Climate Risks and Agrometeorologist Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide, employing approximately 12,000 staff members. 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 Representation in Tunisia is specifically responsible for the development, promotion, supervision, and implementation of programs and strategies in collaboration with the Tunisian government, focusing on food, agriculture, and rural development. It maintains strong relationships with various stakeholders, including government institutions and financial and technical partners, to enhance the effectiveness of its initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Climate Risks and Agrometeorologist Specialist position is crucial for supporting the Climate Resilient Agriculture and Livelihoods in Southern Tunisia (CRALST) project, which aims to enhance climate resilience and protect vulnerable ecosystems in the region. The specialist will be responsible for analyzing climate-related hazards and their impacts on agriculture, utilizing national and sub-national data to provide recommendations that will inform project implementation. This role requires a comprehensive understanding of climate trends, agricultural production, and the socio-economic factors that influence resilience in the targeted areas. The specialist will work closely with various stakeholders to ensure that climate risk considerations are integrated into the project's funding proposal, ultimately contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and improved livelihoods in Southern Tunisia.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Climate Risks and Agrometeorologist Specialist include:

• Collecting and synthesizing all available climate data, both historical and future, to build a comprehensive understanding of climate trends and projections specific to the agricultural sector.
• Conducting assessments on agricultural production trends and the impacts of climate change tailored to the systems targeted by the project.
• Reviewing available information on climate indicators, including extremes and their impacts on agriculture.
• Collecting and synthesizing biophysical and socio-economic maps, vulnerability assessments, and relevant data at the targeted level.
• Analyzing loss and damage data related to climate hazards and reviewing the delivery of weather-informed advisories to the agricultural sector.
• Advising on the integration of climate risk considerations into the funding proposal.
• Developing crop suitability maps that assess the impacts of climate change using analytical frameworks, complemented by agricultural transformation and adaptation solutions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in climate science, environmental sciences, agricultural climatology, natural resource management, or a related field relevant to the assignment. Those with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. Additionally, candidates should have at least five years of relevant experience in climate change adaptation, with demonstrated expertise in agrometeorology, climate risk analysis, and/or climate impacts on agriculture, water resources, or food systems. A working knowledge of English at level C is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in fields such as climate science, environmental sciences, agricultural climatology, or natural resource management. Candidates with a bachelor's degree must have additional professional experience to compensate for the lack of an advanced degree. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of climate impacts on agriculture and developing effective adaptation strategies.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant experience in climate change adaptation, particularly in areas related to agrometeorology, climate risk analysis, and the impacts of climate on agriculture and food systems. This experience should demonstrate a strong understanding of climate data analysis and its application in agricultural contexts, as well as familiarity with the challenges faced by vulnerable ecosystems and communities.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at level C is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the regions in which the FAO operates or the stakeholders involved in the project.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work location. The role is expected to be full-time, with a focus on project implementation and support for the Climate Resilient Agriculture and Livelihoods in Southern Tunisia initiative. Candidates should be prepared to engage with various stakeholders, including government agencies and international partners, to ensure the successful integration of climate risk considerations into agricultural practices and policies.