Natural Resources Officer

**Organizational Setting**
The Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB) supports FAO Member Nations in responding to the interlinked challenges of food security, climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation, including through facilitating access to climate and environmental financing (such as the Global Environment Facility and the Green Climate Fund. OCB provides a cross organizational coordination role on issues related to climate change, biodiversity and the environment and is the FAO focal point for major multilateral environmental agreements including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). In addition, OCB hosts the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) Programme, the Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture and the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, as well as FAO's work on environmental safeguards.
The position is located in the Environment Team of the Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

**Reporting Lines**
The Natural Resources Officer (Climate and Disaster Risk Reduction) reports to the Senior Natural Resources Officer, Environment Team Leader in OCB.

**Technical Focus**
Lead and coordinate OCB's efforts in using climate data and information to mainstream climate and disaster risk reduction into FAO's programming and support evidence-based interventions and decision-making across FAO headquarters, Decentralized Offices and project teams to better contribute to the implementation of FAO's Strategy on Climate Change 2022-2031, Science and Innovation Strategy and the Framework on Environmental and Social Management.

**Key Results**
Comprehensive technical and policy expertise to support the planning, development and implementation of divisional programmes, projects, products and services in accordance with divisional objectives and the FAO Strategic Framework.

**Key Functions**
• Plans and leads components of multidisciplinary teams, leads and/or participates in Organization-wide committees, project teams and working groups and/or provides specialized expertise on technical networks and international technical policy and standard-setting bodies.
• Develops technical, analytical, monitoring and reporting frameworks and related methodologies, tools, systems and databases, etc. to support the planning, implementation/delivery and monitoring of programmes of work, projects, products and/or services.
• Designs and conducts research, data collection, validation, analysis and/or reporting activities to support the development of technical standards, international instruments, innovative approaches and strategies, new tools, technologies, technical reports/publications and/or policy proposals as well as the provision of technical/policy/specialist/advice and expertise.
• Responds to country requests for technical and policy assistance, provides technical advice, assistance and solutions to Decentralized Offices, as well as technical backstopping to field projects.
• Collaborates in, provides technical backstopping to, and ensures the quality/effectiveness of capacity development and knowledge sharing activities within Member Nations, such as policy support, organizational development and individual learning events including preparation of related information, learning materials and on-line tools.
• Promotes international cooperation, advocates best practices and increased policy dialogue and provides technical expertise at international/intergovernmental meetings.
• Participates in resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework.

**Specific Functions**
Leads and supports further development and effective mainstreaming of climate and disaster risk management measures across policies, programmes and projects (including climate and environment vertical funds), including:
• Utilizes and enhances technical knowledge, data and information. Develops and refines models, tools, methodologies and products that address climate, environmental and disaster risks applicable to value chains and across agricultural sectors.
• Provides robust technical and policy support on a range of issues, including climate change adaptation, early warnings, disaster risk reduction, drought monitoring, agrometeorological services and climate security. This task covers multiple hazards and integrates climate and disaster risk information across the Organization.
• Supports the evidence-based design of investments, projects and policy formulations for developing climate-resilient agrifood systems, utilizing climate, environmental and disaster risk assessments and management tools to guide decision-making processes.
• Leads or supports organizational capacity development activities focused on climate and disaster risk management and climate services, ensuring these initiatives enhance knowledge and operational capabilities across the Organization.
• Actively contributes to external and internal processes that aim for harmonization, guidance and standard setting for climate and disaster risk management among UN Agencies and other development institutions.
• Manages and nurtures external partnerships, particularly with key UN partners such as the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Engages in relevant global initiatives and programmes that focus on climate services, climate and environmental risks, as well as disaster risk reduction.
• Leads awareness-raising activities related to climate services in agriculture. Represents the Organization at relevant internal and external meetings, conferences and other fora.
• Performs other related duties as required.

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**CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING**

**Minimum Requirements**
• Advanced university degree in climate sciences, agrometeorology, geography or data sciences.
• Seven years of relevant experience in leading work on climate, disaster risk reduction and environmental data and information for development of policies, programs and investments in agriculture or related fields, as well as in supporting countries on agrometeorology, climate modelling and related tools and methodologies.
• Working knowledge (proficient - level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate - level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

**Competencies**
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

**Technical/Functional Skills**
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable.
• Extent and relevance of experience in project management and programme operational experience, including leading technical teams to support donors, multilateral organizations, civil society organization and policy makers on climate and environmental data and information, climate services, as well as early warning systems in agriculture.
• Extent and relevance of experience in producing climate data and risk information across Organization's work areas, including policies, projects and programmes.
• Extent and relevance of experience in using climate models and tools, agrometeorological services and early warning of hazards such as drought, applied to agriculture.
• Extent and relevance of experience in the analysis and formulation of disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation strategies, policies (such as for National Adaptation Plans (NAPs)) and projects (such as GEF and GCF) for sustainable agrifood systems.
• Extent and relevance of experience in providing capacity development in climate services and disaster risk reduction.
• Familiarity with the UN system institutions and working experience in collaborating and networking with relevant international and government institutions.