Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) About
To meet the demands posed by major global trends in agricultural development and challenges faced by member nations, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has identified key priorities on which it is best placed to intervene. A comprehensive review of the Organization’s comparative advantages was undertaken which enabled strategic objectives to be set, representing the main areas of work on which FAO will concentrate its efforts in striving to achieve its vision and global goals.
An intergovernmental organization, FAO has 194 Member Nations, two associate members and one member organization, the European Union. Its employees come from various cultural backgrounds and are experts in the multiple fields of activity FAO engages in. FAO’s staff capacity allows it to support improved governance inter alia, generate, develop and adapt existing tools and guidelines and provide targeted governance support as a resource to country and regional level FAO offices. Headquartered in Rome, Italy, FAO is present in over 130 countries.
Job Description
Job Posting Organization: The Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB) is a vital part of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) that focuses on addressing the pressing challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. Established to coordinate efforts across various sectors, OCB serves as 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 organization plays a crucial role in assisting FAO member countries in tackling interconnected issues such as security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and environmental sustainability. OCB also facilitates access to climate and environmental financing through initiatives like the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The GIAHS Programme, which is hosted by OCB, aims to promote and protect Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems, ensuring that traditional agricultural practices are recognized and preserved. The GIAHS Secretariat, located at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, is responsible for guiding member countries in developing GIAHS proposals and fostering partnerships for the program's growth and expansion.
Job Overview: The Natural Resources Officer position within the GIAHS Secretariat is designed to support the implementation of the GIAHS Programme by providing technical guidance and assistance to FAO member countries. The role involves promoting the work plan of the GIAHS Secretariat, which includes developing the program in new geographic areas and addressing technical issues related to agronomic and environmental matters. The officer will be responsible for ensuring that country proposals comply with GIAHS requirements and will engage in multilateral relations to enhance the program's effectiveness. This position requires a proactive approach to collecting and analyzing relevant data, statistics, and information to support various projects and initiatives. The officer will also participate in multidisciplinary teams, contribute to the development of training materials, and organize workshops and seminars to disseminate knowledge and best practices related to GIAHS.
Duties and Responsibilities: The Natural Resources Officer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: collecting and analyzing technical, social, economic, and environmental data to support program delivery; providing technical input for plans and reports; editing and revising technical and scientific documents; participating in the development of improved work methods and tools; updating databases and web pages; collaborating in multidisciplinary project teams; developing training tools and materials; organizing and conducting workshops, seminars, and meetings; providing information and assistance to partners; supporting member countries in developing GIAHS proposals and related activities; assisting in the organization of GIAHS training workshops; delivering training programs in member countries; reviewing country proposals and national programs; representing the GIAHS Secretariat at national and regional events; and supporting the organization of Scientific Advisory Group meetings and producing technical papers.
Required Qualifications: Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as agronomy, forestry, fisheries, agricultural economics, natural resource management, ecology, biodiversity, human sciences related to agriculture, landscape management, sustainable rural development, political science, social studies, or development studies. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of three years of relevant experience in agricultural policies, development projects, natural resources management, or rural development activities. A strong understanding of supply chain development for food and agricultural products is also essential. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in English (level C) and have intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish).
Educational Background: The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, specifically a Master's degree or its equivalent, in relevant fields such as agronomy, forestry, fisheries, agricultural economics, natural resource management, ecology, biodiversity, human sciences related to agriculture, landscape management, sustainable rural development, political science, social studies, or development studies. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of agricultural heritage systems and their significance in the context of climate change and environmental sustainability.
Experience: Candidates are expected to have at least three years of relevant experience in areas such as agricultural policies, development projects, and natural resources management. This experience should encompass various activities related to rural development, including agritourism and market promotion of agricultural products. Additionally, candidates should have experience in project formulation and implementation, particularly in relation to environmental and natural resource management. Experience in drafting and revising technical documents and organizing meetings and workshops is also highly valued.
Languages: Proficiency in English is mandatory, with a requirement for candidates to demonstrate a working knowledge (level C) of the language. Additionally, candidates must possess intermediate knowledge (level B) of another FAO official language, which could include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. Knowledge of Chinese is considered an asset, particularly for liaising with donor countries and facilitating communication during training workshops.
Additional Notes: The position is based in Rome, Italy, at the FAO headquarters. While the job description does not specify a deadline for applications, candidates are encouraged to apply promptly. The role is likely to be full-time, and the organization may consider candidates from various countries, reflecting its international scope. Compensation and benefits details are not provided in the job description, but candidates can expect a competitive package commensurate with their qualifications and experience.
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