Organizational Setting
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through
FAO 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 Regional Office for Africa (RAF) is responsible for leading FAO's response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture
and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO's priority activities in the region. It
ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the region and, in
collaboration with divisions/offices/centres at headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to
regional priorities. RAF also advises on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization's Programme of Work and
Budget and implements approved programmes and projects in the region, monitors the level of programme implementation and
draws attention to problems and deficiencies. RAF develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions including the
Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs).
The Regional Office supports regional policy dialogue on food security, agriculture and rural development issues, facilitates the
emergence of regional partnerships, and supports capacity development and resource mobilization for food security, agriculture
and rural development in the region.
The position is located within the forestry and natural resource management unit of the Regional Office for Africa in Accra, Ghana.
Reporting Lines
The Climate change Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the RAF Senior Forestry Officer, and Delivery Manager for the Regional Priority Climate Action and Sustainable Natural Resource Management, and in close collaboration with other Officers of the team, as appropriate.ย
Technical Focusย
Support the implementation, knowledge development, training and dissemination of FAOโs climate change portfolio across Africa through the provision of technical expertise on climate change and agrifood systems, including implementation of NDCs, climate finance, carbon markets, loss and damage, energy transitions, climate and gender and other related areas.
Tasks and responsibilities
The Climate Change Specialist will support the FAO Regional Office for Africa in implementing, monitoring, and reporting on the climate action and natural resource management priorities and the FAO Strategy on Climate Change (2022โ2031) and its Action Plan in Africa. Specific tasks will be related to areas of work of the team related to:
โข ย ย Provide technical guidance on sustainable natural resource management, with emphasis on building climate-resilient livelihoods, ensuring food security, and restoring ecosystems.
โข ย ย Review and refine steps to develop a standard framework for engagement in carbon markets and trade in Africa.
โข ย ย Analyze ongoing initiatives and case studies; document lessons learned, good practices, and risk mitigation strategies related to carbon markets in Africa.
โข ย ย Identify opportunities, challenges, and capacity building needs for effective carbon market participation in Africa.
โข ย ย Support countries on climate policy, access to finance, mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage, and transparency processes.
โข ย ย Conduct technical analysis of nationally determined contributions, long-term strategies, national adaptation plans, and climate finance projects.
โข ย ย Perform financial and market analysis and assessments that contribute to the development of ongoing projects and programmes.
Write project concept notes, project proposals, training resources, technical knowledge materials and other relevant documents that contribute to the development of ongoing and future projects and programmes.
Provide technical support for the organization of meetings and workshops.
โข ย ย Participate in field missions, stakeholder consultations, and technical workshops as needed.
โข ย ย Any other duties related to the programme of work as required.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
โข ย ย Advanced University degree in natural resources, climate change, environment science, or other field related to natural resources.ย
โข ย ย Five years of relevant experience in climate change, environment, forestry and/or natural resources management in Africa and/or developing countries.
โข ย ย Full proficiency/Working knowledge of English.ย
FAO Core Competencies
โข ย ย Results Focus
โข ย ย Teamwork
โข ย ย Communication
โข ย ย Building Effective Relationships
โข ย ย Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skillsย
โข ย ย Ability to analyse and understand policy and governance structures in pursuit of addressing complex climate and natural resource management issues.
โข ย ย Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in Africa.ย
โข ย ย Extent and relevance of experience in developing frameworks for carbon markets and trade, analyzing initiatives, and documenting lessons learned and good practices.ย
โข ย ย Proficiency in conducting technical analysis of nationally determined contributions, long-term strategies, national adaptation plans, and climate finance projects.ย
โข ย ย Skills in performing financial and market analysis and assessments for ongoing projects and programmes.ย
โข ย ย Excellent writing, analytical, and presentation skills, including capacity to communicate complex information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Selection Criteriaย
โข ย ย Experience in Climate policy and analysis; Climate Risk assessment; Project development focusing on Climate finance; Economics of climate change; Carbon Market mechanisms and other related areas.ย
โข ย ย Familiarity with international climate finance mechanisms (e.g. Green Climate Fund, Global Environment Facility, Adaptation Fund, etc.).
โข ย ย Extent and relevance of experience in supporting countries on climate policy, access to finance, mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage, and transparency processes.
โข ย ย Proven track records in conducting technical analysis of nationally determined contributions, long-term strategies, national adaptation plans, and climate finance projects.
โข ย ย Extent and relevant knowledge of carbon markets, climate policy frameworks, and instruments such as nationally determined contributions, adaptation plans, and transparency processes.
โข ย ย Field experience and familiarity with FAOโs work and the African context are desirable.
โข ย ย Knowledge of additional UN official languages, French in particular, is considered an asset.ย