Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through 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 Subregional Office for Central Asia (FAOSEC) supports member countries in enhancing sustainable management of natural resources, including water, land, and ecosystems, to strengthen resilience of agrifood systems to climate change. FAOSEC promotes integrated approaches to climate change adaptation and mitigation, nature-based solutions (NBS), climate-smart agriculture (CSA), and sustainable water resources management, in line with national priorities and international commitments under the Paris Agreement, SDGs, and other environmental conventions.

Water resources management is a critical priority for countries in Europe and Central Asia, where increasing climate variability, glacier retreat, droughts, floods, and land degradation are affecting agricultural productivity, ecosystems, and livelihoods. FAOSEC provides technical support to member countries in strengthening climate-resilient water management, including integrated water resources management (IWRM), watershed management, irrigation modernization, drought risk reduction, and climate-informed planning.
The Natural Resources Management Specialist will be included in a roster to support FAO in project formulation, technical backstopping, policy advisory services, and capacity development activities related to climate change and water resources management across the region.

Reporting Lines

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

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. The incumbent will contribute to climate risk assessments, development of 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.

Tasks and 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 agrifood systems;
•     Provide technical guidance on integrated water resources management (IWRM), including pollution control, and the 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, and policy documents related to climate change and water resources (including water-related impacts on aquatic ecosystems and fisheries, including implications of climate change, water quality, and water use practices);
•     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.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     For Consultants: Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO inin 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) from an institution 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
•     At least 1 year of relevant experience in water resources management and climate change adaptation/mitigation;
•     Working knowledge of English

FAO Core Competencies

•     Results Focus
•     Teamwork
•     Communication
•     Building Effective Relationships
•     Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•     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;