GHG Accounting Specialist

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 achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. The organization operates in over 130 countries and employs thousands of staff members worldwide, working towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda. FAO's independent Office of Evaluation (OED) plays a crucial role in assessing the effectiveness of FAO's strategies, programs, and projects, providing credible evidence to inform decision-making and enhance accountability.

Job Overview:
The GHG Accounting Specialist will play a pivotal role in the Office of Evaluation (OED) by providing technical expertise in greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting and carbon flux estimation within the Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Use (AFOLU) sector. This position involves the application and critical assessment of various GHG accounting tools, including EX-ACT, IPCC Inventory Software, NEXT, and GLEAM. The Specialist will ensure that GHG estimates align with IPCC Guidelines and will be responsible for methodological guidance and quality assurance for project-level GHG estimates in evaluations funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The role also includes capacity development for OED staff and external consultants, ensuring they are well-versed in GHG accounting methodologies and tools. The Specialist will work closely with various stakeholders, including FAO technical divisions and external evaluation consultants, to enhance the quality and consistency of GHG evaluations across the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The GHG Accounting Specialist will be responsible for providing systematic technical guidance to OED staff and external consultants on the selection and application of GHG accounting tools across different project phases. This includes conducting comparative analyses of GHG measurement approaches, advising on harmonization of inputs and emission factors, and identifying methodological divergences in GHG assessments. The Specialist will review and validate GHG estimates in FAO projects, ensuring they meet IPCC Guidelines and assessing the appropriateness of tier levels and land representation. Additionally, the Specialist will support the development of standardized guidance documents for methodological choices, maintain a decision log for methodological choices, and provide targeted technical training to build familiarity with GHG accounting tools. The role also involves advising OED management on project criteria for GHG accounting and contributing to system-wide evaluation initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in environmental science, climate change, natural resource management, forestry, agronomy, agricultural economics, or a closely related discipline. Those with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. A minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience in GHG accounting, carbon flux estimation, or climate change mitigation assessment is required, with a demonstrated focus on the AFOLU sector. Practical experience with at least two of the GHG accounting tools covered in OED’s Comparative Study is essential. Candidates must also have a working knowledge of English, while knowledge of French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian is desirable.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU) or UNESCO in a relevant field such as environmental science, climate change, natural resource management, forestry, agronomy, or agricultural economics. For candidates with a bachelor's degree, an additional two years of relevant professional experience is necessary to meet the minimum requirements.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least seven years of relevant professional experience in GHG accounting, carbon flux estimation, or climate change mitigation assessment, specifically within the AFOLU sector. Demonstrated practical experience with at least two of the GHG accounting tools (EX-ACT, IPCC Inventory Software, NEXT) is required. Experience working in or with a monitoring, evaluation, or quality assurance function within a development or multilateral organization is advantageous, as is work experience in multiple countries or regional contexts, particularly in areas with significant AFOLU sectors.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position, while knowledge of additional languages such as French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian is considered an asset and is desirable for effective communication within the organization and with international partners.

Additional Notes:
The position is likely to be full-time and may involve international recruitment. Specific details regarding contract duration, seniority level, compensation, and benefits are not provided in the job description but are typically aligned with FAO's employment policies and standards.