Biodiversity Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to More efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for Better production, Better nutrition, a Better environment and a Better life, leaving no one behind. 

The Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB) works to ensure that countries and stakeholders respond to the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. OCB provides a cross organizational coordination role on issues related to climate change, biodiversity and the environment and is the focal point to major multilateral environmental agreements including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conferences (UNFCCC), and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The Office also assists FAO Members in their responses towards 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 GEF and the GCF). 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.  

FAO’s work on biodiversity is guided by its Strategy on Mainstreaming Biodiversity across Agricultural Sectors (Strategy) and Action Plan 2024-2027 for its implementation. To achieve the Strategy's aim and goals, FAO is committed to: (i) supporting Members, at their request, to enhance their capacity to mainstream biodiversity; (ii) integrating biodiversity into FAO policies, programmes and activities; (iii) enhancing the recognition of the important role of biodiversity and its ecosystem services for food security and nutrition, and the agricultural sectors in relevant international agreements and processes; and (iv) strengthening the coordination and delivery of its work on biodiversity.

The Biodiversity Mainstreaming Unit (OCBB) coordinates and supports the Organization in the implementation of the Strategy and acts as the focal point for the organization to the Convention on Biological Diversity. The purpose of this call is to provide OCBB with a list of qualified candidates to support the unit’s work on the implementation of the Strategy and Action Plan.

Reporting Lines

The Consultant / PSA will work under the direct supervision of the Senior Natural Resources Officer, OCBB. 

Technical Focus 

Biodiversity mainstreaming in agrifood systems.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Consultant / PSA will assist in the delivery of FAO’s work on biodiversity at global, regional, national and local levels. The tasks and responsibilities of each selected Consultant or PSA will be defined in the Terms of Reference for the specific assignment. In general, depending on the specific assignment, designated tasks and responsibilities will normally include a number of the following elements:

•    Support the unit in the implementation, coordination and monitoring of the FAO Strategy on mainstreaming biodiversity across agricultural sectors and its Action Plan, including the development of guidelines, best practices, training materials and technical and policy documents;
•    Support the organization of internal and external meetings and events, including consultations, training, capacity building, multi-stakeholder dialogues and other technical and policy meetings;
•    Support the provision of technical guidance on biodiversity in the context of FAO’s mandate;
•    Develop, write, technically edit and/or proofread documents, reports and publications;
•    Develop and manage communication content and products including key messages for external communication and advocacy purposes;
•    Write concept notes and develop project proposals and participate in project implementation; 
•    Support the engagement of the Unit with the FAO lead experts and divisional focal points on biodiversity to ensure synergies with respective FAO thematic strategies and activities;
•    Support the monitoring and analysis of policy, legal and technical developments of other international fora/instruments in the spheres of biodiversity, agricultural sectors and environment;
•    Implement team activities and other assigned tasks as required.

FAO Standards and guidelines:

Liaison with the OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, appropriate review and clearance processes. 

All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including: 
FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31: https://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/en   
FAO social media policy and guidelines: https://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia    
Social Media Branding Guidelines: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044en  
FAOSTYLE: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb8081en   
FAO terminology http://www.fao.org/faoterm  
FAO Names Of Countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/en    
Story guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (available to staff).  

Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    University degree in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, natural resources management or related biological sciences, social sciences, law, economy, international policy or related field; 
•    Two to four years of relevant experience for (CAT C), and at least five years (for CAT B) of relevant experience in biodiversity for food and agriculture and sustainable management of natural resources or other relevant fields; 
•    Working knowledge (proficient - level C) of English. 

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Extent and relevance of work experience in biodiversity management and biodiversity in the context of food and agriculture;
•    Extent and relevance of experience in project/programme formulation and implementation of projects, programmes and studies in the pertinent field of expertise
•    Extent and relevance of experience in the organization and management of policy and/or technical meetings
•    Extent of knowledge of developments in other relevant international fora and the capacity to conduct technical and policy analysis of on-going processes on biodiversity 
•    Demonstrated ability to formulate, draft and finalize clear technical and policy documents, guidelines and
manuals, in English;
•    Work experience in more than one location or area of work 
•    Experience in working in multidisciplinary and multi-cultural teams