The Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB) assists FAO Members in their responses towards the challenge of climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as the development of adaptive capacities of agriculture, fisheries and forestry for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and other natural resources. It provides a coordination role on climate change, biodiversity and the environment. The Office also serves as the focal point for a multidisciplinary and global approach to UNFCCC, CBD and topics on bioenergy as well as on Globally Important Agriculture Heritage Systems, ecosystem restoration and green and climate resilient agriculture.
In 2019, FAO adopted its Strategy on Mainstreaming Biodiversity across Agricultural Sectors (Strategy) and in 2021 an Action Plan for the Implementation of the Strategy (Action Plan). To achieve the Strategy's aim and goals, FAO is committed to (i) supporting Members, at their request, to enhance their capacity to mainstream biodiversity; (ii) integrating biodiversity into FAO policies, programmes and activities; (iii) enhancing the recognition of the important role of biodiversity and its ecosystem services for food security and nutrition, and the agricultural sectors in relevant international agreements and processes; and (iv) strengthening the coordination and delivery of its work on biodiversity. The Biodiversity Mainstreaming Unit (OCBB) coordinates and supports the Organization in the implementation of the Strategy.
The Programme Coordinator will assist in the delivery of FAO's work on Biodiversity Mainstreaming at global, regional and national levels and will ensure the overall management of the Flexible Multi-Partner Mechanism sub-programme on 'Mainstreaming Biodiversity across Agricultural Sectors' (FMM sub-programme).
The position of Programme Coordinator is located in the Biodiversity Mainstreaming Unit (OCBB) of the Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB) at the FAO Liaison Office with the European Union and Belgium (LOB) in Brussels, Belgium.
Reporting Lines:
The Programme Coordinator reports to the Senior Natural Resources Officer (Biodiversity mainstreaming) and will work under the overall functional supervision of the Director, LOB.
Key Results:
Develops, implements and evaluates, effective leadership and management of major projects and teams in accordance with divisional objectives and the FAO Strategic Framework.
Key Functions:
Develops, implements and evaluates assigned programmes/projects, etc.; in coordination with Strategic Team Leaders, monitors and analyses programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and initiates corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; ensures follow-up actions.
Coordinates activities related to budget funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget).
Researches, analyses and presents information gathered from diverse sources.
Coordinates policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of impact evaluation or equivalent studies.
Generates survey initiatives; reviews, analyses and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares conclusions.
Organizes and prepares written outputs, e.g. background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications.
Provides substantive backstopping to consultative and other meetings and conferences, to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations.
Initiates and coordinates outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
Specific Functions:
Coordinates and supervises the technical and operational implementation of the FMM sub-programme, provides strategic directions, oversees and monitors operations and the implementation of the work plan and budget.
Monitors and reports on progress and achievement of results in the implementation of the FMM sub-programme, develops programmatic and financial documentation, ensures timely provision of FAO inputs, supervises and monitors budget, prepares and submits financial reports and budget revisions and participates in the evaluation of the FMM sub-programme.
Provides guidance, technical backstopping and methodological support to national programme coordinators and consultants including for the review and analysis of policies and for the organization of multistakeholder consultations.
Contributes to raising awareness and visibility of the FMM sub-programme and ensures stakeholders' and beneficiaries' engagement.
Supports the selection of service providers and implementing partners, drafts agreements/contracts and supports the preparation and completion of workshops and capacity-building events in consultation with government stakeholders and consultants.
Leads the development of knowledge sharing tools, project-related technical briefs, case studies and best practices.
Develops project proposals on biodiversity mainstreaming and contributes to resource mobilization efforts to scale-up the FMM sub-programme on 'Mainstreaming Biodiversity across Agricultural Sectors’.
Provides advice to LOB management on biodiversity related matters and supports LOB in events and meetings to support and promote the work of FAO on biodiversity at EU level.
Performs any other duties, as required.
Candidates Will Be Assessed Against The Following:
Minimum Requirements:
Advanced university degree in natural resources management or related biological sciences, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, international policy, law, administration or a related field.
Seven years of relevant experience in biodiversity and natural resources management; experience in working in international organizations.
Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and French.
