Lead Technical Specialist

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

• 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 staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.

Organizational Setting

The government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is undertaking its Readiness activities for accessing Green Climate Fund (GCF) resources for addressing climate change. The project will involve building the capacity of stakeholders in Trinidad and Tobago’s water and agriculture sectors to implement, analyze and report on proven adaptation solutions. The activities under this Readiness will provide evidential detail to guide the Government’s approach to managing the impacts of climate change.

Reporting Lines

Under the direct supervision of the FAO Representative for Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname Country Office in Trinidad, technical supervision of the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) in the Sub-regional office for the Caribbean in Barbados and in liaison with the National Authorities – Designated Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (Ministry of Planning and Development) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries.

Technical Focus

Climate change mitigation and adaptation in the agriculture and water sectors in Trinidad and Tobago.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Coordinate and provide overall oversight for timely and quality implementation of overall project components providing technical support and ensuring appropriate linkages among the components and among consultants, service providers and concerned actors.
• Develop a full project work plan and associated expenditure plan.
• Research and prepare technical briefs for the guidance and instructions of project consultants and service providers and serve as initial technical review for outputs.
• Regular monitoring of project results and risk, including social and environmental risks and ensure that project personnel maintain a high level of transparency, responsibility and accountability in M&E and in reporting of project results.
• Prepare project progress reports (every 6 months in accordance with GCF reporting requirements) and briefs as required.
• Prepare bid documents including TORs for project experts/consultants/service providers working on the various aspects of the project in accordance with FAO formats and support the selection process.
• Participate in and support the engagement of consultants, service providers and project partners with relevant national stakeholders, especially the NDA, the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, the Water and Sewage Authority and the Water Resources Agency to ensure maximum delivery of project activities and outputs.
• Provide technical support to the Project Board, Project Steering Committee and Technical Working Group (technical briefs, agenda, reporting etc.).
• Provide oversight for the development and dissemination of awareness raising materials at the various levels
• Ensure interventions are well coordinated with other FAO and non-FAO projects in the country to leverage comparative advantage, best practices, lessons learnt.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• An advanced degree in agriculture, hydrology, natural resources management, climate change or a related area.
• At least 5 years of experience in project management and implementation.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English
• National or Resident of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building effective relationships
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement

Technical/ Functional Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of international climate finance, specifically the Green Climate Fund architecture and adaptation and mitigation agendas of the UNFCCC
• Knowledge of the agriculture and water sectors in Trinidad and Tobago and use of natural resources as it relates to the effects of climate change in regard to adaptation / resilience and mitigation.
• Experience in facilitating multi-stakeholder consultations with various target audiences
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Facilitation and coordination skills

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