Early Warning Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is dedicated to achieving security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensuring that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. Established in 1945, FAO has grown to include 194 member countries and the European Union, with its headquarters in Rome, Italy. FAO operates in over 130 countries, including Afghanistan, where it focuses on improving agricultural productivity, enhancing food security, and promoting sustainable rural development. The organization is committed to eradicating hunger, improving nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture, particularly in regions facing significant challenges such as conflict and climate change.

Job Overview:
The Early Warning Specialist position is crucial for the FAO's efforts in Afghanistan, particularly in the context of the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the need for effective agricultural and food security strategies. The incumbent will be responsible for supporting the implementation of early warning systems that anticipate and mitigate the impacts of climate-related hazards on agriculture and food security. This role involves integrating various data sources, including ground observations and remote sensing, to enhance the effectiveness of the Early Warning System (EWS). The Specialist will also engage in capacity building and collaboration with local partners to ensure that the EWS is operationalized effectively and sustainably. The position requires a proactive approach to developing guidelines and tools that facilitate anticipatory actions in response to potential hazards, thereby safeguarding agricultural livelihoods and enhancing resilience in the face of climate change.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop guidelines and tools for anticipatory action systems, including the selection of agrometeorological indicators and thresholds for triggering actions in response to hazards such as droughts and floods.
• Conduct research and develop tools for assessing climate change risks and vulnerabilities in agriculture and related sectors.
• Support capacity building initiatives for the production and dissemination of weather forecasts and climate advisories.
• Lead the operational implementation of FAO Afghanistan’s integrated Early Warning System, ensuring coherence across various monitoring systems.
• Coordinate the integration of real-time and historical data into analysis platforms to generate risk maps and early warning bulletins.
• Collaborate with local informants and partners to maintain a decentralized network of data contributors.
• Support the mainstreaming of Glacier Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) risk monitoring into the broader early warning system.
• Strengthen partnerships with national and international actors to align with global anticipatory action practices.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a University (Bachelor) degree in relevant fields such as Agriculture, Early Warning and Risk Analysis, Climatology, or related disciplines. A minimum of six years of relevant work experience is required for those with a bachelor's degree, while candidates with an advanced degree must have at least four years of experience. Experience should include work in humanitarian and agricultural/rural development sectors, particularly with NGOs, UN agencies, or government bodies. Candidates must also demonstrate a working knowledge of English and local languages (Pashto and Dari).

Educational Background:
The position requires a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in fields related to agriculture, risk analysis, climatology, disaster risk management, or similar areas. Advanced degrees are preferred and may reduce the required years of experience. Educational qualifications must be from institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
Candidates should have substantial experience in humanitarian and agricultural development, with a focus on early warning systems and risk analysis. The role demands familiarity with food security and livelihoods, including monitoring systems and disaster recovery. Previous experience with the UN or similar organizations is advantageous, particularly in designing and managing integrated early warning systems.

Languages:
A strong command of English is mandatory, along with proficiency in local languages, specifically Pashto and Dari. Knowledge of additional languages may be beneficial but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered. Candidates must be medically fit for appointment and meet any residency or visa requirements. The position may involve full-time engagement, and candidates should be prepared for the complexities of working in a challenging humanitarian context.