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- 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
South Africa ratified the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in 1997. The UNCCD is the sole legally binding international agreement linking the environment and development to sustainable land management. The vision of the UNCCD is to realize “a future that avoids, minimizes, and reverses desertification/land degradation and mitigates the effects of drought in affected areas at all levels – and to achieve a land degradation-neutral world consistent with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.” The objective of the Convention is to support communities with the rehabilitation, conservation and sustainable management of land and water resources, leading to improved living conditions.
The implementation of the UNCCD is facilitated by the UNCCD 2018-2030 strategic framework which comprises of five strategic objectives and an underlying indicator framework, and an implementation framework. In South Africa, the implementation of the Convention is guided by the 2018 – 2030 Second National Action Programme; the Land Degradation Neutrality targets; the SADC Great Green Wall National Initiative – National Action Plan; and Drought Initiative. Action The implementation of the UNCCD is monitored through the UNCCD national reporting process during which Parties report on national level implementation to the COP. In accordance with the procedure established in decision 22/COP.11, reporting is facilitated through the provision to country Parties of national estimates of the indicators derived from global data sources as default data. Parties report on the following strategic objectives:
• Strategic objective 1: To improve the condition of affected ecosystems, combat desertification/land degradation, promote sustainable land management and contribute to land degradation neutrality.
• Strategic objective 2: To improve the living conditions of affected populations.
• Strategic objective 3: To mitigate, adapt to, and manage the effects of drought to enhance resilience of vulnerable populations and ecosystems.
• Strategic objective 4: To generate global environmental benefits through effective implementation of the UNCCD.
• Strategic objective 5: To mobilize substantial and additional financial and non-financial resources to support the implementation of the Convention by building effective partnerships at global and national level.
Reporting Lines
Under the oversight of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Tasks and responsibilities
A National Reporting Specialist is sought to prepare and develop the 2026 South Africa’s national report on the implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, the national consultant will:
• Consider the addendum to the good practice guidance. SDG indicator 15.3.1 Proportion of land that is degraded over total land area. Version 2.0 (GPG Addendum_ Advanced Unedited Version.pdf) and e-learning videos tutorial released by the UNCCD on reporting;
• Go through the Performance Review and Assessment of Implementation System (PRAIS) reporting manual and glossary (PRAIS4 Reporting Manual — PRAIS4 Reporting Manual);
• Familiarize themselves with PRAIS reporting portal, especially with its updated reporting forms, quantitative and qualitative tables, and its communication, geospatial and other functionalities.
• Identify sources of information through meetings and consultation with entities and sector Departments including the research institutions and come up with an approach on how such data will be solicited and analysed
• Undertaken consultations with national departments, public entities, public and private scientific institutions, civil society organizations and other relevant stakeholders on required data for reporting purposes.
• Develop the reporting road map with clear activities, outputs and timelines for the completion of the UNCCD Country report
• Liaise with the regional consultant to get guidance on the overall reporting process and advisory services on the capacity building programme for 2026 national reporting to ensure that the deliverables contribute to and align with the overall capacity building plan.
• Deliver presentations to different forums and Intergovernmental Working Group structures of government.
• Ensure integration of gender related aspects to the overall reporting process and produce the gender analysis report and its framework.
• Coordinate all project activities relating to reporting (procurement, stakeholder consultations, meetings, one-on-one sessions, training, financial reports, and the overall coordination of the report)
• Development of summary report for policymakers on the key findings and recommendations of the 2026 UNCCD National report
Perform any other tasks as mutually agreed.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• Advanced University Degree (Master’s degree or equivalent, Doctor of Philosophy will be an added advantage) in natural/environmental science, agricultural studies, geography, GIS/Remote Sensing, Natural Resources Management and related discipline is required.
• A minimum 10 years of professional experience in natural/environmental science, agricultural studies, geography, GIS/Remote Sensing, Natural Resources Management
• Working knowledge (level C) in English
• National of South Africa
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Very good knowledge of the communication and documentation standards
• Very good knowledge of corporate computerized financial systems and administrative procedures and policies
• Very good knowledge of the organizational structure
• Stronger background and understanding in analysing biophysical and Socio-Economic data
• Experience with SDG indicator 15.3.1 – proportion of land that is degraded over total land area is an asset.
• Understanding of the UNCCD’s gender responsive strategy and its related approach including the ability to report on gender disaggregated data.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
- Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
- 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 additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
- Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.
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
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