Young Professional Officer (Climate Change, Biodiversity and Ecosystems)

Overview

Provide technical and programmatic support related to climate and biodiversity.

You have:

• Advanced university degree in environmental sciences, sustainable natural resources management, forestry, agriculture, ecology, biological sciences, social sciences or a related field.
• One year of relevant experience in natural resources management, sustainable agricultural development projects and programmes, including experience in related natural resources management/climate/environment related advocacy work.
• Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
• Candidates should be 32 years of age or younger as of 31 December of the year of application.

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supports the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems, for Better production, Better nutrition, Better environment and Better life, leaving no one behind.

FAO leads international efforts to defeat hunger and to support development in Members in the areas of agriculture, fisheries and forestry. FAO’s mandate is to raise levels of nutrition, improve agricultural productivity, better the lives of rural populations and contribute to the growth of the world economy.

The Liaison Offices focus on representing the Organization and its mandate including by enlisting the support of different partners and identifying potential areas and means of collaboration. More specifically, the Liaison Office in Geneva (LOG) is expected to proactively (i) represent the Organization in and promote enhanced FAO cooperation and partnership with the UN system and with other international organizations based in Geneva; (ii) engage and maintain contact with Permanent Missions to the United Nations in Geneva with particular attention to the countries that do not have a Permanent Representation in Rome, in so doing it identifies potential partnerships needs and contributes to corporate resources mobilization efforts; and (iii) play an active role in promoting the Organization in Switzerland and in developing relevant partnerships.

Reporting Lines

The Young Professional Officer reports to the Senior Programme Officer, FAO Liaison Office with the United Nations in Geneva (LOG).

Technical Focus

Technical and programmatic support related to environment, climate change, biodiversity and ecosystem services from a food system perspective. Specific focus on the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030 and FAO’s added value to the Geneva Environment Network. Research, collection and analysis of information, data and statistics to support technical and policy guidance; advocacy and outreach on the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and its impact on food systems; fostering knowledge and learning exchange across regions and countries.

Key Results

Research, technical analysis and project related services to support the delivery of assigned projects, products and services.

Key Functions

• Analyses relevant technical social, economic, environmental, and technology information, data and/or statistics for input in various documents;

• Maintains records and updates databases and web pages;

• Provides technical support to various projects;

• Collaborates in the development of training tools and materials and the organization of workshops/seminars, etc.;

• Participates in the organization and follow-up of meetings, consultations and conferences, the production of required materials and the provision of information and assistance to partners.

Specific Functions

• Develops studies and research related to environment, climate change, biodiversity and ecosystem services from a food system;

• Contributes to the development and positioning of FAO Geneva on environment, climate change, biodiversity and ecosystem restoration agendas through effective engagement with partners including the Geneva Environment Network;

• Supports design and facilitation of stakeholder consultation and webinars related to environment, climate change, biodiversity and ecosystem services from a food system perspective;

• Supports the preparation and participates in technical meetings, conferences, events, seminars and sessions ensuring that FAO priorities and messages are appropriately conveyed and reported;

• Collects and gathers good practices promoting the values of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration in close consultation with the concerned technical divisions and regional and country offices;

• Assists in the identification and development of appropriate partnerships to promote the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration as well as FAO environment and climate change agenda;

• Contributes to the identification of and support to resource mobilization opportunities to facilitate the implementation of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration as well as FAO’s environment and climate change agenda;

• Performs other duties as required.

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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in environmental sciences, sustainable natural resources management, forestry, agriculture, ecology, biological sciences, social sciences or a related field;

• One year of relevant experience in natural resources management, sustainable agricultural development projects and programmes, including experience in related natural resources management/ climate/ environment related advocacy work;

• 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

• Extent and relevance of experience in environmental sciences, sustainable natural resources management, forestry, agriculture, climate, environment, biological sciences or a related field;

• Demonstrated ability to analyse and present complex issues related to environment, climate change, biodiversity or ecosystem restoration;

• Extent and relevance of experience in promoting and developing partnerships related to environment, climate change, biodiversity or ecosystem restoration;

• Ability to write technical reports in English;

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable.

NB Please note that candidates should be 32 years of age or younger as of 31 December of the year of application.

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Potential interview questions

Added 4 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: fao.org