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 over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims 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. FAO's mission is to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, and to make agriculture, forestry, and fisheries more productive and sustainable. The organization is committed to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly in relation to food systems and environmental sustainability, and plays a crucial role in addressing the interlinked challenges of food security, climate change, and biodiversity loss.

Job Overview:
The GEF Technical Specialist (GTS) will play a pivotal role in supporting the development and successful implementation of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) portfolio of projects in the Europe and Central Asia (REU) region. This position requires close collaboration with various stakeholders, including country offices, technical officers, and FAO partners, to mobilize additional resources and ensure effective project implementation. The GTS will provide strategic thematic advice and guidance on GEF programming priorities, focusing on the nexus of agriculture, biodiversity, climate change, and resilience. The role involves overseeing the formulation process of project documents, ensuring compliance with donor expectations, and supporting project proponents through capacity development and technical guidance. The GTS will also be responsible for monitoring, reporting, evaluation, and closure of projects, ensuring alignment with GEF requirements and FAO's strategic objectives.

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

• Providing technical expertise and inputs for the development, approval, and delivery of GEF-funded projects in accordance with FAO's Strategic Framework and GEF Programming Directions.
• Leading the coordination of project identification, design, formulation, and implementation, ensuring compliance with GEF operational policies.
• Participating in multidisciplinary teams to assist governments in formulating natural resource and environmental management projects for GEF financing.
• Ensuring quality control throughout the GEF project cycle, aligning with GEF eligibility criteria and guidelines.
• Assisting in the management of the FAO-GEF portfolio, monitoring project implementation, and making recommendations for improvement.
• Contributing to the preparation of annual Project Implementation Reviews and FAO's reporting to the GEF Secretariat.
• Designing and delivering capacity development activities for FAO technical staff on GEF strategies and procedures.
• Serving as a regional FAO-GEF Technical Officer for select projects and leading the formulation and implementation of complex GEF programmes.
• Collaborating with colleagues to ensure effective project preparation and management, achieving key milestones throughout the project cycle. 1
• Identifying opportunities for synergies with other projects and pursuing co-financing opportunities with private-sector partners.

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, or international policy. Those with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. A minimum of three years 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. Proficiency in English is mandatory, while working knowledge of Russian is considered an advantage.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in natural resources management, biological sciences, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, social sciences, international policy, or a related field. Candidates with a bachelor's degree must have additional professional experience to qualify. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of agrifood systems and environmental management, as well as for effectively contributing to the development and implementation of GEF-funded projects.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of three years of relevant experience in the field, particularly in designing and implementing innovative programming that addresses the nexus between agrifood systems and environmental challenges. Experience in providing policy advice, applying innovative tools, and conducting monitoring and evaluation of policies and programs is crucial. Additionally, experience in mobilizing resources and building a portfolio of GEF projects or programs is highly desirable, as is familiarity with blended finance and engagement with the private sector in agri-food systems.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within FAO and for project documentation. Working knowledge of Russian is considered an advantage, particularly for projects in the Europe and Central Asia region, as it facilitates communication with stakeholders and project proponents in those areas.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work location. The role is full-time and involves collaboration with various stakeholders across different regions. Candidates should be prepared for a dynamic work environment that may require travel for project-related activities. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO's policies and standards, and the organization is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.