Requirements: English
Company: FAO
Region: Rome , Lazio
Organizational SettingThe Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systemsaiming for better production, nutrition, environment, and quality of life, leaving no one behind.The Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB) ensures that countries and stakeholders respond effectively to challenges related to climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. It provides cross-organizational coordination on these issues and acts as the focal point for major multilateral environmental agreements, including the UNFCCC and CBD.Additionally, the Office assists FAO Members in addressing interconnected challenges such as food security, climate change, and biodiversity loss, including facilitating access to climate and environmental financing (e.g., GEF and GCF). OCB also hosts programs like GIAHS, the Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources, and the FAO work on environmental safeguards.The Climate Change Team (CCT) within OCB offers technical assistance, normative guidance, and tools to enhance FAO members'' capacity to address climate change impacts in agriculture, forestry, and land use, aligned with FAOs climate strategy and action plan.Reporting LinesThe Specialists will report to the Senior Natural Resources Officer in the Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB).Technical FocusThe Specialists will support the Climate Change division of OCB, aligning with the organizational principles of Better Environment and Better Life, linked to respective Programme Priority Areas (PPAs). They will bring expertise in domestic and international carbon finance, voluntary carbon markets, and Article 6 of the Paris Agreement to support climate actions in the agriculture sector globally.This call aims to identify qualified Specialists with experience in carbon finance, market approaches under Article 6, project development, and MRV for carbon markets. Candidates may be engaged for up to 11 months, with possible extensions based on performance and organizational needs.Tasks and ResponsibilitiesDepending on their competencies, candidates will perform functions including:Carbon finance analysis, policy, and regulatory frameworkAssessing carbon finance flows to agriculture and food systemsAnalyzing projects to inform country engagement and policy developmentReviewing evolving standards and methodologiesEvaluating the potential of voluntary carbon marketsSupporting FAOs engagement in Article 6 negotiationsPreparing analyses and guidance materials for countriesSupporting policy and legal framework adaptationsDeveloping project proposals and capacity-building productsIdentifying project opportunities and entry points for carbon financeMonitoring activities related to carbon marketsAdditional responsibilities include project design, feasibility assessments, financial analysis, and support for MRV standards and methodologies, tailored to the needs of developing countries and specific sectors.Minimum RequirementsUniversity degree in Economics, Finance, Climate Policy, Law, Environmental Engineering, Agriculture, Forest Sciences, Remote Sensing, or related fieldsRelevant experience ranging from 1 to over 10 years depending on the level (PSA or COF, B or A)Full proficiency in EnglishFAO Core CompetenciesResults FocusTeamworkCommunicationBuilding Effective RelationshipsKnowledge Sharing and Continuous ImprovementTechnical/Functional SkillsKnowledge of climate finance architecture, especially carbon financeExperience in climate change issues, project development, and policy analysisUnderstanding of UNFCCC negotiations and climate policiesFamiliarity with market mechanisms like CDM and Article 6Knowledge of the UN systemSelection CriteriaIntermediate knowledge of French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian is an assetApplication DetailsPosting Date: 24 April 2025Closing Date: 23 May 2025, 12:59 AMLocation: Rome, ItalyDuration: Up to 11 monthsType: Non-staff, Consultant/PSAFAO encourages diversity and is committed to equal opportunity employment. Qualified women, nationals of underrepresented countries, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply. All candidates will undergo background checks and confidentiality is assured.#J-18808-Ljbffr