Technical Specialist (Bioeconomy/Innovations)

Organizational Setting

The FAO Regional office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) supports member countries in the development of knowledge products, capacity development and implementation of programmes and projects for agrifood system transformation. RAP works with the governments, country stakeholders, institutions and partners to help achieve food security and nutrition and make agricultural sectors more sustainable and productive, reduce rural poverty, make food value chains more efficient and inclusive, and promote climate change adaptation and/or mitigation. RAP’s Forestry and Biodiversity Team supports advancing bioeconomy in food and agriculture, which is a key FAO Programme Priority Area (PPA) under Better Environment in FAO’s Strategic Framework 2022-31. This PPA aims to promote formulation and implementation of integrated evidence-based policies and practices using technological, organizational, and social innovations. It supports directly achieving the SDG targets 12.2 (sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources), 12.4 (management of chemicals and wastes and significantly reduce their release) and 12.5 (reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse). The Asia-Pacific region is advancing efforts to shape a common regional vision and more targeted actions in line with the PPA priorities during 2024-25 viz. (i) consolidating FAO’s role as a leading convening body (ii) empowering country offices to sustain the impact and scale up bioeconomy on the ground, and (iii) improving the knowledge base, reporting and consolidation of lessons learned. It contributes to the regional priority 2 (RP.2 - Sustainable NRM, Biodiversity and Climate Action). The Technical Specialist will support advancing the bioeconomy work in the Asia-Pacific region.

This position will be based in the RAP, office in Bangkok.

Reporting Lines

The Technical Specialist will report to the Focal Point of the Programme Priority Area (PPA) on bioeconomy in FAO RAP.

Technical Focus

The Technical Specialist will assist with technologies and technical inputs for (i) conducting the analysis needed for shaping a common vision on bioeconomy in the region, (ii) coordinating the planned efforts within and outside the FAO and (iii) mobilizing resources to advance the regional and national priorities on the thematic areas of the PPA on bioeconomy.

Tasks and responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Budget Holder and direct supervision of the Focal Point of the PPA on bioeconomy in FAO RAP, the Technical Specialist will perform the tasks below.

• Assist with technologies and technical inputs to prepare a stock taking report with diverse typologies, and strategic elements relevant to the PPA on bioeconomy for positioning FAO’s work with a more joint and common vision in the region. • Assist in organizing events, strengthening normative work, and shaping projects and programmes as needed to advance the bioeconomy work in the region. • Assist in mobilizing resources for a regional Bioeconomy Summit in 2025.

• Perform other related duties as requested

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in social or biological sciences or engineering or related fields. • At least one year of relevant experience in advancing innovations related to bioeconomy/natural resources management. • Working knowledge (level C) of English.

FAO Core Competencies

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