National Specialist on Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN)

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Application deadline 1 year ago: Wednesday 15 Mar 2023 at 22:59 UTC

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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 providing the technical support required to facilitate LDN implementation in the country within the scope of the project:

Specific activities, tasks and responsibilities would include:

• Support to establish interdisciplinary and multi-institutional LDN working group through identification of main government institutions, NGOs, farmers associations and research groups involved with LDN and SLM. • Lead the process of development of participatory/integrated land-use management plans for demonstration sites. • Effectively supporting the establishment and validation of an LDN baseline and the assessment of LDN trends and drivers at the national level (their direct and indirect causes for different land use and land cover types) to inform the LDN target-setting process. • Participation in the selection of SLM best practices in accordance with methods and tools of FAO, such as WOCAT and LADA. • Identifying priority areas for immediate LDN actions, covering all land degradation processes significantly present in the country. • Gathering and sharing information related to LDN and SLM in collaboration with other project experts. • Draft technical and analytical reports as requested (e.g., national LDN baseline, established targets and identified measures; LDN trends and drivers; synthesis report on the LDN target setting process). • Perform other duties as requested.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• A university degree in a relevant field, such as natural resources management, agriculture, or environmental sciences (or other related technical disciplines). • At least 5 years of professional experience in the areas of land degradation with a focus on SLM at the local level and/or international level. • Working knowledge of Azerbaijani and English is required. • 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 experience in land management-related data analysis; familiarity with qualitative, quantitative, and geographical information analysis tools (e.g., LADA-WOCAT,). • Previous experience in conducting baseline assessments in land degradation focal areas, as well as land use planning at the local level is required. • Knowledge of the UNCCD and related Conventions. • 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.

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: fao.org