Natural Resources Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. Established in 1945, FAO works in over 130 countries, employing thousands of staff dedicated to achieving food security and improving nutrition globally. The organization aims to eradicate hunger, malnutrition, and rural poverty by promoting sustainable agricultural practices and policies. FAO's mission is aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, focusing on fostering sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems that contribute to better production, nutrition, environment, and life.

Job Overview:
The Natural Resources Specialist position at FAO involves leading technical work in land and soil analysis, supporting climate-resilient agricultural interventions, and contributing to evidence-based planning and funding proposals for mechanisms like the Green Climate Fund and Global Environment Facility. The role requires leveraging spatial analysis and geospatial tools to promote sustainable landscape management and climate-resilient agrifood systems. The incumbent will be responsible for conducting integrated landscape diagnoses, assessing soil fertility, and developing climate-responsive agro-ecological zoning systems. This position is crucial for addressing challenges such as climate variability and land degradation in Rwanda's agricultural sector, which is vital for the country's economy and food security.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Natural Resources Specialist include reviewing and harmonizing existing datasets related to soil maps, land degradation assessments, and climate risk profiles. The specialist will conduct integrated landscape diagnoses, identify land degradation hotspots, and develop climate-responsive agro-ecological zoning systems. Additionally, the role involves designing land suitability analyses for various production systems, supporting spatial zoning for sustainable intensification, and conducting soil fertility assessments. The specialist will also prepare technical guidelines, facilitate stakeholder consultations, and contribute to knowledge management by documenting methodologies and best practices. Furthermore, the incumbent will support the preparation of project proposals targeting climate finance mechanisms and engage in technical consultations with various stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in Agricultural Science, GIS, Remote Sensing, Environmental Science, Natural Resources Evaluation, or a related field. A minimum of ten years of experience in soil sciences, remote sensing, land resources evaluation, or related studies is required. The candidate must have a working knowledge of the English language at a C1 level and must be a national of Rwanda. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate competencies in results focus, communication, teamwork, and building effective relationships, along with technical skills in geospatial analysis, agro-ecological zoning, soil science, and climate risk analysis.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU) or UNESCO in relevant fields such as Agricultural Science, GIS, Remote Sensing, Environmental Science, or Natural Resources Science. The educational qualifications must be from accredited institutions listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of relevant experience in applications of soil sciences, remote sensing for agricultural monitoring, land resources evaluation, or other natural resources studies. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in developing project concepts and funding proposals, particularly in relation to climate finance mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund and Global Environment Facility.

Languages:
A working knowledge of the English language at a C1 level is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. The appointment will be subject to certification of medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. The position may involve full-time engagement, and candidates are encouraged to visit the FAO employment website for additional opportunities.