National Environmental Specialist

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. The FAO's Green Cities Initiative (GCI) is a significant part of its mission, focusing on promoting sustainable urban development and environmental sustainability through various projects and partnerships.

Job Overview:
The National Environmental Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the FAO's Green Cities Initiative in collaboration with the Maseru City Council (MCC). This position is designed to strengthen the technical capacities of MCC in implementing environmental aspects of urban development. The specialist will be responsible for integrating urban agriculture, green space revitalization, climate-smart practices, and sustainable waste management into urban policies and practices. The role requires a strong technical background in environmental management and climate adaptation, as well as the ability to align policies with national and international standards. The incumbent will work closely with various stakeholders, including the FAO Representative, the Assistant FAO Representative, and the National Project Coordinator, to ensure the successful delivery of environmentally sound interventions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Environmental Specialist will undertake a variety of tasks, including: reviewing environmental policies and legal frameworks to recommend improvements for the Green Cities Initiative; conducting environmental and social impact assessments (ESIAs) for organic waste management and green space establishment; developing guidelines and technical notes on sustainable waste management and urban ecosystem management; supporting the design and management of green spaces and eco-friendly urban interventions; building the capacity of MCC staff and community groups in environmental management; participating in awareness-raising workshops for stakeholders; supporting campaigns on waste segregation and recycling; and establishing environmental monitoring indicators and tools to measure project impact.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Natural Resources Management, or a related field. Additionally, they should have at least 5 years of relevant experience in environmental management, waste management, or urban sustainability. A working knowledge of English at a C level is required, and candidates must be nationals of the Kingdom of Lesotho or residents with a valid work permit.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Environmental Science, Environmental Management, or Natural Resources Management. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of environmental policies and practices necessary for the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in environmental management, waste management, or urban sustainability. This experience should include a proven track record in capacity building, training, and community-based environmental projects, as well as familiarity with environmental assessments and policy analysis.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at a C level is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work location. The role is expected to involve collaboration with various stakeholders and may require participation in workshops and awareness campaigns. The FAO emphasizes results focus, teamwork, communication, and building effective relationships as core competencies for this role.