Natural Resources Officer (Climate Change Mitigation)

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supports the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. The Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB) addresses challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation, coordinating responses and facilitating access to climate finance. OCB is the focal point for major multilateral environmental agreements and leads key Programme Priority Areas on Climate Change and Bioeconomy. This position is within the Climate Change Team at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Job Purpose

This role focuses on climate change mitigation within agrifood systems, specifically on assessing mitigation impacts and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions accounting. The objective is to support the design, implementation, and quality assurance of mitigation projects and programmes. Key responsibilities include mobilizing international climate finance, contributing to FAO's engagement under UNFCCC processes, and conducting research and technical analysis. The position aims to deliver programmes, projects, products, and services that advance climate mitigation efforts in agriculture and related sectors, ensuring alignment with FAO's strategic framework and global climate goals.

Responsibilities

The incumbent will conduct research and analysis on technical, social, economic, environmental, and policy issues related to climate change mitigation in agrifood systems. Responsibilities include producing technical reports, providing support for assessments and field projects, and collaborating on the development of improved tools and systems. The role involves participating in multidisciplinary teams, supporting capacity development activities in Member Nations, and promoting knowledge sharing at international forums. Specific functions include supporting results-based reporting for FAO's GEF portfolio, leading GHG appraisals for projects, and providing technical input for GEF-funded initiatives to maximize carbon benefits. The position will also contribute to developing analytical tools, advancing FAO's engagement in international climate processes, and building capacity of staff and stakeholders on climate mitigation tools and platforms.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of relevant experience is required in climate change mitigation, GHG accounting, and/or the design and implementation of mitigation-related projects. Experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable.

Skills

The role requires knowledge of climate mitigation under the Paris Agreement and UNFCCC processes, including Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), mitigation planning, and reporting. Experience in designing and implementing climate change mitigation projects funded by international mechanisms like GEF and/or GCF is essential. Proficiency in using or developing GHG accounting and mitigation assessment tools and methodologies is needed. Demonstrated experience in developing or managing digital tools for climate mitigation planning, NDC target implementation, and GHG inventory reporting is also required. Strong skills in working within multidisciplinary teams and networks are important.

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