Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation 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 (194 countries and the European Union), FAO operates in over 130 countries worldwide, working with governments, civil society, and the private sector to address challenges in agriculture, fisheries, and forestry. FAO's strategic framework supports the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems, contributing to the 2030 Agenda.

Job Overview:
The Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation Specialist will play a crucial role in enhancing the disaster preparedness and adaptive capacities of small-scale farmers and fisherfolks in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan Province. This position involves conducting training on climate-smart farming systems and improved aquaculture production, as well as exploring insurance products to mitigate the impacts of natural hazards. The specialist will be responsible for formulating strategies and approaches aligned with FAO's objectives, conducting assessments of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) landscape, and developing action plans to strengthen disaster preparedness capacities. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government offices and community organizations, to facilitate consultations, training, and workshops aimed at developing community preparedness and response plans.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide programmatic and technical support in formulating strategies and approaches to achieve project results, including developing action plans aligned with FAO's strategic objectives.
• Conduct thorough assessments of the DRRM landscape in the province/region, mapping active DRRM actors, existing early warning systems, and available climate-resilient technologies.
• Analyze existing risk financing instruments and insurance mechanisms for farmers and fisherfolks, exploring their linkages to social protection systems.
• Facilitate consultations, training, and workshops with various offices in the Department of Agriculture to develop community preparedness and response plans, including climate-resilient livelihood-saving interventions.
• Support simulation exercises to test community preparedness and response plans and assist Women-Led Organizations in preparing climate-resilient business plans.
• Engage with development partners for resource mobilization on DRRM/CCA-related interventions and support FAO Philippines in conceptualizing and preparing project proposals.
• Perform any other duties necessary to support the project and FAO's mission in the Philippines.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree in Agriculture, Climate, Disaster Risk Reduction, Food Security, Economics, Environment, Natural Resources Management, or Rural Development.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in agricultural projects, agri-enterprise, value chains, or rural entrepreneurship.
• Full proficiency in English (level C) and a national of the Philippines or a legal resident with a valid work permit.
• Strong results focus, teamwork, communication skills, and ability to build effective relationships.
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement mindset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Agriculture, Climate, Disaster Risk Reduction, Food Security, Economics, Environment, Natural Resources Management, or Rural Development. The educational qualifications must be obtained from an institution accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of relevant practical field experience in agricultural projects, agri-enterprise, value chains, or rural entrepreneurship. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to work under pressure and adapt to evolving humanitarian contexts, as well as experience working within multidisciplinary and culturally diverse teams.

Languages:
Full proficiency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of Filipino is essential. Working knowledge of relevant local dialects is considered an advantage, enhancing communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or processing. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates must be medically fit for appointment and meet any residency or visa requirements. The position may involve travel to project sites as required.