IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device
- FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.
- Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply;
- Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
- FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
- All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
- All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.
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.
FAO Subregional Office for Central Asia (FAOSEC) supports member countries in enhancing sustainable management of natural resources, including water, land, and ecosystems, to strengthen resilience of agrifood systems to climate change. FAOSEC promotes integrated approaches to climate change adaptation and mitigation, nature-based solutions (NBS), climate-smart agriculture (CSA), and sustainable water resources management, in line with national priorities and international commitments under the Paris Agreement, SDGs, and other environmental conventions.
Water resources management is a critical priority for countries in Europe and Central Asia, where increasing climate variability, glacier retreat, droughts, floods, and land degradation are affecting agricultural productivity, ecosystems, and livelihoods. FAOSEC provides technical support to member countries in strengthening climate-resilient water management, including integrated water resources management (IWRM), watershed management, irrigation modernization, drought risk reduction, and climate-informed planning.
The Natural Resources Management Specialist will be included in a roster to support FAO in project formulation, technical backstopping, policy advisory services, and capacity development activities related to climate change and water resources management across the region.
Reporting Lines
Under the general supervision and guidance of the Land and Water Officer, the incumbent will contribute to the projects and normative work in the region.
Technical Focus
Technical support to FAOSEC and member countries on integrating climate change considerations into water resources management, including project formulation, technical backstopping, policy advisory services, and capacity development. The incumbent will contribute to climate risk assessments, development of climate-resilient water management approaches, integration of water-related measures into national climate frameworks, and preparation and review of technical knowledge products and investment proposals.
Tasks and responsibilities
• Provide technical inputs on climate change impacts on water resources, including droughts, floods, and water scarcity in agricultural landscapes;
• Support the formulation and development of project concept notes and full project proposals related to water and climate change (e.g., GEF, GCF, Adaptation Fund, and other donors);
• Conduct assessments of climate risks and vulnerabilities related to water resources and agrifood systems;
• Provide technical guidance on integrated water resources management (IWRM), including pollution control, and the impacts of agricultural practices and agrochemicals on water resources and aquatic ecosystems, watershed management, and climate-resilient irrigation practices;
• Contribute to the development of strategies and action plans on climate change adaptation with a focus on water management (including fishery, reuse of wastewater and non-conventional water resources, water quality management and monitoring);
• Support the integration of water-related adaptation measures into NDCs, NAPs, LT-LEDS, and other national climate frameworks;
• Provide inputs on nature-based solutions for water management, including ecosystem restoration, soil and water conservation, and sustainable land management;
• Contribute to the design of monitoring frameworks, indicators, and results frameworks related to water, climate change and environmental sustainability interventions;
• Facilitate stakeholder consultations, technical workshops, and capacity-building activities;
• Provide technical review of reports, studies, and policy documents related to climate change and water resources (including water-related impacts on aquatic ecosystems and fisheries, including implications of climate change, water quality, and water use practices);
• Support coordination with national institutions, regional organizations, and development partners;
• Prepare technical briefs, background papers, and presentations as required;
• Participate in field missions, if required.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• For Consultants: Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO inin Water Resources Management, Hydrology, Environmental Sciences, Climate Change, Agricultural Engineering, Natural Resources Management, or a related field. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience;
• For PSAs: University degree (or technical degree/certificate) from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Water Resources Management, Hydrology, Environmental Sciences, Climate Change, Agricultural Engineering, Natural Resources Management, or a related field
• At least 1 year of relevant experience in water resources management and climate change adaptation/mitigation;
• Working knowledge of English
FAO Core 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
• Extent and relevance of experience in project/programme formulation
• Extent and relevance of experience in results monitoring and reporting
• Familiarity with climate finance mechanisms
Selection criteria
• Demonstrated experience in project formulation and technical advisory support related to climate change and water;
Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing)
- Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list
- Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
- For more information, visit the FAO employment website
- Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
HOW TO APPLY
• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.
If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp
FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT