Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is Seeking a Senior Technical Officer (P-5) – Climate, Biodiversity & Environment
Job Reference: 2501690
Grade Level: P-5
Application Deadline: 5 August 2025 (11:59 PM CET)
Contract Type: Fixed-term (2 years, renewable)
Location: FAO Headquarters, Rome, Italy
Organizational Context
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations leads international efforts to combat hunger, promote sustainable agriculture, and foster food security for all. Through its Strategic Framework, FAO contributes to the 2030 Agenda by supporting the transformation of agrifood systems into more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable models, with a focus on better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life.
The Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB) plays a central role in addressing the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. It also serves as FAO’s focal point for key multilateral environmental agreements, including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The Office supports countries in securing access to climate finance, such as through the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and coordinates major science-policy platforms, including the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) Programme and the Framework for Environmental and Social Management (FESM).
This position is located within the Programme Support Hub of OCB, which provides scientific and technical analyses to support FAO’s response to climate and environmental challenges through agrifood systems transformation.
Position Summary
The Senior Technical Officer (Climate, Biodiversity, Environment) will provide scientific leadership and strategic technical direction for assessments and modelling on how agrifood systems can address environmental challenges. The role involves designing interdisciplinary research, generating science-policy insights, and contributing to high-level intergovernmental processes. This is a senior-level position reporting directly to the Director of OCB.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead technical and scientific analyses on interactions between agrifood systems and climate, biodiversity, and environmental factors.
- Coordinate cross-sectoral assessments involving macroeconomic modelling, forecasting, scenario planning, and policy impact analysis.
- Conduct applied research using tools such as socioeconomic modelling, multi-criteria analysis, and data visualization.
- Oversee the development of science-policy reports, background studies, and guidance documents aligned with the latest evidence and global policy agendas.
- Represent FAO in intergovernmental forums, technical panels, and high-level scientific meetings (e.g., IPCC, IPBES, CBD, UNFCCC).
- Provide technical leadership for developing methodologies and tools to support integrated assessments and evidence-based policymaking.
- Support FAO’s engagement with multi-stakeholder environmental initiatives, including the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC).
- Contribute to institutional positioning on global environmental issues and advise on programmatic and policy directions.
Minimum Requirements
- Advanced university degree in a relevant discipline such as climate science, economics, statistics, environmental science, or systems modelling.
- At least ten years of relevant experience in science-to-policy research or technical assessments related to agriculture, biodiversity, or the environment.
- Proficiency in English (Level C) and intermediate proficiency in another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish).
Core Competencies
- Results Orientation
- Strategic Thinking
- Leading, Engaging and Empowering
- Communication
- Partnering and Advocating
- Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical and Functional Skills
- Demonstrated expertise in conducting technical assessments and science-policy analyses at national and international levels.
- Strong track record in leading interdisciplinary teams and producing peer-reviewed research or technical publications.
- Deep understanding of climate change, biodiversity, and environmental science in relation to agrifood systems.
- Experience engaging with UN frameworks and conventions such as IPCC, CBD, IPBES, and UNFCCC.
- Familiarity with macroeconomic and policy modelling, foresight methodologies, and scenario analysis.
Additional Information
- Appointment is subject to performance certification, medical clearance, and compliance with residency or visa regulations.
- FAO offers a competitive international compensation package, including:
- 30 working days of annual leave
- Health and life insurance
- Pension plan (UN Joint Staff Pension Fund)
- Education grants, relocation allowances, and home leave travel (where eligible)
- FAO promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and strongly encourages applications from women, nationals of underrepresented member countries, and persons with disabilities.
Application Process
Interested candidates must apply via the FAO career portal
- Complete the online profile and attach a letter of motivation.
- Only applications submitted through the FAO portal will be considered.
- Ensure your educational qualifications are from recognized institutions listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).
Candidates may be required to submit references and authorize verification checks on work history, character, and academic background.
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