Organizational Setting
The Land and Water Division (CBL) aims at enhancing the agricultural productivity and advancing the sustainable use of land and water resources through their improved tenure, management, development and conservation. It addresses the challenges member countries face in ensuring productive and efficient use of land and water resources in order to meet present and future demands for agricultural products, while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the land and water quantity and quality. It promotes equitable access to these natural resources with a view to enhancing productivity, livelihoods and ecosystem services. It assists to member nations in developing policies, programmes, best practices and tools in the fields of irrigation and drainage, soil conservation, drought mitigation, water rights, access to natural resources, and improvement of land markets. The Division hosts the Secretariat of the Global Soil Partnership that aims to promote sustainable soil management at all levels contributing to food security and nutrition, provision of ecosystem services, mitigation and adaptation to climate change and sustainable development.
The post is located in the Land and Water Division, Rome, Italy
The Land and Water Officer reports to the Secretary of the Global Soil Partnership under the overall guidance of the Director of the Land and Water Division
Support the information-awareness raising related activities of the Global Soil Partnership including internal, external and media relations, exhibitions, special events, and international campaigns
Collection and analysis of information, data and statistics and project/meeting services to support programme projects, products and services.
• Collects and analyses relevant technical, social, economic, environmental, institutional and technology related information, data and/or statistics to support the delivery of programme projects, products and services;
• Undertakes analysis, provides technical input for plans and reports and edits/revises technical/scientific documents;
• Participates in the development of improved work methods, tools and systems;
• Updates databases and web pages;
• Participates in multidisciplinary project/work teams;
• Collaborates in the development of training tools and materials and the organization of workshops/seminars;
• Participates in the organization, conduct and follow-up of meetings, consultations and conferences, the development/production of required materials and the provision of information and assistance to partners.
• Supports the development of outreach and advocacy plans focusing on soils in coordination with other FAO divisions and Decentralized Offices, to enhance FAO’s brand and activities among the Organization’s external audiences;
• Supports the implementation of corporate advocacy activities, special events and exhibits for outreach and promotional purposes of the Global Soil Partnership, mainly those related to World Soil Day, Glinka World Soil Prize and World Soil Day Award;
• Supports partnerships with media, civil society, the private sector, research/academia institutions or other strategic players in order to support FAO’s outreach and promotional soil activities;
• Identifies key messages, stories, events and other opportunities to promote the work and achievement of the Global Soil Partnership, in line with the FAO’s Strategic Objectives;
• Drafts presentations, online content, targeted communication products and produces promotional materials on soil related matters;
• Contributes to the development and implementation of an integrated communication strategy for the key meetings and events of the Global Soil Partnership taking into account both FAO’s Corporate communication policy and strategy;
• Ensures that the communication material produced on soil related matters adhere to corporate policy, in consultation with relevant departments and units;
• Supports the Regional Soil Partnerships in preparing the awareness raising/advocacy campaigns for promoting sustainable soil management.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
• Advanced university degree in natural resources management, environmental science or a related field
• Three years of relevant experience in natural resources management , soil resources or related fields;
• Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable;
• Extent and relevance of experience in supporting outreach activities for UN organizations and/or initiatives, particularly at the international level;
• Extent and relevance of experience in coordinating special events, exhibitions, and UN campaigns as well as the production of content for external audiences (UN agencies, stakeholders and other public and private partners), especially in areas relevant to FAO’s mandate;
• Understanding of FAO policies and programmes is considered a strong asset;
• Experience with World Soil Day outreach activities is considered a strong asset;
• Extent and relevance of experience with the Global Soil Partnership and its awareness raising platforms is an asset.
