GEF Technical Specialist (GTS)

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. The organization operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 12,000 employees. FAO's work is guided by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, focusing on transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. The organization is committed to environmental sustainability and plays a crucial role in addressing global challenges such as food security, climate change, and biodiversity loss through various initiatives, including the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

Job Overview:
The GEF Technical Specialist (GTS) will play a pivotal role in supporting the development and implementation of GEF-funded projects within the FAO framework. This position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including country offices, technical officers, and partners, to mobilize resources and ensure effective project management. The GTS will provide technical expertise in the areas of natural resource management, climate change, and biodiversity, aligning project goals with FAO's strategic objectives. The role involves capacity development, project monitoring, and compliance with GEF requirements, ensuring that projects are designed and executed efficiently to achieve desired outcomes. The GTS will also contribute to strategic programming and assist in coordinating GEF teamwork, making this position integral to FAO's mission of promoting sustainable agrifood systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The GEF Technical Specialist will be responsible for a wide range of tasks, including:

• Contributing to the strategic programming of FAO's GEF work and assisting in coordinating GEF teamwork for the respective region.
• Participating in multidisciplinary teams to assist governments and Decentralized Offices in identifying and formulating natural resource and environmental management projects for financing by the GEF family of funds.
• Assisting in the management of the FAO-GEF portfolio, monitoring and supervising the implementation of assigned projects, and making recommendations for improvement.
• Keeping abreast of new developments and requirements in the GEF-managed funds.
• Contributing to the preparation of the annual Project Implementation Reviews (PIR) and to FAO's reporting to the GEF Secretariat and GEF Council.
• Participating in the design and delivery of capacity development activities for FAO technical staff and team members in Decentralized Offices.
• Collaborating with colleagues to ensure projects are prepared effectively and efficiently, managing the project cycle from concept approval to closure.
• Supporting compliance with standards for Project Implementation Reviews, Midterm Reviews, and Terminal Evaluations.
• Identifying opportunities for synergies with other vertical funds projects to strengthen a programmatic approach at country and regional levels.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in fields such as natural resources management, biological sciences, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, social sciences, international policy, or a related field. Those with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. A minimum of one year of relevant experience in designing and implementing innovative programming at the intersection of agrifood systems and the environment is required, along with experience in providing policy advice and analysis. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in innovative tools and approaches in environmental monitoring and evaluation of policies and programs.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as natural resources management, biological sciences, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, social sciences, or international policy. Candidates with a bachelor's degree must have additional professional experience to qualify. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of environmental management and the interconnections between agriculture and sustainability.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least one year of relevant experience in the field, particularly in designing and implementing programs that address the nexus between agrifood systems and environmental sustainability. Experience in providing policy advice, conducting analyses, and applying innovative approaches in environmental management is crucial. Additionally, candidates should have a demonstrated ability to mobilize resources and build a portfolio of GEF projects or programs, showcasing their capacity to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams and communicate with diverse stakeholders.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge (proficiency level C) of English and Russian. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and collaboration with international partners and stakeholders involved in GEF-funded projects. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work location. The role is full-time and may involve collaboration with international teams and stakeholders. Candidates should be prepared for a dynamic work environment that requires adaptability and a commitment to FAO's mission of promoting sustainable agrifood systems. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO's policies and standards for similar positions.