Consultancy Vacancy at Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)- Climate Smart Agriculture Soil Specialist ( Remote Work )

  

CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST - VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT: 2100999  Climate Smart Agriculture Soil Specialist  Closure Date : 10/Apr/2021, 12:59:00 AM Organizational Unit: SAP Job Type : Non-staff opportunities Type of Requisition: Consultant / PSA (Personal Services Agreement) Grade Level: N/A Primary Location : Home-Based Duration: 160 days Post Number: N/A   IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device _______________________________________________________________________________________   FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender and nationality People with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality The incumbent may be re-assigned to different activities and/or duty stations depending on the evolving needs of the Organization _______________________________________________________________________________________         Organizational Setting The Koronivia Joint Work on Agriculture (KJWA) decision was adopted at the 23rd session of the Conference of the Parties (COP23) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), held in November 2017 in Bonn, Germany.  The KJWA decision provides an indispensable global mechanism that will enable state parties to bring attention to the issues and challenges – as well as achievements concerning the impacts of climate change on agriculture. UNFCCC Parties and observers have been invited to submit their views on the key elements to be included in the KJWA work programme of work, including, but not limited to: Modalities for implementation of the outcomes of the five in-session workshops on issues related to agriculture and other future topics that may arise from this work; Methods and approaches for assessing adaptation, adaptation co-benefits and resilience; Improved soil carbon, soil health and soil fertility under grassland and cropland as well as integrated systems, including water management; Improved nutrient use and manure management towards sustainable and resilient agricultural systems; Improved livestock management systems; Socioeconomic and food security dimensions of climate change in the agricultural sector. FAO has a key role to play in providing technical expertise and in facilitating discussions between countries during the formal Subsidiarity Bodies sessions and informal consultations on the KJWA outside UNFCCC processes. FAO is undertaking this exercise in light of Outcome 2 of its Corporate Strategy on Climate Change, which strives to achieve improved integration of food security and nutrition, agriculture, forestry and fisheries considerations within the international agenda on climate change through reinforced FAO engagement. FAO under its Technical Cooperation Project, “Supporting the Pacific to address the vulnerabilities of agriculture and food security to climate change through the Koronivia Joint Work on Agriculture” (TCP/SAP/3706) supports Pacific SIDS with the implementation of relevant activities of the KJWA. Reporting Lines Under the direct supervision of the FAO Sub-Regional Coordinator for the Pacific Islands and the Lead Technical Officer, the Soil and Climate Smart Agriculture Specialist will work closely with, the Information Management and Communication Consultant and Ministries of Agriculture in the Pacific countries to provide capacity building trainings, share knowledge and information on the KJWA..   Technical Focus To provide technical support to the Pacific Island countries in relation to the KJWA.   Tasks and responsibilities Lead the coordination and delivery of technical webinars and training on the KJWA topics, including on - improved soil carbon, soil health and fertility, improved nutrients management; climate smart agriculture approached in Pacific Island countries; Lead technical discussions, coordination and development together with government experts, regional partners, the development of a Pacific paper on the KJWA for COP26; Provide technical support (virtually) for in-country demonstration on activities relating to soil testing, improved nutrient management, targeted compost and irrigation ; Coordinate the development of a Pacific KJWA roadmap; Coordinate and develop a meeting schedule for the Pacific KJWA; Establish a peer review working group to peer review KJWA knowledge products and lead the peer review and finalisation of the KJWA knowledge products; Provide quality assurance on technical key communication messaging; Coordinate with FAO HQ OCBD colleagues on the KJWA preparation for COP26; Support LTO in developing a project proposal for the next phase of the KJWA; Support the compilation and finalization of project reports, securing the necessary inputs from implementing partners, technical officers and others as appropriate; Perform any other duties as required.   CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING   Minimum Requirements Advance Degree in Soil Science, Natural Resource, Climate Change, Agriculture or a relevant discipline. At least 12 years relevant experience in soil science, capacity building, agriculture and working with Pacific Island countries. Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of one of the other FAO languages (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian). FAO Core Competencies Results Focus Teamwork Communication Building Effective Relationships Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement Technical/Functional Skills Location: It is preferable that the individual is based in Pacific Region. IT Skills: Good knowledge of the MS Office applications (including Excel and Word), internet and office technology equipment Fluency in one or two Pacific Island language is also desirable.   Selection Criteria Practical experience working with stakeholders in the private, public and/or community sectors. Project management experience, co-ordination of project team members, organising stakeholder meetings and workshops, production of high-quality reports, high level mentoring skills and client communication A demonstrated track record of successfully delivering similar environmental related projects and programs. Experience in providing training and capacity building Experience in working and/or undertaking research in the Pacific Region. Experience working with FAO or a UN agency is desirable. Experience working in the food security and agriculture sector is desirable. Experience working with the Pacific government systems is desirable. Candidates based in the Pacific Region and/or residing in a location within a 6-hour time difference from the Pacific Islands are strongly encouraged to apply.   _______________________________________________________________________________________ Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency _______________________________________________________________________________________   ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing) Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list If you are in possession of language certificate/s from UN accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT), please attach the certificate/s when submitting the application.   For more information, visit the FAO employment website   HOW TO APPLY To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Only applications received through the recruitment portal will be considered. We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline If you need help please contact: Careers@fao.org   Click Here to Apply