Consultant for Water Scarcity Initiative

Job Posting Organization:
The Water Scarcity Initiative (WSI) is a comprehensive program launched by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to tackle the pressing challenges of water and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Established to enhance sustainable management of water resources, the initiative aims to promote food security in one of the most water-scarce regions globally. The WSI supports national governments, institutions, and stakeholders by providing scientific research, policy guidance, and technical assistance. The initiative is structured around three core outcomes: strengthening governance structures for sustainable agricultural water use, enhancing resilience in food systems and water services against climate change impacts, and facilitating knowledge sharing to inform decision-making processes. The WSI operates across multiple countries in the MENA region, engaging with various stakeholders to implement its objectives effectively.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in the Water Scarcity Initiative by conducting institutional mapping and organizational analysis for selected watersheds, particularly focusing on the Medjerda watershed in Tunisia. This position involves collecting relevant data for socioeconomic vulnerability assessments, organizing stakeholder consultations, and supporting the preparation of climate change impact assessments on agricultural productivity. The consultant is expected to facilitate consultations in both Arabic and French, prepare knowledge dissemination materials, and develop a climate resilience package based on the assessments and stakeholder feedback. The role requires strong analytical skills, the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, and a commitment to addressing water scarcity and food security challenges in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties and responsibilities include: conducting institutional mapping and organizational analysis for the selected watershed, identifying key institutions and governance structures related to land and water management, preparing an institutional mapping report, assisting in data collection for project assessments, facilitating stakeholder consultations in Arabic/French, documenting insights from participatory workshops, supporting climate change impact assessments on agricultural productivity, reviewing regional climate model projections, conducting participatory consultations on preliminary findings, preparing knowledge dissemination materials, developing PowerPoint presentations, attending national meetings on behalf of ESCWA, and preparing a climate resilience package that includes stakeholder consultations and finalization of interventions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in water resources management, natural resources management, agriculture, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. All candidates are required to submit a copy of their educational degree, as incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Additionally, a minimum of 7 years of experience in water resources management is required, including at least 1 year of experience working on agriculture and climate change issues. Experience in organizing consultations and working with local stakeholder groups is desirable, as is demonstrated experience conducting research in Tunisia. Strong writing and communication skills are essential, along with proficiency in MS Word and PowerPoint. Knowledge of geographic information system tools is also desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree or equivalent in fields such as water resources management, natural resources management, agriculture, or related disciplines. Candidates with a first-level university degree may be considered if they have relevant qualifying experience. It is mandatory for all applicants to submit proof of their educational qualifications, as incomplete applications will not be considered.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of experience in water resources management, with at least 1 year specifically focused on agriculture and climate change issues. Candidates should have experience in organizing consultations and engaging with local stakeholder groups, which is considered desirable. Additionally, demonstrated experience working or conducting research in Tunisia is preferred, highlighting the importance of local knowledge and context in addressing the challenges of water scarcity and food security.

Languages:
For this position, fluency in Arabic and French is mandatory, as these are the primary working languages for stakeholder engagement. Knowledge of English is also required, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding. Proficiency in these languages is crucial for effective communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to be remote and has a duration of 10 months. There are no additional notes regarding contract duration, seniority level, or compensation provided in the job description. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization also does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.