National Professional Officer (Senior National Parks Management Expert

CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST - VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.

• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented member nations and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold our values. FAO has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and FAO, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.

• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

• The incumbent may be re-assigned to different activities and/or duty stations depending on the evolving needs of the Organization.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

Organizational Setting

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

The Programme Management Unit (PMU) of the FAO-Saudi Technical Cooperation Programme (2019-2025) facilitates, coordinates and manages all technical and advisory services to be provided by FAO to the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MoEWA). The project 'UTF/SAU/051/SAU Strengthening MoEWA's Capacity to Implement the Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Programme' is the first project that has been approved within this framework.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the Programme Director of the FAO-Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) Technical Cooperation, the National Professional Officer (Senior National Parks Management Expert) reports directly to the Chief Technical Adviser of the Project Component “Strengthening MoEWA's capacity in sustainable management of rangelands, forests and natural resources to support rural livelihoods”.

Technical Focus

Support the technical capacity of the National Centre for Vegetation Cover and Combating Desertification (NCVC) on sustainable management of National Parks.

Key Functions

1. Participates in policy dialogue and advises government authorities, local, national and international institutions in the areas of FAO's activities and liaises with other UN agencies.
2. Promotes the image of FAO through advocacy of the Organization's mandate, programmes, national priorities and activities.
3. Coordinates and manages the maintenance of country data on food, crops, livestock, forestry and fisheries.
4. Takes the lead in producing technical, economic and policy studies as well as developing country level development frameworks.
5. Identifies, formulates and coordinates the preparation of programme and project proposals.
6. Briefs, trains and supervises lower grade level programme staff regarding all aspects of the job.

Specific Functions

1. Participates in policy dialogues and technical advisory support to the NCVC.
2. Coordinates and manages the implementation of need-based technical training programmes and courses to NCVC staff.
3. Takes the lead in producing a stakeholders and community engagement plan or strategy in National Parks development and management.
4. Contributes to and supports the promotion of outreach programmes on conservation education.
5. Supports the development of guidelines, manuals and applicable standard operating procedures.
6. Develops standard methodology for determining visitor carrying capacity in KSA National Parks.
7. Contributes to the formulation of an FAO National Park subcomponent workplan.
8. Briefs and supports both the NCVC National Park department and the FAO team on any activities upon request.
9. Performs other duties as required.

Minimum Requirements

1. National of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
2. Advanced university degree in parks conservation, natural resource management, sustainable tourism and protected area management, or any related field.
3. Seven years of relevant experience in conservation, recreation tourism development and sustainable management of National Parks.
4. Working knowledge (full proficiency – level C) of Arabic and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency – level B) of English.

Competencies

1. Results Focus
2. Teamwork
3. Communication
4. Building effective relationships
5. Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

1. Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable.
2. Extent and relevance of experience in natural resource conservation and protected area management.
3. Demonstrated understanding of the purposes and functions of National Parks in KSA.
4. Extent and relevance of experience in effective community engagement approaches to conservation.

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills.

• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile.

• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.

• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks.

• Incomplete applications will not be considered.

• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered.

FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT