National Climate Change Planning Specialist

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)•Samoa, AS

12h•Onsite

About The Position

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is seeking a National Climate Change Planning Specialist to support Samoa's climate change adaptation and planning efforts. This role is crucial for coordinating FAO's work in the Pacific, focusing on food security, nutrition, agriculture, natural resources management, and rural development, with a strong emphasis on gender, climate change adaptation, and anticipatory action. The specialist will be instrumental in developing Samoa’s Readiness Needs Assessment (RNA), NDA, and stakeholder capacity building, contributing to the Country Programme process, visioning, co-design, prefeasibility studies, and the development of a project concept note for a potential Green Climate Fund (GCF) project. The position requires ensuring alignment with national climate change planning processes and fostering communication between government departments.

Requirements

University degree in climate change, environmental science, agronomy, horticulture, agriculture engineering, social science, or a closely related field.
Minimum of three years of proven experience in climate change adaptation and planning, policy, and programs.
Working knowledge of English.
National of Samoa.

Nice To Haves

Extensive experience in nutrient management and chemistry.
Extensive experience in system design and engineering.
Extensive experience in environmental control.
Extensive experience in crop and substrate management.
Extensive experience in facility operation and data management.
Experience working with international organizations and managing climate change and health projects, including proposal writing and reporting.
Experience managing projects and developing proposals.
Experience developing capacity building materials.
Experience conducting health vulnerability and adaptation assessments.
Experience working with communities to build resilience to climate-related health risks.
Good knowledge of the situation in Samoa and familiarity with Pacific Small Island Developing States.
Experience working with a cross-section of stakeholders, including senior government officials in small and vulnerable states (SIDS and LDCs).
Experience in working in Samoa or the Pacific region.
Strong writing skills and language proficiency.
Strong knowledge of water chemistry, plant nutrition, greenhouse climate control, and agribusiness modelling.
Experience in environmental health, including a significant portion (at least 3 years) specifically focused on climate change and its health implications.
Demonstrated understanding of the machinery of government and government policy and planning processes.
Good level of analytical, communication, and writing skills, including the ability to write concise technical reports in English.

Responsibilities

Collect, review, and analyze Samoa’s policy and regulatory frameworks on climate change and those relevant to the Readiness project.
Collect and organize analyses on engagement and opportunities for Samoa’s private sector in climate action, and experiences and best practices from other countries to encourage private sector climate investments.
Support the Technical Advisor and Administration and Procurement Specialist in drafting concept notes and terms of reference (TOR) for vendors and sub-contractors for GCF Readiness activities.
Contribute to the co-design and visioning process, including the development of a concept note for a GCF project on agri-food systems and water.
Monitor and report on developments related to climate change and GCF projects, ensuring alignment and coordination with relevant initiatives.
Draft Back-to-Office Reports (BTORs) and meeting/workshop proceedings.
Support the implementation of the results framework and the monitoring, evaluation, and learning plan.
Gather and synthesize literature and supplementary information as required.
Support the GCF Readiness project implementation process, including periodic reporting to the TA and LTO on activity implementation.
Support the further development of project activities and implementation plan.
Coordinate and liaise with the NDA Secretariat (National Designated Authority) at the Ministry of Finance, and other key ministries and stakeholders.
Draft meeting minutes and communication materials.
Support the planning and organization of stakeholder meetings, workshops, and consultations for the development of the GCF Readiness Needs Assessment (RNA) and Country Programme.
Support capacity development workshops and events for government officials and representatives from other government entities.