Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the 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 is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level.

The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources.

Specifically, FAO Country Offices:

·    advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate;
·    provide technical assistance and deliver core services; 
i.    assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation; 
ii.    position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems   transformation; and 
iii.    ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.  

For more than four decades, FAO has been working with the Government of the Philippines, civil society, community-based organizations, the academe and the private sector to address challenges in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector. Joint efforts have included increasing sustainability in agricultural production, promoting value-adding practices, mechanization and modernization through improving post-harvest management, enhancing productivity and increasing the resilience of agriculture-based livelihoods to natural disasters, climatic hazards and armed conflict.

The position will be assigned in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan Province, with field missions within the province.

Reporting Lines

The Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation Specialist will be under the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) in close collaboration with the Project Team Coordinator and Programme Management Specialist.

Technical Focus

The Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation Specialist will contribute to the conduct of training on climate smart farming systems and improved aquaculture production and exploring insurance products. He/She will be responsible for strengthening the disaster preparedness and adaptive capacities of small-scale farmers and fisherfolks by integrating climate-smart agricultural practices, early warning systems, and risk-informed livelihood strategies to mitigate the impacts of natural hazards.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Provide programmatic and technical support in formulating strategies and approaches to achieve the intended results of the project. This includes developing action plans and ensuring alignment with FAO's strategic objectives.
•    Conduct a thorough assessment of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) landscape in the province/region. This involves scoping and mapping active DRRM actors, existing early warning systems, and available climate-resilient technologies. The objective is to develop an action plan to strengthen the disaster preparedness capacities of small-scale farmers and fisherfolks and build climate resilience of agricultural households.
•    Analyze how existing risk financing instruments and insurance mechanisms for farmers and fisherfolks are linked to social protection systems. Explore how these mechanisms can be utilized or maximized to protect livelihood assets and improve preparedness and response to climate-induced hazards.
•    In close collaboration with various offices in the Department of Agriculture such as the Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) and the GCF-funded Adapting Philippine Agriculture (APA) project, facilitate consultations, training, and workshops to develop community preparedness and response plans, including climate resilient livelihood-saving interventions. This includes conducting consultations and validation activities with key stakeholders.
•    Support the conduct of simulation exercises to test the community preparedness and response plans developed. Relatedly, support the Women-Led Organizations (WLOs) in preparing climate-resilient enterprise/business plans. This involves facilitating decision-making on activity execution, particularly related to planning, budget, and implementation issues.
•    Support FAO Philippines in conceptualizing and preparing project proposals. Engage with development partners for resource mobilization on DRRM/CCA-related interventions.
•    Perform any other duties as necessary to support the project and FAO's mission in the Philippines.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING:

Minimum Requirements   

•    Advanced university degree in the field of Agriculture, Climate, Disaster Risk Reduction, Food Security, Economics, Environment, Natural Resources Management and Rural Development.
•    At least 5 years of relevant experience in practical field experience in agricultural projects, agri-enterprise, value chains, or rural entrepreneurship
•    Full proficiency / working knowledge (level C) of English 
•    A national of the Philippines or a legal resident with a valid work permit

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

·    Ability to work under pressure and adapt to an evolving and complex humanitarian context and within multidisciplinary and different cultural background teams
·    General knowledge and skills in the use of standard software, such as MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point)

Selection Criteria

•    Excellent writing, and report writing skills in English and Filipino.
•    Willingness to travel to project sites as required.
•    Working knowledge of relevant local dialects is an advantage.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION