Environmental Officer

Environmental Officer

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

February 17, 2025February 18, 2025RomeItaly
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) About
To meet the demands posed by major global trends in agricultural development and challenges faced by member nations, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has identified key priorities on which it is best placed to intervene. A comprehensive review of the Organization’s comparative advantages was undertaken which enabled strategic objectives to be set, representing the main areas of work on which FAO will concentrate its efforts in striving to achieve its vision and global goals. An intergovernmental organization, FAO has 194 Member Nations, two associate members and one member organization, the European Union. Its employees come from various cultural backgrounds and are experts in the multiple fields of activity FAO engages in. FAO’s staff capacity allows it to support improved governance inter alia, generate, develop and adapt existing tools and guidelines and provide targeted governance support as a resource to country and regional level FAO offices. Headquartered in Rome, Italy, FAO is present in over 130 countries.
Job Description

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Position Title: Environmental Officer
Location: Rome
Country: Italy
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is an international organization that leads global 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 help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, making it a vital player in the global fight against poverty and inequality. With over 194 member countries, FAO operates in more than 130 countries worldwide, employing thousands of professionals dedicated to improving agricultural productivity, enhancing food security, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The organization is committed to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly through its Strategic Framework that focuses on transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. The Infrastructure and Facilities Management Service (CSLI) within the Logistics Services Division (CSL) is responsible for maintaining FAO's headquarters and providing essential services to FAO employees, while also assisting decentralized offices with facilities maintenance and technical projects.

Job Overview:
The Environmental Officer position is crucial for supporting the FAO's Corporate Environmental Responsibility (CER) team in its mission to promote sustainable practices within the organization. The incumbent will be responsible for conducting the annual greenhouse gas (GHG) environmental inventory for FAO, which involves collecting and analyzing data related to energy usage, emissions from buildings, vehicles, and official travel. The role requires collaboration with country offices to ensure accurate data collection and analysis, as well as the development of environmental action plans aimed at reducing the organization's carbon footprint. The Environmental Officer will also play a key role in promoting sustainable behaviors among FAO employees and will be involved in creating educational materials and campaigns to raise awareness about energy-saving practices and corporate sustainability initiatives. This position is integral to advancing FAO's commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Environmental Officer will have a diverse range of responsibilities, including:
  • Liaising with country offices to assist in the collection and analysis of energy usage data for calculating FAO's greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Researching and preparing responses to queries from colleagues on environmental management issues.
  • Contributing to the development of templates, tools, and support materials for measuring and managing environmental risks.
  • Analyzing emissions data from decentralized offices and identifying those that require assistance in reducing emissions.
  • Reporting on collected data to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Supporting Green Focal Points in Field Offices with the implementation of climate-neutral measures.
  • Ensuring best practices are shared among field offices and adapted to local circumstances.
  • Developing environmental awareness-raising materials for educational campaigns and technical training.
  • Providing technical assistance to decentralized offices on energy issues and corporate sustainability activities. 1
  • Assisting in implementing projects for energy stabilization in decentralized offices, including data gathering for solar and hybrid systems. 1
  • Conducting electrical load assessments and installing IoT sensors in decentralized offices.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Energy or Electrical Engineering. Additionally, a minimum of one year of relevant experience in energy and electrical engineering, particularly with a focus on renewable energy, is required. A working knowledge of English at level C is mandatory, as effective communication is essential for this role. Candidates should also demonstrate proficiency in the Microsoft Suite, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, and Teams, as well as knowledge of simulation software for solar system design, such as Homer or PVSol. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are also necessary for success in this position.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree in Energy or Electrical Engineering. This educational background is essential for understanding the technical aspects of energy systems, environmental management, and sustainability practices. Candidates with degrees in related fields may also be considered, provided they have the necessary experience and skills relevant to the role.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least one year of experience in activities related to energy and electrical engineering, with a specific focus on renewable energy. This experience should include practical knowledge of energy systems, environmental sustainability, and the ability to conduct energy audits and load assessments. Familiarity with GHG emission data management and analysis is also important, as the role involves significant data handling and reporting responsibilities.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at level C is mandatory for this position, as effective communication within the environmental and energy sectors is crucial. Additionally, limited knowledge (level B) of one of the other official FAO languages—French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian—is considered an asset. Proficiency in Italian is also a strong asset, given the position's location in Rome and the need for effective communication with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Rome, Italy, at the FAO headquarters. The role is full-time and involves collaboration with various teams and offices within the organization. Candidates should be prepared to engage in international cooperation and may be involved in projects that require travel to decentralized offices. The FAO offers a competitive compensation package, including benefits related to health, retirement, and professional development opportunities.
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