Climate Change and Sustainable Agriculture 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's mission is to promote the sustainable use of natural resources for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, human well-being, and global development. The organization operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 12,000 employees. FAO's work is guided by the principles of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which emphasizes the importance of biodiversity and sustainable practices in agriculture to ensure food security and nutrition for all. The organization is actively involved in addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable agricultural practices across various regions, including Europe and Central Asia, where it provides assistance to governments in climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.

Job Overview:
The Climate Change and Sustainable Agriculture Specialist will play a crucial role in addressing the intersection of climate change and sustainable agriculture. This position involves providing technical assistance, engaging in project design, implementing capacity development activities, and conducting research on climate change and sustainability issues within the Europe and Central Asia region. The specialist will work closely with the director-general" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Assistant Director-General/Regional Representative and Lead Technical Officers, ensuring that climate resilience and sustainable practices are integrated into agricultural policies and strategies. The role requires a proactive approach to mobilizing climate finance, enhancing institutional capacities, and promoting innovative solutions that align with global frameworks such as the Paris Agreement and the UNCCD’s land degradation neutrality framework. The specialist will also contribute to national and regional dialogues, facilitating stakeholder engagement and knowledge exchange on best practices in climate adaptation and mitigation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Climate Change and Sustainable Agriculture Specialist will undertake a variety of tasks, including: proposing methodologies and providing technical guidance for the application of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) and Sustainable Land Management (SLM) in agriculture and forestry; supporting the integration of climate finance mechanisms into national policies; assisting governments in strengthening institutional capacities for climate action; developing and disseminating sustainable agricultural technologies; providing guidance on mainstreaming climate change into agricultural development plans; engaging the private sector in climate adaptation through innovative financing; proposing training materials for capacity-building programs; contributing to dialogues on policies related to the UNFCCC, UNCCD, and CBD; conducting assessments of climate vulnerability in agricultural systems; and organizing workshops and knowledge-sharing events.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in economics, agriculture, natural resources, sustainable development, climate policy, rural development, or related fields. Additionally, a minimum of 2 years of work experience in sustainable agriculture and related areas is required, preferably within the targeted countries. Candidates should have a solid understanding of sustainable policies and guidelines in various contexts, as well as a working level of English. FAO core competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing are essential for success in this role.

Educational Background:
The position requires a university degree in a relevant field such as economics, agriculture, natural resources, sustainable development, climate policy, or rural development. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of sustainable agriculture and climate change, as well as for effectively engaging with stakeholders and implementing policies that promote sustainability.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 2 years of professional experience in sustainable agriculture and related fields. This experience should ideally be gained in the targeted countries, providing the candidate with a deep understanding of the local context and challenges related to climate change and agriculture. Experience working in international teams and with remote supervision is also highly valued, as the role involves collaboration with various stakeholders across different regions.

Languages:
A working level of English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages, particularly those relevant to the Europe and Central Asia region, would be considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. Candidates will be assessed based on their ability to work effectively in international teams and under remote supervision. The role is expected to contribute significantly to the FAO's mission of promoting sustainable agriculture and addressing climate change challenges, making it a vital position within the organization.