Natural Resource Management (NRM) Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO's mission is 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. With 195 Members, including 194 countries and the European Union, FAO operates in over 130 countries worldwide. The organization contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework, supporting the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. FAO India is currently implementing the 'Promotion of Sustainable Food Systems in India through Transforming Rice-Wheat Systems' Project under the GEF-7 cycle, focusing on environmental sustainability and the resilience of farmers in four states: Punjab, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.

Job Overview:
The Natural Resource Management (NRM) Specialist will provide specialized technical support and inputs on landscape management, ecosystem restoration, and natural resource governance aspects of the GEF-7 Project. This role involves working closely with various stakeholders, including the National coordinator" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Technical Coordinator, Lead Technical Officer, and other technical experts, to design, monitor, and review activities related to Integrated Landscape Management (ILM) and restoration. The incumbent will play a crucial role in ensuring that project activities align with FAO-GEF technical standards and contribute to sustainable food systems transformation in India. The position requires a proactive approach to capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and the integration of technical inputs into project planning and implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The NRM Specialist will be responsible for a wide range of tasks, including: providing technical inputs for the assessment, planning, and implementation of ILM and landscape restoration activities; supporting the design and roll-out of community-based sustainable landscape management capacity-building activities; assisting in the establishment of inter-sectoral institutional frameworks related to ILM; preparing integrated district-level landscape management and restoration plans; integrating ILM planning processes with GIS-based Decision Support Systems; formulating ecosystem and landscape restoration plans; identifying sustainable livelihood options compatible with ecosystem restoration; developing convergence mechanisms with relevant government programs; providing technical inputs on land degradation neutrality and climate change mitigation; reviewing environmental and social safeguards; strengthening the capacities of project management units and operational partners; preparing technical inputs and knowledge products for project reporting; and supporting national and state-level technical forums related to ILM and natural resource management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or higher) in Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, Agricultural Engineering, Watershed Management, Rural Development, or a related discipline relevant to Integrated Landscape Management. Additionally, a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in ILM, landscape restoration, natural resource management, watershed management, participatory planning, and multi-stakeholder coordination is required. Candidates should also have a working knowledge of English and Hindi, and must be nationals of India or residents with a valid work permit.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master's or higher) in a relevant field such as Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, Agricultural Engineering, Watershed Management, or Rural Development. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of integrated landscape management and the technical aspects of ecosystem restoration and governance.

Experience:
The position requires at least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in areas related to Integrated Landscape Management, landscape restoration, and natural resource management. Candidates should have experience in participatory planning and multi-stakeholder coordination, demonstrating their ability to work effectively with various stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and community institutions.

Languages:
A working knowledge (Level C) of English and Hindi is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders involved in the project.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in New Delhi, India, and is part of a project that focuses on sustainable food systems and environmental sustainability. The role may involve collaboration with various government departments and stakeholders at different levels. Candidates should be prepared for a dynamic work environment that requires adaptability and a commitment to the project's objectives. The FAO offers a competitive compensation package and opportunities for professional development.