GIAHS Agro-economic Specialist, Rome, Italy

CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST - VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT : 2601954

Organizational Unit: OCB - Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment

Job Type: Non-staff opportunities

Type of Requisition: Consultant

Primary Location: Italy-Rome

Duration: Up to 6 months

IMPORTANT NOTICE: FAO is committed to achieving 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, and to uphold FAO's values.

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

Organizational Setting: The Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB) works to ensure that countries and stakeholders respond to the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. OCB provides a cross-organizational coordination role on these issues and is the focal point to major multilateral environmental agreements including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conferences (UNFCCC), and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

The GIAHS Secretariat serves as the operational unit of FAO’s Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) Programme. It provides guidance and technical support to FAO Members in developing and submitting GIAHS proposals and implementing follow-up activities for designated sites.

Reporting Lines: The incumbent will report to the Senior Coordinator of the GIAHS Secretariat.

Technical Focus: Support the GIAHS Secretariat in developing practical tools, a comprehensive framework and technical guidelines for the branding, informative labelling, marketing and commercialization of products originating from GIAHS sites.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Conduct consultations and interviews with relevant stakeholders, national institutions, GIAHS communities and members of the Scientific Advisory Group (SAG) to collect data and information on value addition and the branding, labelling, marketing and commercialization of GIAHS products.
• Consult representatives of organizations working on natural and cultural heritage—including UNESCO, ICOMOS, IUCN and UN Tourism—to gather and analyse relevant data, experiences, methodologies and good practices that could be considered in the branding, labelling, marketing and commercialization of GIAHS products.
• Build on and complete the literature review and assessment of relevant technical documents and reports initiated by the previous consultant.
• Complete the collection, processing and analysis of data from GIAHS sites to map the current status of the branding, labelling, marketing and commercialization of products originating from these sites.
• Complete the analysis of data from GIAHS sites and revise and strengthen the previous consultant’s draft report on the economic, institutional and policy measures required to ensure the long-term sustainability of GIAHS systems.
• Prepare a policy brief outlining appropriate measures to ensure the long-term sustainability of GIAHS systems, conserve biodiversity, strengthen food security and improve the livelihoods of GIAHS communities.
• Participate in interview panels for the recruitment of affiliate personnel (but not staff members).
• Represent FAO at relevant meetings and international conferences, as required.
• Perform any other related duties, as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING:

• Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Agricultural Economics, rural economics, Development Economics, Environmental or natural resource economics, Agricultural development, Agricultural Policy, Agribusiness, Development studies, or related fields.
• One year (for Category C), five years (for Category B) or ten years (for Category A) of relevant experience in developing substantive contribution and achievements related to agricultural economics, agricultural development or agribusiness.
• Working knowledge (level c) of English.

Technical/Functional Skills:

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field-based positions, is desirable.
• Relevant professional experience in developing frameworks, technical guidelines and practical tools for the branding, labelling, marketing and commercialization of agricultural products.
• Demonstrated experience in reviewing technical documents and reports and preparing technical reports and policy briefs on the economic, institutional and policy measures required to strengthen value chains, improve market access and enhance the positioning of agricultural products.
• Strong analytical, drafting and report-writing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in multicultural and multidisciplinary environments.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing).