Natural Resources Officer (Climate Change Mitigation)

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is an agency that 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. Established in 1945, FAO has grown to include 194 member countries and the European Union, with its headquarters located in Rome, Italy. The organization operates in over 130 countries worldwide, focusing on improving agricultural productivity, enhancing nutrition, and promoting sustainable management of natural resources. FAO's mission is to eradicate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, while also ensuring sustainable agricultural practices and environmental protection. The organization plays a crucial role in addressing global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and food security through its various programs and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Natural Resources Officer (Climate Change Mitigation) position is situated within the Climate Change Team of the Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. This role is pivotal in addressing climate change mitigation within agrifood systems, focusing on the assessment of mitigation impacts and greenhouse gas emissions accounting. The officer will support the design, implementation, and quality assurance of various mitigation projects and programs, mobilizing international climate finance, and engaging with stakeholders under the UNFCCC processes. The position requires a blend of research, analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">technical analysis, and project-related services to ensure the effective delivery of FAO's programs and initiatives aimed at combating climate change and promoting sustainable practices in agriculture.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Natural Resources Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including researching and analyzing technical, social, economic, environmental, institutional, and technological information to support program delivery. The officer will produce various technical documents, reports, and data analyses, providing technical support for assessments and field projects. Collaboration is key, as the officer will work with multidisciplinary teams, lead working groups, and promote best practices across divisions. The role also involves capacity development activities, ensuring quality and effectiveness in policy support and learning events for member nations. Specific functions include leading greenhouse gas (GHG) appraisals of FAO projects, supporting the development of analytical tools for climate investment, and contributing to international climate change processes. The officer will also monitor policy developments relevant to FAO's climate change work and perform other tasks as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in natural resources, environmental sciences, climate change, agriculture, or a related field. A minimum of five years of relevant experience in climate change mitigation, GHG accounting, and project design and implementation is required. Proficiency in English (level C) and intermediate knowledge of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is also necessary. Competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, and building effective relationships are essential for success in this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, specifically a Master’s degree or equivalent, in fields related to natural resources, environmental sciences, climate change, or agriculture. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of climate change mitigation and the associated technical and policy issues.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in the field of climate change mitigation, particularly in GHG accounting and the design and implementation of mitigation-related projects. Experience working in multiple locations or areas, especially in field positions, is highly valued. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of climate mitigation under the Paris Agreement and familiarity with international climate finance mechanisms such as the GEF and GCF.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with a requirement for intermediate knowledge of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish). This linguistic capability is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the international context of FAO's work.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rome, Italy, at FAO headquarters. It is a full-time role, and candidates will be assessed against the specified minimum requirements. The organization values diversity and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of their background. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO's policies and standards.