National Reporting Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization 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. FAO's mission is to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, make agriculture, forestry, and fisheries more productive and sustainable, reduce rural poverty, and enable inclusive and efficient agricultural and food systems. The organization also works to ensure that the global food supply is safe and nutritious, and that natural resources are managed sustainably. FAO is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and plays a crucial role in supporting countries to implement the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).

Job Overview:
The National Reporting Specialist will be responsible for preparing and developing South Africa's national report on the implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) for the year 202

• This role involves a comprehensive understanding of the UNCCD's strategic objectives and the national reporting process. The specialist will need to familiarize themselves with various reporting manuals and guidelines, including the Performance Review and Assessment of Implementation System (PRAIS) reporting manual. They will also be tasked with identifying sources of information through consultations with various stakeholders, including government departments, research institutions, and civil society organizations. The position requires the development of a reporting roadmap that outlines clear activities, outputs, and timelines for the completion of the national report. Additionally, the specialist will need to ensure that gender-related aspects are integrated into the reporting process and produce a gender analysis report. The role also involves delivering presentations to different forums and coordinating all project activities related to reporting, including stakeholder consultations and training sessions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Reporting Specialist will undertake a variety of tasks, including:

• Reviewing the addendum to the good practice guidance and familiarizing themselves with the SDG indicator 15.3.1, which pertains to land degradation.
• Consulting the PRAIS reporting manual and glossary to understand the reporting requirements.
• Engaging with national departments and public entities to gather necessary data for reporting purposes.
• Developing a comprehensive reporting roadmap that includes activities, outputs, and timelines.
• Collaborating with a regional consultant to align the national reporting process with capacity-building programs.
• Delivering presentations to government forums and working groups.
• Ensuring the integration of gender considerations into the reporting process and producing a gender analysis report.
• Coordinating all project activities related to the reporting process, including procurement, stakeholder consultations, and training sessions.
• Developing a summary report for policymakers that highlights key findings and recommendations from the national report. 1
• Performing any other tasks as mutually agreed upon with the overseeing department.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent; a Doctor of Philosophy will be an added advantage) in fields such as natural/environmental science, agricultural studies, geography, GIS/Remote Sensing, or Natural Resources Management. Additionally, a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in relevant fields is required. Candidates must also have a working knowledge of English at level C and must be nationals of South Africa.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree, specifically a Master’s degree or equivalent in natural/environmental science, agricultural studies, geography, GIS/Remote Sensing, or Natural Resources Management. A Doctor of Philosophy in a related field is considered an added advantage. It is essential that candidates have their educational qualifications recognized by an institution accredited in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 10 years of professional experience in areas related to natural/environmental science, agricultural studies, geography, GIS/Remote Sensing, or Natural Resources Management. This extensive experience is crucial for understanding the complexities of the UNCCD and the national reporting process.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at level C is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, although English is the primary language of communication within the organization.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or processing. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates should note that the FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED). The appointment will be subject to certification of medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. This position may involve full-time engagement, and candidates should be prepared for potential international collaboration.