Natural Resource Management (NRM) Specialist

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supports the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems globally. FAO India is implementing a five-year GEF-7 project focused on promoting sustainable food systems by transforming rice-wheat systems in four key states. This initiative aims to achieve significant environmental benefits, improve farmer incomes and resilience, and enhance access to safe food and employment opportunities, aligning with global sustainable food systems objectives.

Job Purpose

The Natural Resource Management (NRM) Specialist will provide crucial technical support and expertise for the GEF-7 Project in India, focusing on landscape management, ecosystem restoration, and natural resource governance. Working within the National Project Management Unit (NPMU) under the National Technical Coordinator, the role involves supporting the design, technical review, monitoring, and evaluation of Integrated Landscape Management and Restoration activities. The specialist will ensure alignment with sustainable production, value chain development, policy support, and adherence to FAO-GEF technical and safeguard standards.

Responsibilities

The NRM Specialist will provide technical input for Integrated Landscape Management (ILM) and restoration activities, ensuring alignment with project documents and FAO-GEF standards. This includes supporting the design and rollout of community-based capacity-building initiatives like ILM Field Schools and training programs. The role involves strengthening inter-sectoral institutional frameworks and coordination mechanisms at various administrative levels, including Water User Associations. The specialist will assist in preparing district-level landscape management and restoration plans, integrating ILM processes with GIS-based Decision Support Systems, and formulating ecosystem restoration plans emphasizing nature-based solutions. Responsibilities also include identifying and supporting sustainable livelihood options compatible with restoration, developing convergence mechanisms with government programs, and providing technical inputs on land degradation neutrality and climate change adaptation. The role requires reviewing environmental and social safeguards, building capacity of project units and partners on ILM approaches, and preparing technical inputs, knowledge products, and lessons learned. The specialist will also contribute to national and state-level forums and perform other related duties as required.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience is required in areas such as Integrated Landscape Management (ILM), landscape restoration, natural resource management, watershed management, participatory planning, and multi-stakeholder coordination. Experience in applying GIS, remote sensing, and spatial data for landscape assessment and planning is also crucial. Familiarity with working with government bodies, community-based organizations, and international development programs is highly desirable.

Skills

Key competencies include Results Focus, Teamwork, Communication, Building Effective Relationships, and Knowledge Sharing. Technical skills required encompass demonstrated knowledge of Integrated Landscape Management, ecosystem restoration, landscape governance, and sustainable natural resource management. Proficiency in land degradation neutrality, watershed management, biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and nature-based solutions is essential. Experience with GIS, remote sensing, geospatial analysis, and Decision Support Systems for landscape planning is vital. The role requires experience in designing and implementing community-based restoration programs, facilitating multi-stakeholder coordination, and familiarity with Environmental and Social Standards and GEF policies. Strong analytical, communication, facilitation, and technical writing skills are necessary. Experience with FAO, GEF, or UN agencies is an asset.

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