Land and Water Officer (Sustainable Land Management)

Reporting LinesThe Land and Water Officer (Sustainable Land Management) reports to the Senior Officer, Land and Water Officer (Lead of Land Unit), NSL.Technical FocusIntegrated and sustainable agricultural land management, with focus on arable land management, including restoration and consolidation.Key ResultsComprehensive technical and policy expertise to support the planning, development and implementation of cross-divisional programmes, projects, products and services in accordance with cross-divisional objectives and the FAO Strategic Framework.Key Functions• Plans and leads components of multidisciplinary teams, leads and/or participates in Organization-wide, cross-divisional committees, project teams, and working groups and/or provides specialized expertise on technical networks and/or international technical policy and/or international technical policy and standard setting bodies.• Develops technical, analytical, monitoring and reporting frameworks, and related methodologies, tools, systems and databases etc. to support the planning, implementation/delivery and monitoring of programmes of work, projects, products and/or services.• Designs and conducts research, data collection, validation, analysis and/or reporting activities to support the development of technical standards, international instruments, innovative approaches and strategies, new tools, technologies, technical reports/publications, and/or policy proposals as well as the provision of technical/policy/ specialist/advice and expertise.• Responds to country requests for technical and policy assistance, provides technical advice, assistance and solutions to Decentralized Offices and provides technical backstopping to field projects.• Collaborates in, provides technical backstopping to, and ensures the quality, effectiveness of capacity development and knowledge sharing activities within Member Nations such as policy support, organizational development and individual learning events including preparation of related information, learning materials, on-line tools.• Promotes international cooperation/advocates best practices, increased policy dialogue and provides technical expertise at international/intergovernmental meetings.• Participates in resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Corporate Strategy.Specific Functions• Contributes to the development of strategies, policies and solutions, to achieve land degradation neutrality (SDG 15.3) in FAO Member Nations, with focus on agricultural lands.• Develops, promotes and implements innovative restoration and management practices and technologies to address agricultural land degradation challenges in collaboration with national and international partners.• Leads the development of agricultural land information systems to support targeted decision-making on agricultural land.• Works with FAO Decentralized Offices and Member Nations in developing land degradation assessment methodologies and tools, monitoring and reporting land degradation status and developing land restoration and consolidation initiatives.• Liaises with partners, conventions and initiatives at global, regional and country level to strengthen capacities in Member Nations to combat land degradation and sands and dust storms, restore productive land and agro-ecosystems and enhance their resilience to climate change.• Maintains regular collaboration with colleagues across teams/FAO Divisions/Offices/Centres/Decentralized Offices to strengthen FAO's work on agricultural land restoration and management, sands and dust storms.• Develops and manages key partnerships, such as through UN Decades of Ecosystem Restoration, UN Sands and Dust Storm Coalition and with the Secretariats of United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CDB) and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.• Develops related project concepts and proposals in accordance with FAO standards, in collaboration with teams, other Divisions/Offices/Centres and Decentralized Offices.• Provides technical and operational support to related projects of FAO.• Contributes to the Division's efforts in planning, programming and implementation works.• Performs other relevant duties as required.______________________________________________________________________________________________________CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWINGMinimum Requirements• Advanced university degree in soil, agriculture, land and natural resources management, geography or related field.• Seven years of relevant experience in land resources and environmental related activities, including land resources/ecosystem assessment and management.• Working knowledge (proficient - level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate - level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).Competencies• Results Focus• Teamwork• Communication• Building Effective Relationships• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous ImprovementTechnical/Functional Skills• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable.• Knowledge of agricultural land resources assessment/management tools and methods, best practices and related policies.• Extent and relevance of experience in data and information systems for natural resources management, in analysing and assessing land resources and ecosystem services.• Extent and relevance of experience in working on land and ecosystem restoration, sand and dust storms.• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement large-scale programmatic initiatives.• Demonstrated ability to mobilize and manage extra-budgetary resources._________________________________________________________________FAO staff are expected to adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency._________________________________________________________________ GENERAL INFORMATION Extension of fixed term appointments is based on certification of performance and availability of fundsFAO reserves the right not to make an appointment.Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. CONDITIONS OF SERVICE A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click on the following link: Other benefits, subject to eligibility, include:• Dependency allowances• Rental subsidy• Education grant for children• Home leave travel• 30 working days of annual leave per year• Pension fund entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund• International health insurance; optional life insurance• Disability protection FAO encourages a positive workplace culture to increase inclusivity and diversity within its workforce. FAO applies measures in which all staff members contribute equally and in full to the work and development of the Organization. This includes: • elements of family-friendly policies• flexible working arrangements• standards of conduct._________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________