Climate Change Specialist (2 positions)

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

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through
FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood
systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

The Regional Office for Africa (RAF) is responsible for leading FAO's response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture
and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO's priority activities in the region. It
ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the region and, in
collaboration with divisions/offices/centres at headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to
regional priorities. RAF also advises on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization's Programme of Work and
Budget and implements approved programmes and projects in the region, monitors the level of programme implementation and
draws attention to problems and deficiencies. RAF develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions including the
Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs).

The Regional Office supports regional policy dialogue on food security, agriculture and rural development issues, facilitates the
emergence of regional partnerships, and supports capacity development and resource mobilization for food security, agriculture
and rural development in the region.

The position is located within the forestry and natural resource management unit of the Regional Office for Africa in Accra, Ghana.

Reporting Lines

The Climate change Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the RAF Senior Forestry Officer, and Delivery Manager for the Regional Priority Climate Action and Sustainable Natural Resource Management, and in close collaboration with other Officers of the team, as appropriate.

Technical Focus

Support the implementation, knowledge development, training and dissemination of FAO’s climate change portfolio across Africa through the provision of technical expertise on climate change and agrifood systems, including implementation of NDCs, climate finance, carbon markets, loss and damage, energy transitions, climate and gender and other related areas.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Climate Change Specialist will support the FAO Regional Office for Africa in implementing, monitoring, and reporting on the climate action and natural resource management priorities and the FAO Strategy on Climate Change (2022–2031) and its Action Plan in Africa. Specific tasks will be related to areas of work of the team related to\:

• Provide technical guidance on sustainable natural resource management, with emphasis on building climate-resilient livelihoods, ensuring food security, and restoring ecosystems.
• Review and refine steps to develop a standard framework for engagement in carbon markets and trade in Africa.
• Analyze ongoing initiatives and case studies; document lessons learned, good practices, and risk mitigation strategies related to carbon markets in Africa.
• Identify opportunities, challenges, and capacity building needs for effective carbon market participation in Africa.
• Support countries on climate policy, access to finance, mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage, and transparency processes.
• Conduct technical analysis of nationally determined contributions, long-term strategies, national adaptation plans, and climate finance projects.
• Perform financial and market analysis and assessments that contribute to the development of ongoing projects and programmes.
Write project concept notes, project proposals, training resources, technical knowledge materials and other relevant documents that contribute to the development of ongoing and future projects and programmes.
Provide technical support for the organization of meetings and workshops.
• Participate in field missions, stakeholder consultations, and technical workshops as needed.
• Any other duties related to the programme of work as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced University degree in natural resources, climate change, environment science, or other field related to natural resources.
• Five years of relevant experience in climate change, environment, forestry and/or natural resources management in Africa and/or developing countries.
• Full proficiency/Working knowledge of English.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Ability to analyse and understand policy and governance structures in pursuit of addressing complex climate and natural resource management issues.
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in Africa.
• Extent and relevance of experience in developing frameworks for carbon markets and trade, analyzing initiatives, and documenting lessons learned and good practices.
• Proficiency in conducting technical analysis of nationally determined contributions, long-term strategies, national adaptation plans, and climate finance projects.
• Skills in performing financial and market analysis and assessments for ongoing projects and programmes.
• Excellent writing, analytical, and presentation skills, including capacity to communicate complex information to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Selection Criteria

• Experience in Climate policy and analysis; Climate Risk assessment; Project development focusing on Climate finance; Economics of climate change; Carbon Market mechanisms and other related areas.
• Familiarity with international climate finance mechanisms (e.g. Green Climate Fund, Global Environment Facility, Adaptation Fund, etc.).
• Extent and relevance of experience in supporting countries on climate policy, access to finance, mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage, and transparency processes.
• Proven track records in conducting technical analysis of nationally determined contributions, long-term strategies, national adaptation plans, and climate finance projects.
• Extent and relevant knowledge of carbon markets, climate policy frameworks, and instruments such as nationally determined contributions, adaptation plans, and transparency processes.
• Field experience and familiarity with FAO’s work and the African context are desirable.
• Knowledge of additional UN official languages, French in particular, is considered 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.

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

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