Pedology and Traditional Agricultural Systems Specialist (GIAHS)

IMPORTANT NOTICE\: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination　　
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
• FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.

Organizational Setting

The Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems is a FAO program that seeks to\: leverage national and international recognition of the importance of agricultural heritage systems and institutional support for their safeguards; build capacity on local farming communities and local and national institutes to conserve and manage GIAHS, generate income and add economic value to goods and services on such systems in a sustainable fashion. To promote enabling regulatory Policies and incentive environments to support the conservation, evolutionary adaptation and viability of GIAHS.

To be considered a GIAHS, the agricultural systems must show its global historical and current importance considering five criteria\:
Food and Livelihood security, Agrobiodiversity, Local and Traditional Knowledge systems, Culture, Value Systems and Social Organizations, Landscape and Seascape features.

The REDESER Project is financed by GEF and implemented by FAO in the semi-arid region of Brazil (Caatinga biome). The objective of the project is to Halt and reverse the process of desertification through actions to address increasingly strong causes of land degradation and biodiversity loss in Caatinga ecosystems located in Areas Susceptible to Desertification, which cover 1.34 million Km (16% of Brazil) and are home to 34.8 million people (17%). The project activities are developed in four territories\: Araripe, in southern Ceará; Seridó, in southern Rio Grande do Norte; Uauá, in Northeastern Bahia; and Xingó, in western Alagoas.

In Uauá Territory, comprising Uauá and Monte Santo municipalities, the project implements activities at “Fundo de Pasto” communities. The “Fundo de Pasto” agricultural systems are complex systems characterized by the common use of semi-arid lands for livestock production, focused on goats, extractivism of native semi-arid products and family lands intended for agriculture production. This system represents an innovative and dynamic way to manage the caatinga bioma on Brazil, in a mutual and ever going adaptation process of environmental conditions and social dynamics.

The “Fundo de Pasto” agricultural systems represent a heritage of rural communities of the North state of Bahia, that for almost three centuries reproduces a unique livelihood in an intricate relationship with Caatinga biome.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent reports to the Assistant Representative in FAO Brazil – Programme.

Technical Focus

Under the supervision of the Assistant Representative of FAO Brazil, and with the technical guidance of the Environmental Technical Area Coordination and the PPG Project Coordinator (FAO Brazil), the consultant will be responsible for conducting the necessary activities to support the preparation of the Scientific-Technical Dossier, aiming at the submission of the candidature of the Traditional Agricultural System of Fundo de Pasto to the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) Programme.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Conduct research to prepare pedological technical-scientific reports focusing on participatory environmental stratification, including the identification and characterization of environments and associated soil types; soil management and use; sustainability of agroecosystems based on agroecological principles; traditional agricultural systems; and resilience.
• Review and update the preliminary diagnosis, integrating additional information collected from communities, local organizations, and partner institutions, using a pedological approach.
• Ensure that all five GIAHS criteria (Food Security, Agrobiodiversity, Traditional Knowledge, Social Organization and Cultural Values, and Landscape) are properly documented and evidenced from a pedological perspective.
• Conduct additional surveys (when necessary) to address any information gaps identified within the GIAHS criteria.
• Organize maps, photographic records, testimonials, and other evidence to strengthen the candidature.
• Include technical annexes, bibliography, and other supporting documentation required for the candidature.

FAO Standards and guidelines\:

• Liaison with OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, aligned messaging, and appropriate review and clearance processes.
• All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including\:
FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31\: https\://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/en
FAO social media policy and guidelines\: https\://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia
Social Media Branding Guidelines\: https\://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044en
FAOSTYLE https\://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb8081en
FAO terminology http\://www.fao.org/faoterm
FAO Names of Countries https\://www.fao.org/nocs/en
Story guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (available to staff).
• Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING\:

Minimum Requirements

• Master's or PhD in Soil Science, or equivalent areas.
• At least 5 years of experience in data collection and preparation of technical-scientific reports in TLC territories, covering\: participatory environmental stratification with identification and characterization of environments and associated soil types; soil management and use; sustainability of agroecosystems based on agroecological principles; traditional agricultural systems and resilience.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English and Portuguese.
• National of Brazil or resident with work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience in participatory research, technical assistance, and engagement with traditional peoples and communities.
• Experience in conducting agro-environmental research for the preparation of technical-scientific reports aimed at the identification and territorial delimitation of traditional peoples and communities.
• Experience in preparing technical-scientific dossiers for submission to the GIAHS/FAO Programme.
• Technical work experience with traditional Fundo de Pasto communities.
• Technical work experience with traditional communities in the Brazilian semi-arid region.
• Knowledge of Spanish would be an asset

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing).
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help or have queries, please contact\: Careers@fao.org
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
• Only language proficiency certificates from UN accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT) will be accepted as proof of the level of knowledge of languages indicated in the online applications.
• For other issues, visit the FAO employment website\: http\://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance\: https\://fao.service-now.com/csp

FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT