Climate Change Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency that leads international 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. The organization works in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 12,000 employees. FAO's strategic framework is aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, focusing on transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. The Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB) plays a crucial role in addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation, providing coordination on these issues and assisting member countries in their responses to interlinked challenges.

Job Overview:
The Climate Change Specialist position within the Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB) at FAO is designed to support the organization’s mission of promoting better environmental practices and enhancing the resilience of agrifood systems in the face of climate change. The role involves providing technical expertise in carbon finance, voluntary carbon markets, and the implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. The Specialist will work closely with member countries to develop strategies and tools that facilitate access to climate finance, enhance institutional capacities, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. The position requires a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding climate change and its impact on food systems, as well as the ability to engage with various stakeholders to drive effective climate action in the agriculture sector.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Climate Change Specialist will be responsible for a range of key functions, including: assessing carbon finance flows and analyzing projects in the agriculture sector; reviewing evolving carbon finance opportunities and standards; supporting FAO’s engagement with Article 6 negotiations; preparing country and regional analyses on market approaches for implementing Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs); developing guidance materials for countries to identify carbon finance options; and supporting the development of FAO’s strategy on carbon finance. Additionally, the Specialist will assist in the design and implementation of carbon projects, conduct feasibility studies, and provide technical guidance on Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) processes. The role also involves developing capacity-building materials and supporting peer-to-peer learning initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in relevant fields such as Economics, Finance, Climate Policy, Law, Environmental Engineering, Agriculture, or related disciplines. They should have a minimum of one to four years of relevant experience for entry-level positions, with increasing experience required for higher-level roles. Proficiency in English is essential, and knowledge of additional languages such as French or Spanish is considered an asset. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of climate finance architecture, carbon markets, and the policy environment surrounding climate change, as well as experience in project development and management.

Educational Background:
A university degree in a relevant field is required for this position. Acceptable fields of study include Economics, Finance, Climate Policy, Law, Environmental Engineering, Agriculture, Environment, Forest Sciences, Remote Sensing, or related areas. Advanced degrees may be preferred for higher-level positions, particularly those requiring extensive experience in climate finance and policy analysis.

Experience:
The level of experience required varies by position category. For PSA.SBS CAT C roles, one to four years of relevant experience is needed; for COF.REG CAT C roles, two to four years; for COF/PSA CAT B roles, at least five years; and for COF/PSA CAT A roles, a minimum of ten years of relevant experience is required. Experience should focus on climate change, climate finance, carbon markets, and related policy analysis.

Languages:
Full proficiency in English is mandatory for this position. Candidates with limited knowledge of French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian will be considered favorably, as these languages are seen as assets in the context of international cooperation and engagement.

Additional Notes:
The position may involve assignments lasting up to 11 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and organizational needs. The role is full-time and may require international travel to engage with member countries and stakeholders. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO’s policies and standards for international staff.