Specialist in Agrometeorology, Early Warning, and AI/Machine Learning

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (FAO-RAP) is dedicated to supporting member countries in the development of knowledge products, capacity development, and implementation of programs and projects in various sectors including security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, agriculture, rural development, natural resource management, and agro-processing. Established to assist governments and stakeholders in achieving sustainable agricultural practices, the FAO-RAP operates in developing countries and countries in transition, focusing on policy and strategic planning to enhance food security and nutrition. The organization aims to make agriculture, forestry, and fisheries more sustainable and productive while reducing rural poverty and promoting climate change adaptation and mitigation. FAO-RAP's mission includes implementing work programs that strengthen policy advice for the Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU) sectors, ensuring that anticipatory action and disaster risk reduction are integrated into regional and national efforts. This collaborative approach helps countries mitigate and adapt to climate risks while preparing for and responding to crises that affect food security and nutrition.

Job Overview:
The Specialist in Agrometeorology, Early Warning, and AI/Machine Learning will play a crucial role in advancing climate-resilient agriculture by integrating agrometeorology, early warning systems, and artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) into agricultural practices. This position involves applying specialized knowledge in agro-climatic forecasting and climate risk monitoring to enhance decision-making related to disaster and climate change adaptation. The Specialist will design and optimize early warning models, utilize AI/ML techniques for predictive analytics, and ensure that forecasts are actionable and accessible to farmers, governments, and humanitarian actors. The role emphasizes the importance of bridging scientific research with practical applications, developing innovative, data-driven solutions that improve preparedness, reduce agricultural losses, and enhance the climate resilience of vulnerable farmers facing increasing climate risks. The Specialist will work under the guidance of the Climate Change, Resilience, Land and Water Module (CRLWM) and will be responsible for contributing to the design, technical backstopping, and implementation of projects and knowledge products that strengthen the use of agro-climate information and early warning systems for agricultural risk management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Specialist in Agrometeorology, Early Warning, and AI/ML include: translating climate and weather forecasts into agricultural risk insights for crops, livestock, and fisheries; developing agro-advisories and decision-support tools for farmers and policymakers; designing and strengthening early warning systems that integrate climate, hydrological, and agricultural data; defining risk thresholds and trigger mechanisms for anticipatory action; ensuring effective communication of warnings through user-friendly channels; training extension officers and communities on interpreting early warnings and applying agro-advisories; contributing to technical reports on best practices and policies for advanced climate services in agriculture; applying AI/ML models for predictive analytics; integrating multiple data sources into machine learning pipelines; testing and validating models for accuracy and operational use; building capacity of national meteorological agencies and agricultural ministries; leading applied research and pilot initiatives linking agrometeorology with AI/ML innovations; collaborating with governments, universities, and technology providers on model development; piloting innovative approaches such as mobile-based agro-advisory apps; and contributing to the formulation of funding proposals for climate adaptation initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
The minimum requirements for this position include an advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in fields such as agrometeorology, climatology, meteorology, hydrology, data science, or artificial intelligence. For consultants with a bachelor's degree, two additional years of relevant professional experience are required. For Personal Services Agreements (PSAs), a university degree in the aforementioned fields is necessary, along with varying levels of relevant experience: 1 year for Category C, 5 years for Category B, and 10 years for Category A, specifically in analytical studies or in the planning, design, and supervision of meteorology and agrometeorology projects, particularly in developing countries or countries in transition. A working knowledge of English at level C is also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in agrometeorology, climatology, meteorology, hydrology, data science, or artificial intelligence from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. For those applying as consultants with a bachelor's degree, it is essential to have two additional years of relevant professional experience in the field. For PSAs, a university degree in the same fields is required, along with the specified years of relevant experience based on the category of the position.

Experience:
The level of experience required for this position varies by category. For Category C, a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience is necessary. For Category B, candidates should have at least 5 years of relevant experience, while Category A candidates must possess a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience. This experience should include analytical studies, planning, design, and supervision of meteorology and agrometeorology projects and programs, particularly in developing countries or countries in transition. Candidates should also demonstrate experience in applying AI/ML techniques to climate and agricultural datasets, conducting climate risk assessments, and developing digital tools that integrate climate data to support anticipatory action and disaster risk reduction.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at level C is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of other languages such as Chinese, French, Spanish, Arabic, or Russian is considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote, allowing for home-based work with travel required for field missions across the region. The role emphasizes collaboration with various stakeholders, including governments, universities, and technology providers, to enhance agricultural resilience against climate change. The position may involve contract durations that vary based on project needs, and it is essential for candidates to be adaptable and willing to engage in international collaboration.