Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation Specialist
Organizational Context
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency dedicated to achieving food security for all and leading international efforts to defeat hunger. Working in over 130 countries, FAO supports the transformation to efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. For over four decades, FAO has partnered with the Philippine government and local stakeholders to address challenges in agriculture, fisheries, and forestry, focusing on sustainability, modernization, and resilience to natural disasters and climate change.
Job Purpose
The Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation Specialist will play a crucial role in enhancing the resilience of small-scale farmers and fisherfolk. This position involves conducting training on climate-smart farming and aquaculture, exploring insurance products, and integrating climate-smart agricultural practices, early warning systems, and risk-informed livelihood strategies. The ultimate goal is to strengthen disaster preparedness and adaptive capacities, thereby mitigating the impacts of natural hazards on agricultural livelihoods and ensuring food security in the region.
Responsibilities
Provide programmatic and technical support for project strategy formulation and action plan development, ensuring alignment with FAO's objectives. Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) landscape, mapping key actors and technologies to develop an action plan for strengthening farmer and fisherfolk preparedness and climate resilience. Analyze the integration of risk financing and insurance mechanisms with social protection systems to safeguard livelihoods against climate-induced hazards. Facilitate consultations, training, and workshops with stakeholders, including DA-SAAD and APA projects, to develop community preparedness and response plans and climate-resilient livelihood interventions. Support simulation exercises for plan testing and assist Women-Led Organizations in developing climate-resilient business plans. Contribute to project proposal development and resource mobilization efforts for DRRM/CCA interventions, and perform other duties as required.
Work Experience
At least 5 years of relevant practical field experience in agricultural projects, agri-enterprise, value chains, or rural entrepreneurship. Full proficiency in English (level C) is necessary.
Skills
Demonstrated ability in Results Focus, Teamwork, Communication, Building Effective Relationships, and Knowledge Sharing. Must be able to work under pressure in complex environments and adapt to diverse teams. Proficient in standard office software (MS Office). Excellent writing and report writing skills in English and Filipino are essential. Willingness to travel to project sites is required; knowledge of local dialects is an advantage.