The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is inviting expressions of interest for the position of Climate Change Specialist under Vacancy Announcement 2600146. This non-staff consultancy opportunity is based in Rome, Italy, with a contract duration of up to 11 months. The role is situated within the Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB) and supports FAO’s global mandate to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation in agrifood systems. Organizational Context FAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to achieving food security for all. Central to this mandate is addressing the interconnected challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental sustainability. The Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB) serves as FAO’s focal point for major multilateral environmental agreements, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The office provides cross-organizational coordination and supports FAO Members in accessing climate and environmental finance, notably through the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). OCB also hosts flagship initiatives such as: Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture Additionally, the office leads FAO Programme Priority Areas on Climate Change and Bioeconomy for Sustainable Food and Agriculture. Role and Technical Focus The Climate Change Specialist will be embedded within the Climate Change Team of OCB, which provides policy advice and technical assistance to FAO Members on climate mitigation, adaptation, transparency, loss and damage, and climate finance. The role focuses on supporting implementation, knowledge development, training, and dissemination of FAO’s climate change portfolio, with particular emphasis on agrifood systems. Assignments will primarily support ongoing projects and programmes at global and country levels. Reporting Lines The incumbent will work under: The overall supervision of the Climate Change Team Leader The direct supervision of a designated Officer within the team For country-level activities, the specialist will collaborate closely with FAO Regional, Country Offices, and national counterparts. Key Tasks and Responsibilities Depending on technical expertise and experience, responsibilities may include: Supporting countries on climate-related topics such as: Mitigation, adaptation, transparency, and loss and damage Climate policy, tools, datasets, technologies, and access to finance Conducting analyses of: Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) Long-Term Strategies (LTS) National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) GEF and GCF-funded projects Performing financial, economic, and market analyses related to: Public and private climate finance flows Investment gaps and financing instruments Undertaking value chain analysis of agricultural commodities Drafting project concept notes, proposals, and investment pipelines Developing and disseminating knowledge products, training materials, and tools Supporting workshops, meetings, and capacity-building activities Reviewing programme and policy documents Participating in country missions and technical consultations Providing technical support for coordination and implementation activities Performing additional duties aligned with FAO’s climate change programme of work Minimum Requirements Candidates will be assessed based on the following criteria: Education Advanced university degree (Consultants) or university degree (PSAs) from an IAU/UNESCO-recognized institution in: Climate change Economics Environmental sciences Agrifood systems Or closely related fields Candidates with a bachelor’s degree must have two additional years of relevant experience (Consultants) Professional Experience Minimum relevant experience: Category C: 1 year Category B: 5 years Category A: 10 years Experience must relate to climate change and food systems, including: Climate policy and analysis Climate risk assessment Climate finance and carbon markets Project development and implementation Private sector engagement Gender and social inclusion Languages Working knowledge of English is required Knowledge of French or Spanish is an asset Core Competencies Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate FAO’s core competencies, including: Results Focus Teamwork Communication Building Effective Relationships Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement Selection Criteria Selection will consider: Depth and relevance of technical expertise in climate change and agrifood systems Experience with GEF, GCF, and climate investment planning Ability to analyze and synthesize policy, environmental, and agrifood data Research and analytical skills with strong written and oral communication Experience in international cooperation and field-based assignments Familiarity with FAO climate tools and initiatives Application Process Applicants must apply through the FAO recruitment portal by completing an online profile and submitting a letter of motivation. Profiles should include accurate employment history, academic qualifications, and language skills. Only applications submitted through the FAO portal will be considered. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Additional Information FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of recruitment All academic qualifications must be from institutions recognized by IAU/UNESCO and listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED) Appointment is subject to medical clearance, background checks, and security requirements FAO is committed to diversity, integrity, confidentiality, and environmental sustainability VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the fellowship organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. 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