Land and Water Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations 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 over 194 member countries and operates in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO's Land and Water Division (NSL) focuses on sustainable management of land, soil, and water resources, promoting practices that enhance productivity and sustainability in agrifood systems.

Job Overview:
The Land and Water Officer position is integral to the Water Unit of the Land and Water Division at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. The officer will report to the Senior Land and Water Officer and will focus on water policy, governance, and resources planning in alignment with the UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. The incumbent will contribute to the implementation of the initiative on 'National Water Roadmap towards 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)', which involves identifying and promoting sustainable soil management practices, integrated soil fertility management, and engaging with various stakeholders to facilitate knowledge transfer and capacity-building in soil management. This role requires a proactive approach to support the delivery of outputs and products developed under the initiative, ensuring that the objectives of sustainable development are met.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Land and Water Officer will be responsible for collecting and analyzing relevant technical, social, economic, environmental, institutional, and technological information to support the delivery of program projects, products, and services. Key duties include conducting research and analysis, providing technical inputs for NSL's publications, preparing briefings and presentations on water resource governance, and contributing to the planning and organization of technical meetings and policy dialogues. The officer will also identify locally adapted soil management practices, support the establishment of field trials, and contribute to the development of national decision support tools. Additionally, the officer will assist in monitoring and reporting project progress, support collaboration among project partners, and provide technical support to water governance and soil management initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in agriculture, hydrology, soil science, plant nutrition, water resources governance, natural resources management, geography, environment, or a related field. They should have a minimum of three years of relevant experience in water resources and soil management, with proven experience in soil fertility management and water policy research and development. Candidates must demonstrate a working knowledge of English (proficiency – level C) and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) (intermediate proficiency – level B).

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree is required for this position, specifically in fields related to agriculture, hydrology, soil science, plant nutrition, water resources governance, natural resources management, geography, or environment. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and understanding of the complexities involved in land and water resource management.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least three years of relevant experience in the fields of water resources and soil management. This experience should include proven expertise in soil fertility management and water policy research and development. Additionally, work experience in multiple locations or areas of work, particularly in field positions, is highly valued. The ability to coordinate international projects and relevant partnerships is also crucial for this role.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with a requirement for candidates to have an intermediate level of knowledge in another FAO official language, which could be Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. This linguistic capability is important for effective communication and collaboration within the international context of FAO's work.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rome, Italy, at FAO headquarters. While the job ad does not specify a deadline for applications, it is important for candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure consideration. The role is likely to be full-time, and candidates may be assessed for their ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams. The position may involve collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies and organizations, to support policy formulation and development processes.