Natural Resources Management Specialist

Natural Resources Management Specialist

Position Code: 2600821

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical inputs on climate change impacts on water resources, including droughts, floods, and water scarcity in agricultural landscapes.
• Support the formulation and development of project concept notes and full project proposals related to water and climate change (e.g., GEF, GCF, Adaptation Fund, and other donors).
• Conduct assessments of climate risks and vulnerabilities related to water resources and agri‑food systems.
• Provide technical guidance on integrated water resources management (IWRM), pollution control, impacts of agricultural practices and agrochemicals on water resources and aquatic ecosystems, watershed management, and climate‑resilient irrigation practices.
• Contribute to the development of strategies and action plans on climate change adaptation with a focus on water management (including fishery, reuse of wastewater and non‑conventional water resources, water quality management and monitoring).
• Support the integration of water‑related adaptation measures into NDCs, NAPs, LT‑LEDS, and other national climate frameworks.
• Provide inputs on nature‑based solutions for water management, including ecosystem restoration, soil and water conservation, and sustainable land management.
• Contribute to the design of monitoring frameworks, indicators, and results frameworks related to water, climate change and environmental sustainability interventions.
• Facilitate stakeholder consultations, technical workshops and capacity‑building activities.
• Provide technical review of reports, studies, policy documents related to climate change and water resources.
• Support coordination with national institutions, regional organizations, and development partners.
• Prepare technical briefs, background papers and presentations as required.
• Participate in field missions, if required.

Technical Focus

Technical support to FAOSEC and member countries on integrating climate change considerations into water resources management, including project formulation, technical backstopping, policy advisory services, and capacity development. Contributions to climate risk assessments, climate‑resilient water management approaches, integration of water‑related measures into national climate frameworks, and preparation and review of technical knowledge products and investment proposals.

Reporting Lines

Under the general supervision and guidance of the Land and Water Officer, the incumbent will contribute to projects and normative work in the region.

Qualifications

• For Consultants: Advanced university degree recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Water Resources Management, Hydrology, Environmental Sciences, Climate Change, Agricultural Engineering, Natural Resources Management, or a related field. Consultants with a bachelor’s degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• For PSAs: University degree (or technical degree/certificate) recognized by the IAU/UNESCO in the same fields.
• At least one year of relevant experience in water resources management and climate change adaptation/mitigation.
• Working knowledge of English.

FAO Core Competencies

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work.
• Extent and relevance of experience in project/programme formulation.
• Extent and relevance of experience in results monitoring and reporting.
• Familiarity with climate finance mechanisms.

Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated experience in project formulation and technical advisory support related to climate change and water.

EEO Statement

• FAO is committed to workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non‑and under‑represented Members and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct.
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero‑tolerance policy for conduct incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.