Natural Resources Officer (Environmental Sustainability)

Organizational Setting The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda by supporting the transformation to More efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems, for Better production, Better nutrition, a Better environment and a Better life, leaving no one behind. The Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB) promotes integration of innovative approaches in the activities of the Organization, for the sustainable use, management and conservation of natural resources for food and agriculture. OCB assists Member countries in their responses towards the challenge of climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as the development of adaptive capacities of agriculture, fisheries and forestry for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and other natural resources. It provides a coordination role on climate change, biodiversity and the environment. The Office also serves as the focal point for a multidisciplinary and global approach to UNFCCC, CBD and topics on bioenergy and undertakes work and provides support and guidance on assessment, management and tenure issues.

The post of Natural Resources Officer (Environmental Sustainability) is located in OCB.

Reporting Lines The Natural Resources Officer (Environmental Sustainability) reports to the Senior Natural Resources Officer (Team Leader, Environment & Social Safeguards and Sustainability).

Technical Focus Technical support for FAO's international engagement and regional/country support for environmental sustainability with focus on natural resources use efficiency, circularity and sustainable ecosystem management, including assessing and monitoring environmental risks in agri-food sector from climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution; mainstreaming the environmental sustainability of agri-food systems in relevant FAO policies, strategies, plans and frameworks (e.g., FAO Strategic Framework 2022-2031, Multilateral Environmental Agreements, UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration, Sustainable Circular Bioeconomy agenda, UN Environmental Management Group, UN Reform and others), and foresight for emerging environmental issues for food security and nutrition.

Key Results Comprehensive technical and policy expertise to support the planning, development and implementation of Divisional programmes, projects, products and services in accordance with Divisional objectives and FAO Strategic Objectives.

Key Functions • Plans and leads components of multi-disciplinary teams, leads and/or participates on Organization-wide, cross-Divisional committees, project teams, and working groups and/or provides specialized expertise on technical networks and/or international technical policy and standard setting bodies; • Develops technical, analytical, monitoring and reporting frameworks, and related methodologies, tools, systems and databases etc. to support the planning, implementation/delivery and monitoring of programmes of work, projects, products and/or services; • Designs and conducts research, data collection, validation, analysis and/or reporting activities to support the development of technical standards, international instruments, innovative approaches and strategies, new tools, technologies, technical reports/publications, and/or policy proposals as well as the provision of technical/policy/ specialist/advice and expertise; • Responds to country requests for technical and policy assistance, provides technical advice, assistance and solutions to Regional, Subregional and Country Offices, and provides technical backstopping to field projects; • Collaborates in, provides technical backstopping to, and ensures the quality/effectiveness of capacity development and knowledge sharing activities within Member countries, such as policy support, organizational development and individual learning events including preparation of related information, learning materials, on-line tools; • Promotes international cooperation, advocates best practices, supports increased policy dialogue, and provides technical expertise at international/intergovernmental meetings; • Participates in resource mobilization activities in accordance with FAO Corporate Strategy.

Specific Functions • Supports the Team Leader in planning and policy, facilitates quality control of the relevant elements in the work programme of the Office; • Leads and oversees the implementation of the assigned programmes and projects addressing environmental sustainability of food security and nutrition with a focus on resource use efficiency and sustainable bio-economy, pollution and ecosystem management: • Supports the implementation of strategic partnerships with United Nations entities and in particular the Rome-based Agencies, civil society, academia and research organizations, cooperatives and producer organizations; •Supports the development of public-private partnerships and alliances to promote environmental sustainability/innovation/technology transfer in agri-food sector; • Supports advocacy efforts including the development of a framework for measuring results, with particular emphasis on sustainable use of natural resources for food security and nutrition; • Represents the Organization at external and interagency meetings as required; • Contributes to and leads resource mobilization efforts ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements • Advanced university degree in natural resources management, environmental or social sciences, economics, civil engineering, agriculture or a related field. • Seven years of relevant experience in natural resources management in public and/or private agri-food sector, including in the areas of research, capacity development, policy and country support, and international sustainable development agenda, some of which should be with the United Nations entities. • Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

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

Technical/Functional Skills • Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable • Extent and relevance of experience in collecting, analyzing, and translating into policy and action complex technical information and data related to climate change, biodiversity and environment for food and agriculture and related areas; • Practical knowledge of global environmental issues and familiarity with major frameworks of relevant multilateral environmental agreements and processes; • Extent and relevance of experience in the development of tools and methodologies, policy support, editing and revision of technical/scientific/policy documents; • Extent and relevance of experience in mobilizing partners and financial resources, establishing networks, organizing meetings and events at national and international levels and in coordinating multi-disciplinary consultations for inputs in areas relevant to FAO.