National NRM & Field Coordination Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has been operational in Bangladesh since 1973, focusing on transforming the food and agricultural sectors of the country. The organization manages various corporate initiatives and projects under its Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP), Trust Fund (TF), and Regular Programme (RP) budgets. These initiatives are designed to address priority needs identified by the Government and stakeholders, emphasizing capacity strengthening, innovative technology introduction, and policy framework enhancement to promote sustainable agrifood systems transformation. FAO collaborates with the Government of Bangladesh, particularly with the Department of Environment (DoE) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), to implement a Global Environment Facility (GEF-8) financed project aimed at integrated management of Ecologically Critical Areas (ECAs).

Job Overview:
The National NRM & Field Coordination Specialist is a senior-level position (SC-9) that plays a crucial role in leading field-level coordination of ecosystem-based management and restoration efforts across designated ECAs. The incumbent will provide technical guidance on sustainable natural resource use, community conservation, and nature-based solutions, ensuring that all activities align with national frameworks and adhere to GEF and FAO standards. This position requires a proactive approach to managing relationships with various stakeholders, including local government agencies, implementing partners, and community institutions, to facilitate effective project implementation and achieve desired outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The responsibilities of the National NRM & Field Coordination Specialist include ensuring effective planning and coordination of ecosystem-based management and restoration activities across the three ECAs. The specialist will coordinate the daily implementation of project activities, acting as the primary technical liaison among FAO, local government agencies, and community institutions. The role involves ensuring that field activities are executed according to approved work plans, budgets, and timelines. The specialist will also design and deliver training programs on biodiversity conservation and climate-resilient livelihoods, provide technical guidance on sustainable management of various ecosystems, and support the implementation of ecosystem-based management and nature-based solutions tailored to ECA conditions. Additionally, the specialist will facilitate the functioning of co-management committees, promote gender-responsive participation, support community conservation planning, and provide technical support for establishing conservation initiatives. The role also includes organizing field visits, conducting data collection for monitoring and evaluation, and contributing to progress reports and knowledge products.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (preferably a Master's) in relevant fields such as Natural Resource Management, Marine Science and Fisheries, Environmental Science, or related disciplines. A minimum of nine years of field-based experience in natural resource management, ecosystem conservation, and community-based approaches is required. Candidates should have a working knowledge of English (Level C) and must be nationals of Bangladesh or residents with a valid work permit.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, with a preference for a Master's degree in disciplines related to natural resource management, marine science, fisheries, environmental science, ecology, or agriculture. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of ecosystem management and conservation efforts.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of nine years of relevant field experience, particularly in natural resource management and ecosystem conservation. Candidates should have experience with community-based or co-management approaches and participatory methods such as PRA, RRA, and FGD. Familiarity with multi-site field projects, especially in ecologically critical areas, is highly desirable.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English (Level C) is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if it enhances communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a senior-level role and is full-time. The successful candidate will be expected to travel extensively within Bangladesh to oversee project activities and engage with various stakeholders. The role may involve working with international organizations and requires a commitment to gender-responsive and inclusive practices in all project activities. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO standards and policies.