National Expert on Climate Change Capacity Gap Assessment

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized technical agency of the United Nations, established to combat hunger and promote security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security globally. The FAO's mission is to work towards the eradication of hunger and strive for food security for everyone, as outlined in the 2030 Agenda. The organization operates with a strategic framework aimed at transforming agri-food systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. FAO's ultimate goals include better production, better nutrition, better environment, and better lives, ensuring that no one is left behind. The organization has a presence in numerous countries, working collaboratively with governments and stakeholders to implement projects that enhance food security and agricultural practices.

Job Overview:
The National Expert on Climate Change Capacity Gap Assessment will play a crucial role in supporting the Government of Vanuatu under a GEF-funded project aimed at enhancing transparency in the implementation and monitoring of Vanuatu’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement. This position involves conducting a comprehensive capacity gap assessment to identify institutional, regulatory, human, technological, financial, and capacity-building needs within Vanuatu's climate change governance framework. The expert will work closely with various stakeholders, including government representatives and FAO specialists, to ensure that the assessment aligns with national priorities and contributes to the overall goals of the project. The incumbent is expected to propose a tailored methodology for the assignment and will be responsible for delivering capacity-building initiatives, including training on greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Expert will undertake a series of tasks and responsibilities, including: conducting an inception and preparatory analysis by reviewing project documents and relevant literature; consulting with FAO specialists and government representatives to clarify objectives and gather preliminary data; preparing an inception report that outlines the work plan and methodology; assessing the current status of Vanuatu’s national climate change capacities; identifying and documenting the national institutional architecture for climate change governance; enriching and finalizing a detailed checklist for capacity self-assessment; proposing a methodology for capacity self-assessment; conducting Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs); implementing monitoring arrangements to track progress; analyzing stakeholder knowledge and capacity; preparing a draft report on the national climate change capacity and gap assessment; and supporting the design and delivery of capacity-building training.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Environmental Science, Climate Change, Natural Resources Management, or a closely related field from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU) or UNESCO. Additionally, candidates should have at least five years of progressive professional experience in climate change, particularly focusing on mitigation. Full proficiency or working knowledge of English is required, along with the nationality of Vanuatu or residency in the country with a valid work permit. Candidates should also demonstrate core competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, and building effective relationships.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in a relevant field such as Environmental Science, Climate Change, or Natural Resources Management. The degree must be obtained from an institution that is accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), which is maintained by the International Association of Universities (IAU) and UNESCO. This ensures that the educational qualifications meet international standards and are recognized globally.

Experience:
Candidates are expected to have a minimum of five years of progressive professional experience in the field of climate change, with a specific focus on mitigation strategies. This experience should include hands-on involvement in national-level assessments, surveys, or stakeholder consultations, particularly within the Pacific context. Familiarity with Vanuatu’s climate change governance arrangements and sectoral institutions is also essential, as is experience in training design and delivery, especially related to GHG inventory topics.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, with full proficiency or working knowledge required. While English is the primary language of communication, familiarity with local languages or dialects may be considered an asset, as it can facilitate better engagement with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of capacity-building initiatives.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or processing. It is important to note that applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates should be aware that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from accredited institutions recognized in the WHED. Furthermore, the appointment will be subject to certification of medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. This position may involve a contract duration that aligns with the project timeline, which has been extended to June 2027.