Climate Change Specialist - Islamabad

Organizational Setting · The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood syste ...

Job description

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.

FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level. 
The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources. 
Specifically, FAO Country Offices: 

•    advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO's mandate;

•    provide technical assistance and deliver core services; 

•     assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation; 

•    position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and 

•    ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.  

The position is located in the FAO Country Office in Islamabad.

The position is at SB4 SC8 level.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative and the direct supervision of Assistant FAOR (Programme), and the technical guidance of FAO technical officers resposible for GEF and GCF, the Climate Specialist will undertake the following activities:

Technical Focus

Comprehensive technical and policy expertise to support the planning, development and implementation of climate change programmes, projects, products and services, in accordance with regional priorities and objectives, the FAO Strategic Framework and related Programme Priority Areas (PPAs), and in line with the FAO Strategy on Climate Change and other environmental strategies and linked action plans and PPAs.

Tasks and responsibilities

Technical Support and Coordination

•    Support FAO's climate change and natural resources management portfolio in Pakistan by providing monitoring, reviewing status of project implementation and coordinate technical backstopping, and capacity development across forestry, land use, climate change, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem restoration.

•    Provide technical leadership in rangeland, forestry, ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable land and water management. Support performance analysis of the climate portfolio and identify delays and inconsistencies. 

•    Coordinate collection and consolidation of reporting and operational data with Operations and MEAL teams 

•    Support the design, formulation, and mobilization of new projects and partnerships in the climate and natural resources sector.

•    Support the development and implementation of national monitoring systems related to climate change, land use, and natural resources.

•    Ensure timely delivery of work plans, technical outputs, progress reports, and donor-specific reporting requirements.

•    Facilitate effective coordination and collaboration with national counterparts, including the Ministry of Climate Change, provincial departments, and other relevant line agencies.

Policy Support and Advisory Services

•    Provide policy advice and technical inputs to support Pakistan's international commitments under the UNFCCC, UNCCD, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and other relevant frameworks.

•    Contribute to the alignment of national policies and strategies with international climate and environmental commitments.

Capacity Building and Knowledge Management

•    Coordinate to deliver capacity-building activities, including training programmes and technical workshops, for government counterparts, academia, and other stakeholders.

•    Develop technical guidelines, analytical reports, and knowledge products to strengthen institutional capacities and inform policy and programme implementation.

Resource Mobilization and Programme Development

•    Provide technical inputs for the development of project proposals to access climate and environmental finance, particularly through GEF and GCF mechanisms.

•    Identify opportunities to expand FAO's climate and natural resources portfolio in line with government priorities and FAO's Country Programming Framework.

•    Build and strengthen partnerships with national stakeholders, development partners, the private sector, and civil society organizations.

Representation and Coordination

•    Represent FAO in relevant national and provincial forums related to forestry, natural resources management, and climate change.

•    Serve as a focal point of environment and climate change in FAO Pakistan office to facilitate work with partners. 

•    Promote FAO's work and maintain effective communication and coordination with key stakeholders and partners.

Perform other related duties as required

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements  

•    Advance university degree in Climate Change, Climate Finance, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Sciences, or related field.

•    Minimum 8 years of relevant professional experience in climate, forestry, natural resources management, land use, or related areas.

•    Proven track record in project management, technical advisory roles, and policy engagement with government and development partners

•    A working knowledge of the English language and ability to work in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams is essential.

•    National of Pakistan

FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus

•    Teamwork

•    Communication

•    Building Effective Relationships

•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Demonstrated experience working with government institutions and development partners; experience in multi-stakeholder coordination is an asset.

•    Proven experience in the formulation and development of projects for sustainable agrifood systems, including proposals for climate and environmental financing mechanisms such as the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

•    Strong experience in project and programme management, including leading technical teams and providing operational support to donors, multilateral organizations, civil society organizations, and policymakers on climate and environmental data, climate services, and agricultural early warning systems.

•    Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing climate change adaptation and mitigation interventions across policies, projects, and programmes aligned with the Organization's areas of work.

•    Proven experience in delivering capacity development and technical assistance related to climate change risks, resilience, and sustainable natural resource management.

•    Familiarity with United Nations system institutions and demonstrated experience in collaborating, coordinating, and networking with international and government counterparts.

Selection Criteria

Candidates will be assessed against the requirements listed above

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at   
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website:  
•  Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.