Expert on Greening Policy Framework and Eco-Friendly Certifications for Green Olive Oil Trade

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• 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
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• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

Organizational Setting

FAO Country Office in Turkiye is responsible for partnership with and support to the Government of the Republic of Turkiye,
bringing together technical assistance and innovative, international best practices and global normative work standards with
national and regional expertise.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the FAOR in Turkiye, and under the technical guidance and supervision of the Project Lead Technical Officer (LTO) and in collaboration with the National Project Coordinator, and relevant technical and programme units of the FAO Representation in Turkiye.

Technical Focus

Greening of the olive oil value chain in Türkiye; development of eco-friendly certifications; policy and strategy development to align olive oil production and trade with international sustainability frameworks such as the EU Green Deal; enhancing market access through environmentally sound practices.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Expert will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Project Lead and in close coordination with relevant national stakeholders. The main task of the consultant will be to support the development of a national enabling environment that advances green trade in the olive oil sector by assessing, advising, and aligning policy frameworks, certification systems, and value chain practices with international eco-friendly standards to improve market access, sustainability, and competitiveness of Türkiye’s green olive oil. S/he will be responsible for the following tasks\:

• Conducting a comprehensive review of existing policy, incentives, and regulatory frameworks related to the olive oil value chain.
• Mapping and assessing eco-certification schemes (e.g. organic, carbon-neutral, biodiversity-friendly) relevant to the green olive oil market.
• Identifying barriers and opportunities for Turkish producers to access premium international markets through green certifications.
• Recommending policy measures and institutional mechanisms to mainstream green practices in the olive oil value chain.
• Acting as the Lead Writer of the Policy Framework and step-by-step Guideline for traders, producer unions, and cooperatives on the application process and requirements for the EU Green Deal and other international environmental trade certifications. This includes guidelines, strategies and business models to support eco-friendly certifications for green olive oil trade and to enhance environmental and social sustainability.
• Supporting capacity building of national stakeholders on eco-certification requirements and compliance pathways, including technical assistance to stakeholders on international certification processes and compliance with sustainability standards and designing and delivering training programs on greening policy frameworks and market access through eco-certifications.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced degree in environmental policy, agricultural economics, food systems, international trade, or related fields.
• At least 10 years of experience in policy analysis and regulatory frameworks for agri-environmental trade
• Greening value chains, eco-certifications, organic certification, or environmental compliance schemes relevant to the olive oil or similar agrifood sectors.
• Proven track record in the olive oil sector or similar commodities.
• Strong knowledge of international sustainability standards, eco-certification systems (e.g., EU Organic, ISO standards, carbon/water foot printing, biodiversity standards), Trade-related sustainability standards and their application to Mediterranean commodities, especially olive oil.
• Working knowledge of English (spoken and written) is essential.
• Knowledge of Turkish is an asset.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one country or region, preferably involving the Mediterranean olive oil trade.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate institutional and technical work across multi-disciplinary teams.
• Relevant experience in managing or supporting sustainability-focused programmes or policy-driven projects.
• Familiarity with environmental certification systems, particularly within the EU Green Deal framework.
• Sound knowledge of socio-economic dynamics and institutional structures related to agri-food trade in Europe and the Mediterranean region.
• Demonstrated analytical, negotiation, and advisory skills in international development or policy environments.
• Strong computer literacy, including proficiency in spreadsheets, databases, and online collaborative tools.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; ability to prepare high-quality technical documentation and training materials.

Selection Criteria

• Involvement in at least one national or regional project/programme related to policy development or environmental certification in the olive oil or agri-food sector.
• Previous work experience in Türkiye or the wider Mediterranean region is an asset.

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

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.

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