National Climate Change Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the 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.

FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide. 

FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level.

The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources. 

Specifically, FAO Country Offices: 

•    advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate.
•    provide technical assistance and deliver core services. 
•    assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation. 
•    position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation. 
•    ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.

Reporting lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR) in Nepal and the technical guidance from RAP Senior Resilience Officer/ Lead Technical Officer (LTO) at FAO Nepal, the Climate Change Specialist will provide support to the country office to lead the process for the design, planning, implementation, monitoring of the assigned projects in the area of climate change adaptation.

Technical Focus

The Climate Change Specialist will be expected to work closely with and support the Programme team in delivery of country-level programmes, projects and interventions related to resilience building of ecosystem and vulnerable communities against the impact of climate change. He/she will coordinate and support the implementation of ongoing projects and programmes as well as the formulation and development of new project proposals contributing to this priority area. More specifically, she/he will contribute to climate change adaptation and mitigation interventions within the agriculture, forestry and sustainable natural resource management sectors in line with priorities set forth by current FAO Nepal’s Country Programme Framework (CPF) ((2023-2027).

Tasks and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Nepal and close coordination with Administrative Section of the FAO Representation in Nepal, the Climate Change Specialist will perform following tasks:

•    Support and contribute to the policy processes in the areas of climate change, disaster risk reduction and sustainable natural resource management. 
•    Support in the coordination and implementation of on-going (National, Regional and Global) climate change related projects and programmes in the areas of Agriculture, forestry, and natural resource management under the funding windows of GEF, GCF, and FAO’s Technical Cooperation Programme 
•    Assist and support to formulate new concept notes and detail project proposals in the areas of climate change and natural resource management and contribute to resource mobilization.
•    Assist in the implementation of FAO Gender Equality Policy to mainstreaming gender in the projects and programming. 
•    Coordinate and facilitate the organization of policy dialogues, workshops and consultation meetings in close consultation with programme team, government counterparts and other relevant stakeholders.
•    Prepare plan for project periodic reviews, field monitoring and supervision missions and participate in different mission programs. 
•    Coordinate the overall hiring plan for hiring of national and international affiliate workforce.
•    Contribute to the preparation of various written outputs on climate change related specific topics, e.g., draft background papers, analytical notes, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications and background material for the FAOR and AFAOR (Programme) including meeting minutes.
•    Provide technical inputs for development of appropriate communication and knowledge products related to climate change, DRR and sustainable natural resource management 
•    Support in the collection, compilation and consolidation of climate related country data and information.
•    Act as country focal point for Climate change, DRR and natural resource management 
•    Provide technical inputs for preparation of policy briefs, studies, and assessments.
•    Assist in identifying windows for and mobilizing extra-budgetary resources from climate financing windows such as GCF, GEF and other bilateral windows to support the implementation of relevant priorities of CPF, FAO’s pipeline projects and programmes related to the climate change.
•    Perform any other duties as assigned

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•    Advanced university degree in Climate Change, DRR, Natural Resource Management, Agriculture or related fields. 
•    At least 5 years of proven working experience in climate change and natural resource management projects and programmes with relevant government agencies and/or non-profit organizations.
•    Working knowledge of English.
•    National of Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Competency and demonstrated practical relevant experience on climate change related policies, programmes and projects

Selection Criteria 

•    Experience of working with the UN agencies, I/NGOs, MOALD, MOFE, MOHA, NDRRMA, provincial ministries and departments etc. 
•    Experience in developing climate change adaptation, DRM and disaster preparedness plans, preferably in the agricultural sector
•    Excellent stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills and ability to coordinate with diverse stakeholders. 
•    Extent of relevant technical experience in the areas related.
•    Ability to manage and work with a multidisciplinary and multicultural team. 
•    Strong work ethic, well-organized, result-focused, good team player.
•    Previous experience of working with UN agencies will be an asset. 
•    Ability to operate under pressure and good interpersonal skills.
•    Prior working experience with development partners and government of Nepal.
•    Strong inter-personal skills to work with a diverse and large stakeholders and excellent oral communication skills.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION