National Climate Change Planning Specialist

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supports the transformation to efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. The FAO Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands (SAP), established in Samoa in 1996, coordinates FAO's work across 14 Pacific nations. SAP oversees programmes addressing food security, nutrition, agriculture, natural resources management, and rural development, with a focus on gender, climate change adaptation, and anticipatory action. The office also maintains relationships with regional institutions.

Job Purpose

The National Climate Change Planning Specialist will support Samoa's climate change resilience efforts by contributing to the development of the Readiness Needs Assessment (RNA), National Designated Authority (NDA) capacity building, and the Country Programme process. This role involves visioning, co-design, prefeasibility studies, and crafting a project concept note for a potential Green Climate Fund (GCF) project. A key responsibility is ensuring project alignment with national climate change planning, facilitating communication between government departments, and providing ongoing support to the NDA throughout project implementation.

Responsibilities

The specialist will analyze Samoa's climate change policies and regulations relevant to the Readiness project. Responsibilities include gathering information on private sector engagement in climate action and best practices for encouraging climate investments. The role involves supporting the drafting of concept notes and Terms of Reference (TOR) for project vendors and subcontractors. Contributing to the co-design of a GCF project concept note for agrifood systems and water is essential. Monitoring climate change developments and GCF projects, ensuring alignment with Readiness activities, and reporting on progress are key. The specialist will draft Back-to-Office Reports (BTORs), meeting proceedings, and support the implementation of the results framework and M&E plan. Gathering and synthesizing literature, supporting GCF Readiness project implementation, and developing project activities and implementation plans are also required. Coordination with the NDA Secretariat and relevant ministries, drafting meeting minutes, and supporting stakeholder meetings and capacity development workshops are crucial aspects of this position.

Work Experience

A minimum of three years of proven experience in climate change adaptation, planning, policy, and programs is required. Experience working with international organizations and managing climate change projects, including proposal writing and reporting, is beneficial. Familiarity with the situation in Samoa and Pacific Small Island Developing States is advantageous. Experience working with a cross-section of stakeholders, including senior government officials in small and vulnerable states, is also valuable.

Skills

Key skills include results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing. Strong analytical, communication, and writing skills are essential for producing concise technical reports. Demonstrated understanding of government processes and policy planning is important. Experience in environmental health, particularly climate change and its health implications, is a strong asset. Familiarity with water chemistry, plant nutrition, greenhouse climate control, and agribusiness modelling is also beneficial. Experience working in Samoa or the Pacific region is an advantage.

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