Job Opportunity: Climate Change Specialist (2 positions) – FAO Regional Office for Africa

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is inviting qualified candidates to apply for two Climate Change Specialist positions within its Regional Office for Africa (RAF). These are six-month consultancy roles, based remotely, with potential for extension. The positions aim to strengthen FAO’s climate change portfolio in Africa, supporting the implementation of regional climate action and sustainable natural resource management priorities.

Organizational Context

FAO plays a pivotal role in achieving the United Nations 2030 Agenda by promoting efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. The Regional Office for Africa leads the Organization’s response to regional food security, agriculture, and rural development challenges. RAF develops and oversees strategic programmes, ensuring alignment with regional priorities and facilitating partnerships to foster capacity development and resource mobilization.

The Climate Change Specialists will be based within the forestry and natural resource management unit in Accra, Ghana, reporting to the Senior Forestry Officer and Delivery Manager responsible for Regional Priority Climate Action and Sustainable Natural Resource Management.

Position Purpose

The Climate Change Specialists will provide technical expertise to support the development, implementation, and dissemination of FAO’s climate change initiatives across Africa. Their work will focus on integrating climate change considerations into agrifood systems, enhancing climate resilience, and promoting sustainable natural resource management. This includes supporting countries with Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), climate finance, carbon markets, loss and damage mechanisms, energy transitions, and gender-related climate issues.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical guidance on sustainable natural resource management aimed at climate-resilient livelihoods, food security, and ecosystem restoration.
• Develop and refine frameworks for Africa’s participation in carbon markets and trade, analyzing ongoing initiatives and documenting lessons learned.
• Identify challenges and capacity-building needs related to carbon market engagement.
• Support countries in climate policy development, access to climate finance, mitigation and adaptation strategies, loss and damage frameworks, and transparency requirements.
• Conduct technical analyses of NDCs, long-term climate strategies, national adaptation plans, and climate finance projects.
• Perform financial and market assessments to inform project and program development.
• Draft project concept notes, proposals, training materials, and technical knowledge products.
• Facilitate organization of technical meetings, workshops, and field missions as needed.
• Collaborate closely with FAO teams and stakeholders to ensure integrated climate action delivery.

Candidate Profile

Applicants should hold an advanced university degree in natural resources, climate change, environmental science, or a related field. A minimum of five years of relevant experience in climate change, forestry, environment, or natural resources management in Africa or other developing regions is required. Fluency in English is essential.

The ideal candidates will demonstrate:

• Strong analytical skills to interpret climate policy, governance frameworks, and complex environmental challenges.
• Experience in developing carbon market frameworks, including case study analysis and documentation of best practices.
• Proven ability to conduct technical evaluations of NDCs, climate finance projects, and adaptation plans.
• Financial and market analysis capabilities related to climate action initiatives.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information to diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with international climate finance mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund, Global Environment Facility, and Adaptation Fund is advantageous.
• Experience working across multiple African contexts and with regional partners.
• Knowledge of additional UN languages, especially French, is a plus.

FAO Core Competencies

Candidates are expected to embody FAO’s core values, including:

• Results focus
• Teamwork
• Effective communication
• Relationship building
• Commitment to knowledge sharing and continuous improvement

FAO Commitment

FAO is dedicated to workforce diversity, encouraging applications from qualified women, nationals of under-represented member states, and persons with disabilities. All candidates must uphold the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct in line with FAO’s zero-tolerance policies on discrimination, harassment, and abuse.

Application Process

Interested candidates should apply online through the FAO recruitment portal by 15 July 2025. Applicants must complete their profiles, upload a letter of motivation, and provide detailed employment and educational records. Only applications submitted through the FAO portal will be considered. FAO does not charge fees at any stage of recruitment.

Applicants may be required to provide references and consent to background and security checks. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

For further assistance, candidates can contact FAO’s client support team via the online helpdesk.

Additional Information

Selected candidates will undergo medical clearance and any necessary accreditation or visa procedures prior to appointment. FAO values environmental sustainability and incorporates it into all its strategic objectives and operations.