Climate Change Programme Specialist

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Timor-Leste supports the government in developing policies and programs to achieve food security, reduce hunger, and sustainably manage agricultural, fisheries, and forestry sectors. FAO Timor-Leste (FATIM) implements projects focused on food security, climate resilience, and natural resources management, aiming to enhance agrifood systems through integrated landscape management and social inclusion across all agricultural sub-sectors. The organization is recruiting a Climate Change Programme Specialist to lead a key project.

Job Purpose

The Climate Change Programme Specialist will primarily lead the implementation of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) project 'Enhancing Early Warning Systems (EWS) to build greater resilience to hydro-meteorological hazards in Timor-Leste', coordinating closely with partners and donors. The role also involves supporting FAO Timor-Leste’s broader program on climate resilience and natural resources management, including liaising with government agencies and other stakeholders. This includes ensuring effective project planning, implementation, and coordination, optimizing project impact through synergies with related projects, and contributing to resource mobilization for FAO's climate resilience initiatives.

Responsibilities

Lead the implementation of the 'Enhancing Early Warning Systems (EWS)' project funded by the GCF, ensuring effective planning, coordination with UNEP, government agencies, and partners. Optimize project impact by supporting related FAO Timor-Leste climate resilience projects. Support resource mobilization for FAO’s climate resilience and natural resources management program by identifying opportunities and drafting concept notes. Contribute to the coherence of FAO activities in Timor-Leste, aligning with FAO's Strategic Framework and Country Programming Framework. Support project implementation, including baselines, mid-term, and end-line assessments, and ensure robust Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) and reporting. Develop detailed project implementation plans, work plans, and budgets. Manage multidisciplinary teams of consultants, supporting TOR development and recruitment. Establish project governance and implementation arrangements, ensuring participation of relevant government ministries and Project Steering Committees. Prepare and support the issuance of Letters of Agreement (LoAs) and contracts for technical inputs. Contribute to the design and implementation of activities related to agriculture climate information services and early warning systems. Design and implement capacity development activities, including policy support and learning events. Promote knowledge sharing and best practices in climate information services, early warning, anticipatory action, and Disaster Risk Management/Climate Change Adaptation.

Work Experience

Minimum of five years of relevant experience in technical cooperation activities, policy advice, and analysis concerning food and nutrition security, agriculture, rural development, fisheries, and forestry. Experience in monitoring and evaluating policies and programs is also required. Experience working in more than one location or area, particularly in field positions, is beneficial.

Skills

Proficiency in English (Level C). Core competencies include Results Focus, Teamwork, Communication, Building Effective Relationships, and Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement. Functional skills include experience in technical cooperation, policy advice, and analysis in food security and agriculture. Experience working with inter-governmental bodies, multidisciplinary teams, and developing climate information and early warning systems is essential. Experience collaborating with government agencies, research organizations, development partners, and NGOs is required. Familiarity with governments in developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region is an advantage.

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