Water Resources Management Specialists

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, make agriculture, forestry, and fisheries more productive and sustainable, reduce rural poverty, and enable inclusive and efficient agricultural and food systems. The organization also focuses on ensuring that the agricultural sector can adapt to climate change and that food systems are resilient to shocks.

Job Overview:
The Water Resources Management Specialists will play a crucial role in supporting member countries in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region to strategically plan their water resource management and allocation. This position is integral to the Regional Water Scarcity Initiative (WSI) Programme, which aims to enhance governance, institutions, and technical capacities for sustainable water resource management. The specialists will provide direct technical assistance and coordination support to the League of Arab States (LAS) in managing the Joint Water–Agriculture Intergovernmental Process. This involves promoting policy coherence between the water and agriculture sectors, enhancing institutional coordination, and implementing recommendations from the High-Level Joint Technical Committee (HLJTC). The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government officials, technical secretariats, and international partners, to ensure effective policy development and implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Water Resource Management Specialists will be responsible for a wide range of tasks, including:

• Providing technical advice and support to the LAS on water-agriculture governance and policies, ensuring alignment with regional frameworks.
• Supporting the development of regional policy frameworks and guidelines that promote coherence between water, agriculture, and energy sectors.
• Reviewing and synthesizing best practices and innovations in integrated water resources management (IWRM), climate resilience, and data-driven decision support.
• Participating in regional forums and workshops to connect science, policy, and practice.
• Supporting the planning and execution of HLJTC and Joint Ministerial Meetings (JMM), including preparation of agendas, technical papers, and progress reports.
• Facilitating coordination among FAO, LAS, and other partners to strengthen engagement with member states and support resource mobilization.
• Acting as the focal point for the WSI Programme, ensuring effective communication and alignment of activities with LAS and member countries.
• Providing technical support for the implementation of HLJTC recommendations at the country level, including conducting analytical studies and drafting policy recommendations.
• Organizing high-level policy meetings and capacity development activities targeting regional and national beneficiaries.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in water resources management, agricultural engineering, natural resources management, or a related field recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. Those with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. A minimum of three years of relevant experience in water and agriculture policy, regional cooperation, or intergovernmental processes in the Arab region is required. Candidates should also demonstrate a working knowledge of English and Arabic at level C, as well as core competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in fields related to water resources management, agricultural engineering, or natural resources management. Candidates with a bachelor's degree must have additional professional experience to qualify. The degree must be from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO, ensuring that the educational qualifications meet international standards.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least three years of relevant experience in areas such as water and agriculture policy, regional cooperation, or intergovernmental processes, particularly within the Arab region. Experience in field positions and working in multiple locations or areas of work is preferred, especially in the Near East and North Africa region. This experience should demonstrate the ability to provide technical support and engage with various stakeholders effectively.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English and Arabic is mandatory for this position, with proficiency at level C in both languages. This bilingual requirement is essential for effective communication and collaboration with regional partners and stakeholders. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The position may involve travel to multiple locations within the NENA region, and candidates should be prepared for fieldwork as necessary. The role is likely to be full-time, and while specific details regarding contract duration and compensation are not provided, candidates should expect competitive remuneration and benefits typical of UN positions. The FAO is committed to diversity and inclusion, and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of nationality.