Climate Change Specialist
Organizational Context
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) promotes sustainable and resilient agri-food systems and natural resource management. Through its Subregional Office for Central Asia (SEC), FAO offers technical and policy support to countries in the subregion. This includes capacity development, policy advice, and program implementation focused on climate change, environmental sustainability, and rural development. FAO assists countries in strengthening climate change mitigation and adaptation, advancing climate-smart agri-food systems, and enhancing the contribution of the Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Use (AFOLU) sectors to climate objectives.
Job Purpose
The Climate Change Specialist will provide essential technical, analytical, coordination, and advisory support to advance FAO's climate change mitigation and adaptation initiatives. The role emphasizes climate-smart agri-food systems, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the AFOLU sector, and greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting under the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF). The Specialist will facilitate the integration of climate measures into national policies and investment plans, support MRV system development, and enhance capacities in climate-resilient agriculture, forestry, and watershed management. Additionally, the role involves supporting climate finance project development, including concept notes and funding proposals for adaptation and mitigation in forestry and the AFOLU sector.
Responsibilities
Provide technical and analytical expertise on climate change mitigation and adaptation, focusing on the AFOLU sector, agri-food systems, forestry, and watershed management to support FAO programs. Assist in climate policy and planning processes, including analysis of NDCs, NAPs, and LT-LEDS, identifying alignment and implementation opportunities. Support AFOLU sector climate assessments, mitigation/adaptation strategies, and investment needs for resilient systems. Analyze national and regional policy frameworks for NDC preparation and execution, and assist countries in implementing NDCs and identifying investment opportunities. Contribute to GHG inventory development and MRV system strengthening, including data collection, quality assessment, and reporting under UNFCCC and Paris Agreement ETF. Conduct GHG emissions and removals assessments using FAO tools to support mitigation analysis. Support climate adaptation through Nature-based Solutions (NBSs), ecosystem resilience, and watershed management. Conduct research, policy reviews, and field assessments. Coordinate and engage with diverse stakeholders including government agencies, research institutions, and the private sector. Contribute to the formulation and implementation of climate change and watershed management projects, including technical inputs for GCF proposals. Undertake field missions for data collection and technical assessments. Develop and deliver capacity-building activities, including training programs and workshops. Prepare technical and knowledge products such as reports, policy briefs, and guidelines. Promote knowledge sharing and dissemination of best practices. Provide technical inputs to regional and international processes. Support coordination among FAO technical teams and partners. Provide technical review and quality assurance of project outputs. Undertake other related technical assignments and duty travel as required.
Work Experience
At least 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in climate change mitigation and adaptation, natural resources management, forestry, agriculture, land use, watershed management, or environmental management. Experience should be in closely related fields.
Skills
Strong technical knowledge and experience in climate change mitigation and adaptation, particularly in the AFOLU sector, climate-smart agri-food systems, forestry, sustainable land management, and watershed management. Good understanding of the Paris Agreement, UNFCCC reporting, and the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF). Demonstrated experience in AFOLU climate assessments and GHG emissions/removals analysis. Experience in GHG inventories and MRV systems. Proficiency in applying climate-smart agriculture/forestry practices, Nature-based Solutions (NbS), and ecosystem management. Experience in climate project development and technical inputs for climate finance proposals (GCF experience is an asset). Familiarity with FAO climate assessment tools (EX-ACT, NEXT) is desirable. Strong coordination skills with government agencies, research institutions, and the private sector. Proven experience in capacity development and knowledge sharing, including designing and delivering training. Knowledge of integrating climate change, biodiversity, and land degradation considerations is an asset. Excellent communication, report writing, and training skills in English; knowledge of Russian is an asset.