International Climate Change Adaptation Expert

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 member nations, 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 our values. FAO has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and FAO, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination
• All selected candidates, therefore, will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
• The incumbent may be re-assigned to different activities and/or duty stations depending on the evolving needs of the Organization

Organizational Setting

FAO is supporting the Government of Bangladesh and stakeholders in the implementation of a GEF funded project, the “Community-based Climate Resilient Fisheries and Aquaculture Development in Bangladesh - GCP/BGD/055/LDF”. The project aims to remove key barriers to effective adaptation to climate change and build resilience of the fishery and aquaculture sector through policy reform and capacity development. The project will mainstream climate change in the national fisheries and aquaculture policy and related strategies, and build the capacity of the government fisheries officials, national stakeholders, and communities whose livelihoods depend on fisheries.

The poor communities whose livelihoods are based on fisheries and impacted by climate change will technically, and financially benefit from project interventions, including capacity development to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change and variability. Climate resilient technologies will be promoted among the target groups and community resilient action plans will be developed for the coastal and inland aquatic ecosystems in the project areas (covering an area of about 4,790 km2). The project long-term sustainability for the fisheries and aquaculture sector, will be attained through up scaling and replication of climate resilient adaptation options across Bangladesh, and strengthening the capacity of Department of Fisheries (DoF), partner organizations and local communities on understanding climate change implications, resilient planning, and adaptation.

One of the areas that DoF, national stakeholders and fish farmers require is technical support and capacity building to enhance climate resilience of fisheries and aquaculture sector. The support needed, include understanding climate change impacts of the fisheries and aquaculture sector, assessing available technologies for adoption and upscaling in different regions and developing climate resilience action plans for the fisheries and aquatic ecosystems. The International Climate Change Adaptation Expert must be willing to spend some of the time within the contract to travel to Dhaka and undertake field visits to project sites.

Reporting Lines

The International Climate Change Adaptation Expert will work under the overall administrative supervision of the FAO Representative in Bangladesh, the technical supervision of the Lead Technical Unit (LTU) and the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) at the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP), and in close collaboration with relevant divisions at FAO headquarters and in consultation with DoF.

Technical Focus

The International Climate Change Adaptation Expert will provide technical support to the Department of Fisheries (DoF), in formulating methodological framework to undertake climate risk analysis, support national stakeholders in assessing impacts of climate change on aquatic ecosystem, assessing fishery adaptation options in the different project areas and formulation of fishery ecosystem climate resilient action plans.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Provide technical support to PMSU-FAO and DoF on climate change and climate risk management issues and input on resilient and sustainable livelihood approaches and adaptation options in general.
• Lead and coordinate analytical frameworks, methodological approaches, strategies and tools for assessment and mapping of vulnerability and climate impacts of fisheries and aquaculture, and aquatic ecosystems to be followed in the project areas in close coordination with FAO PMSU and DoF.
• Support FAO PMSU and DoF on the review of currently available climate related information gaps at national and local level, propose ways to improve climate information and access at national and local level related to Fisheries & Aquaculture (F & A).
• Support DoF and communities in assessing existing EWS and ways of strengthening or integrating the existing EWS and environmental monitoring to be used for fisheries and aquaculture sector.
• Support DoF in development of training manual and materials on climate forecast, application, disaster risk management and climate change adaptation.
• Conduct a stocktake and performance assessment of traditional adaptation practices in the F&A sectors and recommend suitable area specific climate resilient adaptation practices for implementation.
• Support DoF and FAO PMSU in reviewing existing fisheries policy and related strategies, especially regarding the mainstreaming of climate change.
• Support DoF and selected communities in formulation of climate resilient actions plans
• Support review of projects technical reports related to climate change risk and adaptation from other consultants
• Submit a report comprising all aspects as mentioned above at the end of the assignment to the PMTSU, FAO.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced University degree in Environmental Science/ Fisheries/ Natural resources management from a recognized university;
• 10 years level A of Experience in the specified field.
• Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of another official language of FAO.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Demonstrated working experience on the above-mentioned expertise in developing country situations, particularly in SE Asia;
• Hands-on experience and deep understanding of climate impacts and adaptation options in the fisheries sector
• Excellent communication skills including strong writing skills, proven ability to convey complex ideas through clear communication, and concise reports, and effective oral presentations.
• Solid and demonstrated experience and understanding of the technical aspects of climate change and its implications on the biodiversity, broader agriculture sector and particularly in fisheries and aquaculture sustainable adaptation and mitigation options;
• Must be familiar with knowledge management systems, methods and tools related to natural resources management (ecosystem, biodiversity, fisheries, aquaculture, etc.);
• Proven capacity to work with and establish working relationships with government, non-government representatives and international experts

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency