is multi-layered, composed of a committee of Ministers, the Executive committee (Principal Secretaries), the Operational Committee (senior officials) and technical working groups. Technical Working groups (TWGs) form a core part of the NCCC and include representatives of academia, private sector and civil society. The Aid Coordination Management Section (ACMS) of the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development (MEPD) is responsible for the mobilization and management of external assistance. Sectorial climate change coordination is being implemented. For example, the Agricultural Sector Climate Change Coordination Mechanism (ASCCCM) has been set up to help mainstream adaptation and mitigation interventions in the Agricultural Sector

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative, the technical supervision of the FAO Lead Technical Officer (LTO) and other relevant FAO Project Task Force Members and in close collaboration with the International Consultant: Eswatini Cabinet Climate Change Roadmap Development Specialist and government focal points including the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs who is mandated to coordinate climate change issues in Eswatini

Technical Focus

The national incumbent will be responsible for providing support to the international consultant on conducting an inventory of all relevant international climate change conventions/ obligations to which Eswatini is a signatory/has ratified or obliged to comply with, identify key contentious/sticking climate change related issues/themes, red lines etc. The Eswatini Government has to come up with measured and considered positions and direction and proffer recommendations on Eswatini position, direction and strategic interventions on key climate change issues from 2024-2035.

Tasks and responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following duties:
•    Conduct situational analysis and literature review of climate change effect on Eswatini socio economic activity and adaptation and mitigation needs
•    Conduct institutional capacity gaps in mainstreaming climate change mitigation and adaption
•    Profile Eswatini current climate-related policies, strategies, plans, reports and action plans conducting gap analysis in mainstreaming climate action in support to international consultant
•    Based on good practices report from international consultant develop guidelines for adoption of good practices by national institutions in ongoing projects and programmes
•    Support the international expert to prepare an engagement plan with concerned agencies and stakeholders
•    Support consultations with the Government leadership for identification of national priorities for addressing CC;
•    Participate in discussions with the international expert to define strategic vision, objectives and targets of the Eswatini Government Climate Change Roadmap
•    Support international consultant in coming up with recommendations on Eswatini position, direction and strategic interventions on key climate change issues from 2024-2035
•    Support the international expert in receiving feedback on the draft strategy from stakeholders

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•    Advanced university degree in Environmental Management, Natural Resources Management, Climate Change, Agricultural Economics or a related field
•    Seven (7) years of relevant experience in Environmental Management, Natural Resources Management, Climate change or related field
•    Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English
•    National of Eswatini or resident of Eswatini with valid work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Work experience in research, drafting and preparation of policies and programmes

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements