National Environmental Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized technical agency of the United Nations established to combat hunger and promote security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security globally. The FAO's mission is to work towards the eradication of hunger and strive for food security for everyone, as outlined in the 2030 Agenda. The organization aims to transform agri-food systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. The FAO's ultimate goals include better production, better nutrition, better environment, and better lives, while ensuring that no one is left behind. The FAO Sub-regional Office for the Pacific Islands (SAP) in Samoa supports member countries, including the Cook Islands, in achieving their national priorities in agriculture, fisheries, forestry, agri-food systems, nutrition, and rural development. The FAO operates in multiple countries across the Pacific region, including the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. The organization is currently involved in a project aimed at restoring biodiversity and cultural resilience in the Cook Islands through various initiatives, including native species recovery and invasive species control.

Job Overview:
The National Environmental Expert will play a crucial role in supporting the project formulation activities at the national level, specifically for the project titled 'Restoring Biodiversity and Cultural Resilience in the Cook Islands through Native Species Recovery, Invasive Species Control, and Biodiversity Assessment.' This position requires the expert to provide technical input to the project document, ensuring that the project aligns with national priorities and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) programming areas. The expert will be responsible for organizing and preparing for project inception and validation workshops, compiling baseline data, and synthesizing relevant policies and institutional frameworks. The role also involves engaging with key stakeholders to ensure their involvement in the project design process, which is essential for the project's success. The National Environmental Expert will work closely with various stakeholders, including the FAO Sub-Regional Coordinator for the Pacific Islands and the International GEF Project Design Expert, to ensure that the project is well-prepared and meets the necessary requirements for funding and implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Environmental Expert will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Supporting the organization and preparation for project inception and validation workshops, including the preparation of workshop reports.
• Compiling baseline data and information relevant to the project, collating and synthesizing policies, projects, and institutional frameworks, and mapping key stakeholders for project engagement.
• Assisting in obtaining necessary information from the lead executing partner and other organizations involved in the project.
• Identifying potential environmental risks and social and gender concerns that may arise from the project activities.
• Developing a gender action plan, stakeholder engagement plan, and environmental and social management plan (ESMP) for the project, utilizing FAO templates.
• Providing input to various sections and annexes of the project document, ensuring that all necessary information is included.
• Obtaining timely feedback on draft project documents and budget items from key stakeholders and collaborating with the project preparation grant (PPG) team to address comments and concerns promptly.
• Supporting the refinement of the project document based on feedback from the GEF.
• Performing other project-related tasks as assigned by the supervisor, ensuring that all aspects of the project are managed effectively and efficiently.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:

• An advanced university degree in Environmental Science, Biodiversity, Forestry/Natural Resources Management, or related fields.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in project design, planning, implementation, and management, particularly in projects funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) or other donor agencies.
• A working knowledge of English is essential for effective communication and documentation.
• Candidates must be nationals of the Cook Islands or residents of the country with a valid work permit, ensuring that they are legally eligible to work in the region.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Environmental Science, Biodiversity, Forestry, or Natural Resources Management. This advanced degree is crucial as it provides the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge required to address complex environmental issues and contribute effectively to the project.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in project design, planning, implementation, and management. This experience should ideally be in projects funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) or similar donor-funded initiatives, demonstrating the candidate's ability to navigate the complexities of project management in the environmental sector.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for communication, documentation, and collaboration with stakeholders. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if it enhances communication with local communities or stakeholders involved in the project.

Additional Notes:
This position is likely to be full-time and may involve a contract duration that aligns with the project timeline. The role is focused on national candidates, specifically those who are nationals of the Cook Islands or residents with valid work permits. Compensation and benefits will be determined based on the FAO's policies and the specific requirements of the project.