Programme Officer - Biodiversity Mainstreaming

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is an 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 has a mission to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, making agriculture, forestry, and fisheries more productive and sustainable. The organization operates in over 130 countries and employs thousands of staff members who work collaboratively to achieve its goals. FAO's strategic framework is aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, focusing on transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. The organization is committed to environmental sustainability, which is integral to its operations and objectives, particularly through its Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB).

Job Overview:
The Programme Officer will play a crucial role in supporting FAO’s initiatives on biodiversity mainstreaming at various levels, including global, regional, and national. This position is situated within the Biodiversity team of the Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. The officer will be responsible for coordinating the Agri-NBSAPs Support Initiative and the project aimed at mainstreaming biodiversity into agrifood systems. The role involves planning, developing, and implementing projects that integrate biodiversity considerations into agricultural practices, ensuring that these initiatives align with national biodiversity strategies and action plans (NBSAPs). The Programme Officer will also engage in policy development, analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">technical analysis, and the creation of specialized tools and methodologies to facilitate effective project delivery and monitoring. This position requires a proactive approach to fostering collaboration among stakeholders and ensuring that biodiversity is effectively integrated into agrifood systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Officer will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including: participating in the development, implementation, and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects; monitoring and analyzing programme/project development and implementation; reviewing relevant documents and reports to identify issues and propose corrective actions; assisting in policy development and preparing various written outputs such as background papers and reports; conducting outreach activities and training workshops; coordinating budget and funding activities; liaising with relevant FAO divisions to facilitate project implementation; monitoring policy developments in biodiversity and climate change; participating in biodiversity forums; supporting resource mobilization activities; and providing guidance and technical support to national project officers and consultants. The officer will also be responsible for developing project proposals and contributing to knowledge-sharing initiatives related to biodiversity.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in natural resources management, biological sciences, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of five years of relevant experience in project or programme management related to biodiversity and/or natural resources is required. Proficiency in English (level C) and intermediate knowledge of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is also mandatory. Candidates should demonstrate competencies in results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing. Technical skills in programme/project formulation, results-based management methodologies, and experience in the United Nations system are considered strong assets.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as natural resources management, biological sciences, agriculture, forestry, or fisheries. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of biodiversity and its integration into agricultural systems, as well as for engaging in policy development and project management.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in managing international cooperation projects related to biodiversity and/or natural resources. Candidates should have experience in programme/project formulation, implementation, and evaluation, particularly in the context of biodiversity. Experience working in multiple locations or areas, especially in field positions, is highly valued. Previous experience within the United Nations system or familiarity with FAO policies and systems is considered a strong asset.

Languages:
Proficiency in English (level C) is mandatory, along with intermediate knowledge (level B) of another official FAO language such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. Additionally, working knowledge of French and/or Spanish is considered a strong asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to multilingual projects.

Additional Notes:
This position is located at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. The role is full-time and involves significant collaboration with various stakeholders, including government entities, civil society, and international organizations. The Programme Officer will be involved in resource mobilization efforts to support biodiversity projects and will contribute to the development of knowledge-sharing tools and best practices. The position may require travel for outreach activities and training workshops, and candidates should be prepared to engage in a dynamic and collaborative work environment.