National Senior Climate Change Expert

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 FAO Representation in Bangladesh manages various corporate initiatives and projects under different budgets, including the Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP), Trust Fund (TF), and Regular Programme (RP). 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. FAO collaborates with the Government of Bangladesh, particularly with the Department of Environment and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, to implement a Global Environment Facility (GEF-8) financed project aimed at integrated management of Ecologically Critical Areas (ECAs).

Job Overview:
The National Senior Climate Change Expert is a senior-level position (SC-12) that plays a crucial role in integrating climate resilience into the management of Ecologically Critical Areas (ECAs). The incumbent will work under the supervision of the FAO Representative in Bangladesh and the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme), collaborating closely with the PPG Team Leader, National PPG Coordinator, and the PPG team. The position involves leading climate risk assessments and translating findings into practical ecosystem-based and nature-based solutions. The Expert will be actively engaged in project design, implementation, monitoring, and policy engagement, supporting climate-resilient restoration and ensuring alignment with national frameworks. The role is pivotal in documenting adaptation and mitigation benefits in accordance with GEF and FAO standards, thereby contributing to the sustainable management of biodiversity and landscapes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the National Senior Climate Change Expert include providing technical support and analytical inputs to ensure that climate change considerations are fully integrated into project design, implementation, monitoring, and policy engagement. The Expert will support the preparation and analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">technical analysis of climate vulnerability and risk assessments for three ECAs, focusing on various environmental challenges such as sea-level rise, storm surges, salinity intrusion, flash floods, and ecosystem degradation. The role also involves integrating climate risks into ecosystem-based management and nature-based solutions, ensuring project interventions align with Bangladesh's Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan. The Expert will provide technical inputs for climate-resilient restoration measures, guide the integration of adaptation and mitigation co-benefits, and support the estimation and documentation of GHG mitigation and adaptation co-benefits. Additionally, the Expert will contribute to climate-related indicators in the results framework, support institutional capacity strengthening activities, and assist in the development of climate knowledge products and policy briefs. The position requires collaboration with national research institutions, universities, and climate experts, as well as performing other functions as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in fields such as Climate Change, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Ecology, Forestry, Agriculture, or related disciplines. A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in climate change adaptation and mitigation, nature-based solutions, and ecosystem-based management is required. Additionally, candidates must have a working knowledge (Level C) of English and must be a national of Bangladesh or a resident with a valid work permit.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, either a Master's or a PhD, in relevant fields such as Climate Change, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Ecology, Forestry, Agriculture, or related areas. This advanced education is essential to equip the candidate with the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to effectively address the complexities of climate change and its impacts on ecosystems and communities.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically a minimum of 15 years in progressively responsible roles related to climate change adaptation and mitigation, nature-based solutions, and ecosystem-based management. This extensive experience is crucial for the candidate to effectively lead and contribute to the integration of climate resilience into ECA management and to engage with various stakeholders in the implementation of climate-related projects.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English (Level C) is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local context or the stakeholders involved in the projects.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as SC-12, indicating a senior level of responsibility. While the job does not specify a deadline for applications, it is important for candidates to be aware of the competitive nature of such roles within international organizations. The role is full-time and involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies and local communities. The FAO emphasizes the importance of gender-responsive approaches and inclusive practices in its projects, which may also be a consideration for candidates. Additionally, the position may require travel within Bangladesh to engage with different ECAs and stakeholders.