Natural Resources Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB) is a pivotal unit within the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) that focuses on coordinating efforts related to climate change, biodiversity, and environmental issues. Established to address the interconnected challenges of food insecurity and environmental degradation, OCB plays a crucial role in facilitating access to financing from major environmental funds such as the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The office also oversees significant programs like the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) Programme and works closely with various international agreements, including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). With a portfolio exceeding 400 projects valued at over USD 1.9 billion, OCB is recognized as a leading partner in implementing environmental initiatives globally, leveraging FAO's extensive expertise in sustainable agrifood systems to achieve environmental goals.

Job Overview:
The Natural Resources Officer position is integral to the Clean and Healthy Ocean Integrated Programme (CHO-IP) at FAO, focusing on enhancing global efforts to combat nutrient pollution and marine hypoxia. This role involves coordinating the Global Coordination Project (GCP) and ensuring effective integration of various thematic areas, including nutrient management and climate-resilient coastal solutions. The officer will lead multidisciplinary teams, develop technical frameworks, and provide policy advice to member nations, thereby contributing to the overarching goals of environmental sustainability and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. The position requires a strategic mindset to navigate complex environmental challenges and foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including governmental bodies, NGOs, and international organizations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Natural Resources Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including leading the strategic planning and implementation of FAO's contributions to the CHO-IP. This includes managing the GCP and ensuring coherence across 14 country projects. The officer will supervise a technical and administrative team, facilitating internal coordination across FAO divisions to leverage expertise for technical support. Key responsibilities also include responding to country requests for assistance, promoting international cooperation, and participating in resource mobilization activities. The officer will conduct research and data analysis to support the development of technical standards and policy proposals, and will oversee financial management of the GCP, including budget planning and expenditure tracking. Additionally, the officer will conduct technical missions to participating countries to assess project impacts and provide support for implementation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in natural resources management, environmental science, environmental engineering, oceanography, agriculture, or a related field relevant to sustainable development. A minimum of seven years of relevant experience in promoting integrated approaches for sustainable oceans and food systems is required. Proficiency in English (level C) and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is also necessary. Candidates should demonstrate strong competencies in results focus, teamwork, communication, and building effective relationships, along with a commitment to knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in fields related to natural resources management, environmental science, or sustainable development. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of managing fresh and marine water ecosystems and addressing the challenges posed by climate change and biodiversity loss.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least seven years of relevant experience in the field, particularly in promoting integrated approaches for sustainable and resilient oceans and food systems. Experience in programme management and working with multilateral environmental agreements is highly desirable. The ability to mobilize resources and manage teams effectively is also crucial for success in this role.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with a requirement for intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. This linguistic capability is essential for effective communication and collaboration with international stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is based at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, and involves full-time engagement. The role may require international travel to participating countries for technical missions and stakeholder engagement. Candidates should be prepared for a dynamic work environment that demands adaptability and a proactive approach to addressing environmental challenges.