Natural Resources Management Associate

Volunteering Environment

Overview

Support sustainable natural resource management initiatives and program design.

You have:

• Ability and/or experience in drafting high-quality technical documents and reports in English.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Desirable experience in planning and implementation of sustainable NRM and rangeland management practices.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working with local communities and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of GIS and remote sensing tools.
• Willingness to travel to project sites is required.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment, with a positive mindset and contributing proactively.

Contract

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The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Ethiopia recognizes the critical role of integrating sustainable Natural Resource Management (NRM) into programs and projects. Given the country’s heavy reliance on agriculture, addressing NRM challenges becomes essential. These challenges include soil erosion and deforestation, both directly linked to farming practices, as well as the loss of soil productivity, which impacts agricultural output and contributes to food insecurity. Additionally, factors such as population pressure, agricultural expansion, migration, and climate change necessitate regulation to minimize negative impacts on natural resources. Over the next decade, FAO in Ethiopia aims to enhance its support in this area.

The Ethiopian government has developed a 10-year perspective plan with a strong focus on sustainable NRM and climate change mitigation. This plan promotes greener development models, particularly within the agriculture sector. FAO’s programs and projects align with the government’s ambitions, working toward achieving shared targets. Currently, the country office is developing a Climate Change Program Strategy tailored to address context-specific challenges related to the agrifood sector. This strategy translates FAO’s Global Corporate Climate Strategy (2022–2031) into actionable field-level interventions that directly align with Ethiopia’s priorities.

Within this framework, the FAO’s Better Environment Unit works on cross-sectoral work that includes forestry, agriculture, sustainable rangeland management and pastoral land restoration, watershed management, and climate change adaptation and resilience, to ensure sustainable production systems and build resilience of rural communities. The Natural Resource Management UN Volunteer will play a key role in supporting programme design, analysis, monitoring, and knowledge sharing, contributing to FAO’s strategic objectives of sustainable food systems and resilient livelihoods.

Under the overall supervision of the Deputy FAO Representative for programmes, and the direct supervision of the Team Leader for the Better Environment Unit, the UN Volunteer will support the implementation of FAO’s programme of work, undertaking the following tasks: • Assist in the formulation and development of programmes and project proposals related to sustainable rangeland management, pastoral land restoration, and broader natural resource management initiatives. • Support the development and maintenance of technical, analytical frameworks, tools, systems, and databases. • Contribute to data collection, validation, analysis, and/or reporting activities, through desk research and field visits to project sites. • Provide support in the development of innovative approaches, strategies, tools, technologies, and manuals. • Assist in the preparation of knowledge products such as studies, publications, and analyses, knowledge products and dissemination, including guidelines, capacity building, manuals, e-learning, and training materials. • Contribute to the preparation of project reports, proposals, technical notes, and other documentation for government counterparts and partners. • Provide support in the coordination, implementation, and administration of assigned pro-grammes/activities in accordance with FAO rules, procedures, and systems. • Liaise with relevant FAO units, projects, decentralized offices, or other organizations relevant to their assignment. As applicable, support in the organization and participation in missions, consultations, and capacity-building events to strengthen the delivery of FAO’s programme of work.

• Adaptability and Flexibility • Communication • Planning and Organizing • Respect for Diversity • Working in Teams

• Ability and/or experience in drafting high-quality technical documents and reports in English. • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. • Desirable experience in one or more of the following areas: - Supporting the planning and implementation of sustainable Natural Resources Management (NRM) and rangeland management practices. - Conducting assessments, analytical studies, and data analysis - Assisting in the design and management of projects and programmes related to sustainable agricultural development, food security, and rural livelihoods. - Support in the formulation and/or implementation of projects in the fields of rural development, climate change adaptation/mitigation, sustainable rangeland management, pastoral land restoration, natural resource management, Agro-processing investment, and finance support in developing countries and/or countries in transition. • Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment, with a positive mindset and contributing proactively. • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. • Previous experience in rangeland management or pastoral land restoration (i.e., studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded. • Experience working with local communities and stakeholders. • Knowledge of GIS and remote sensing tools. • Familiarity with FAO’s mandate, programmes, and approaches. • Willingness to travel to project sites is required.

Addis Ababa is the capital of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The population is estimated to be above 8 million. Addis Ababa is located in the Ethiopian highlands at an altitude of 2,500 – 2,700 meters. The climate is sunny and temperate, but it can be very cold at night, with freezing temperatures at times. It is therefore advisable to bring warm clothing and foresee using heaters and/or log fires when necessary. Addis Ababa is the headquarters for the UN Economic Commission for Africa as well as the African Union. Thus, there is a very large community of expatriates from all over the world. There are some 80 embassies/diplomatic missions. Housing is readily available, but rent can be expensive. However, shared housing is common and more affordable. Most foodstuffs, beverages, household goods, furniture, and clothing, mostly imported from the Middle/Far East, South Africa, and Europe, can be found, although they can be expensive. Meat, fish, fresh fruits, and vegetables are cheap and abundantly available. The basic infrastructures - roads, utilities, and telecommunications - are below standard, as are medical facilities, which are still largely inadequate, although a few private clinics and hospitals provide reasonably good routine care. Several restaurants around the city serve local or international cuisine, and numerous social and sports facilities (fitness, tennis, swimming, riding, golf, etc.) exist in the major hotels or in different establishments around the city. There are no major or special security concerns within Addis Ababa city limits.

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Potential interview questions

Added 5 months ago - Updated 4 months ago - Source: unv.org