National Rice and Climate Change Adaptation Specialist

The FAO led GEF LDCF (Global Environment Facility Least Developed Countries Fund) project “RICE-Adapt\: Promoting Climate-Resilient Livelihoods in Rice-Farming Communities in the lower Ayeyarwady and Sittaung River Basins” supports implementation of priorities identified in the NDC, NAP process and NAPA of Myanmar. Specifically it will contribute to enhance the resilience and adaptive capacities of vulnerable rice-producing communities in the lower Ayeyarwady and Sittaung River Basins in Myanmar through an ecosystem based and market driven approach.

The incumbent will perform under the general supervision of the FAO Representative in Myanmar, the direct technical supervision of the Lead Technical Officer (RAP), in collaboration with the RAP FAO GEF specialists, FAO GEF unit and day to day supervision of the Assistant FAOR (Programme) in Myanmar and will undertake the following tasks.

Technical Focus

The National rice and climate change adaptation specialist and GEF LDCF expert will be responsible for the development of the project document and associated annexes and will coordinate the implementation of the preparatory activities, collection of baseline information needed in consultation with stakeholders and leading to the development of the full project document.

• Support the National PPG Coordinator, GEF Project Design Team Leader, and other specialists in designing the climate-change adaptation (CCA) and resilient-livelihoods components of the project
• Undertake stakeholder consultations to identify opportunities for CCA and livelihood resilience through food system development
• Map baseline value chains for rice and other key commodities in the target areas
• Conduct detailed baseline assessment of rice production (area, number of farmers, current practices and varieties, etc.) in the target landscapes and related indicators.
• Collect environmental baseline data of project area, and conduct environmental safeguards assessment.
• Assess current use of pesticides (including Highly Hazardous Pesticides) and existing good practices on integrated pest management (IPM) in the context of CCA and livelihood resilience.
• Develop Integrated Pest Management Plan for the project, including analysis of risks and mitigation measures.
• Identify value chain actors including local private sector actors involved in providing inputs
• In collaboration with the International Resilient Livelihoods and Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) Expert, identify relevant baseline information, projects and measures to promote nature-based solutions for resilient rice production landscapes in the project target areas
• Assess needs for improving access and capacities for basic agrometeorological services to support resilient rice and agricultural production in the target areas
• Collect baseline information and indicators, including an initial climate-vulnerability assessment of rural households
• Advise on stakeholder consultations and participate in meetings as required.
• Support the identification of relevant projects and partners to ensure effective and efficient collaboration and complementarity while minimizing redundancy and double-counting.
• Support the finalization of the GEF project document, particularly by drafting Section II.1.b (Vulnerability Assessments) and supporting drafting of other sections by other specialists.
• Support drafting of Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) report.
• Actively participate in the preparation and facilitation of the workshops and ensure outputs are captured and reported.
• Contribute to the preparation of draft workshop and consultations reports based on documentation and gathered feedback from stakeholders.
• Identify partners and experts to support project implementation.
• Support the international expert in the production of the full project document including monitoring and evaluation aspects and costing.
• Perform other duties as required.

• University or specialized degree (for PSA) or advanced university degree (for Consultant) in either gender, natural or social sciences including in any of the following fields\: climate change adaptation, agricultural and agribusiness development or other fields related to climate change, natural resources and food systems.
• Experience working with GEF and/or GCF (Green Climate Fund) project development
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in environmental project management and development, particularly with GEF LDCF and/or GCF projects
• Myanmar National

• Results Focus
• Leading, Engaging and Empowering
• Communication
• Partnering and Advocating
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
• Strategic Thinking

• Proven capacity to conduct fieldwork and ability to work in teams and establish working relationships central and local government institutions and civil society organizations
• Good command of computer skills (MS Word, Excel, Power point, Internet);
• Good proficiency of English both in written and spoken;
• Willingness and ability to travel to remote, rural locations, involving lengthy trips on rough roads, several hours at a time of exposure in harsh climates, and basic accommodations.