National Policy and Institutional Development Expert

Organizational Setting

Land degradation in Azerbaijan is a challenging issue that affects the natural capital, food security, and well-being and health of the inhabitants of the country. The Project “Towards a Land Degradation-Neutral Azerbaijan (GCP/AZE/019/GFF)” targets to support the national efforts to develop and implement LDN national targets and demonstrate Sustainable Land Management (SLM) practices in the Absheron Peninsula and surrounding areas, contributing to the rehabilitation of degraded lands and improved livelihood resilience. The Project is aiming to apply a landscape approach that addresses issues in a multifaceted manner, integrating sectors, involving stakeholders, and working at different scales – tackling the underlying causes of degradation and challenges related to land degradation and land degradation neutrality. The project will work to formulate comprehensive land-use planning to rationalize land use in a way that addresses interconnectedness and trade-offs across multiple land-use types, promote good governance to align policy directives at the national and sub-national level, and promote innovations in SLM.

Reporting Lines

Under the general supervision of the FAO Representative in Azerbaijan, direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative, the technical backstopping of the Lead Technical Officer (FAO REU), and guidance from the National Programme Coordinator

Tasks and responsibilities

Under the general supervision of the FAO Representative in Azerbaijan, direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative, the technical backstopping of the Lead Technical Officer (FAO REU), and guidance from the National Programme Coordinator, the incumbent will be responsible for assessing policy and institutional gaps related to the LDN, as well as providing recommendations for strengthening the policy and legal framework for LDN implementation in the country.

Specific activities, tasks and responsibilities would include:

• Assess the legal and institutional framework (including relevant state programmes) governing land management in Azerbaijan to identify possible gaps, inconsistencies, weaknesses, and opportunities (considering the synergies with other key national policy frameworks i.e., NDCs, national SDG strategies, etc.). • Identify the policy and legal framework that needs to be strengthened to integrate LDN principles, including land tenure, and propose a set of recommendations to strengthen the policy and institutional enabling environment for LDN. • Analyse the existing inter-sectoral coordination mechanisms between local, national, and international governance levels involved in the implementation of SLM and LDN. • Participation in field visits and workshops as required. • Provide other related inputs and deliverables as requested.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements • A university degree in a relevant field, such as law, public administration, political science, or a related field. • At least 10 years in policy and/or institutional development/implementation/reform analyses in the related field. • Working knowledge of Azerbaijani and English is required. • Knowledge of regional and international best practices is an asset. • National or Resident of Azerbaijan with work permit

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Demonstrate integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards. • Strong analytical, reporting, and writing abilities skills. • Proven knowledge of the related policies, legal and regulatory frameworks. • Proven experience in legal drafting (drafting of regulations, legislations, etc) and assessing legal regulatory frameworks and procedures. • Experience working with multilateral organizations and the UN system preferred. • Demonstrated ability to prepare and present comprehensive reports • Demonstrated ability to work independently, handle multiple tasks, work under pressure and deliver assignments on time. • Proficiency in the usage of computer and office software packages.