Overview
Job Description - Agrobiodiversity and Nature-Based Solution Specialist (2600305)
Agrobiodiversity and Nature-Based Solution Specialist
CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST - VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT : 2600305
Organization: RAP - Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (Bangkok)
Job Type: Non-staff opportunities | Type of Requisition: Consultant | Primary Location: Home-Based
Job Posting: 12/Feb/2026 | Closure Date: 12/Mar/2026, 11:59:00 PM
Post Number: N/A
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device.
FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture. Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-underrepresented Members and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.
Organizational Setting
FAO is recognized as the lead UN technical organization in the fight to eradicate hunger, eliminate rural poverty, and promote sustainable agriculture, fisheries and livestock development while promoting sustainable management of the environment and natural resources for the benefit of communities and rural people in need.
In Asia-Pacific Region, with support from GEF, member states and partners, FAO is implementing projects promoting dynamic conservation and sustainable utilization of agrobiodiversity and addressing adverse impacts on the environment due to extensive cropping systems of main crops. Several GEF projects in this region are being carried out on agrobiodiversity and nature-based solutions for agrifood systems transformation, including three from China, GEF6 on agrobiodiversity, GEF7 on transformation of food production systems and agro-ecological landscapes, and GEF8 on low carbon agrifood systems, as well as one project in Indonesia, GEF7 on crop diversity conservation for sustainable use.
All four projects are expected to have a large-scale transformational impact on food systems, by targeting a transformation of agrobiodiversity conservation and utilization and low-carbon crop production landscapes, and by supporting integrated production systems and restoration of degraded land, and value chains. This will result in reduced GHG emissions and nutrient runoff, and improved biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Reporting Lines
The Specialist will be under the supervision of the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) as the Budget Holder, Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific FAO, with direct technical supervision by FAO Agriculture Officer (Plant Production).
Technical Focus
The Specialist will provide technical support to the projects with a comprehensive review of status, challenges, and opportunities of selected crops in the agro-ecological landscape transformation in the Asia-Pacific region.
Tasks and Responsibilities
* Build scientific and technical capacity on key areas, such as conservation and utilization of agrobiodiversity, sustainable intensive crop production, sustainable landscape management, nature-based solution in crop production and value chain, and low-carbon agrifood systems, through analysis, consultation, knowledge exchange, and collaborative on-site demonstration projects in the Asia and Pacific region, mostly China and Indonesia.
* Work with the LTO and focal point of GEF project at FAO country office through technical support and coordination with the project teams for the execution of activities according to the prescribed work plan.
* Assist the LTO to provide technical advice and support on project activities related to sustainable food production practices and responsible agri-food value chains for staple crops (rice, wheat, maize) by analyzing cutting-edge technologies, best practices, and policy landscapes (e.g., mapping studies on new/ improved standards, fertilizer reduction, pesticide reduction, and soil organic matter).
* Assist the LTO to provide technical advice and support on conservation and restoration of agroecosystems and biodiversity by analyzing latest methodologies and best practices on carbon emission reduction and carbon sequestration in plant production in the Asia region.
* Assist the LTO to provide technical advice and support on dynamic conservation and sustainable utilization of agrobiodiversity for on-farm management of local varieties and sustainable production and value chain development of crop-derived commodities through market and non-market incentives.
* Assist the LTO to provide technical advice and support on knowledge management and M&E, documenting case studies, organizing training workshops, seminars, and knowledge-sharing platforms focused on plant and environment, agroecology, and GEF-related programmes across the Asia-Pacific region (e.g., regional sharing workshop under FOLUR IP).
* Participate in regional and national project-related workshops/consultations/meetings for progress review and knowledge sharing.
* Participate in supervisory inspection missions as requested.
* Support task force activities in formulating GEF9 projects related to food systems integrated programme in the region, especially for China and Indonesia.
* Perform any other related tasks as may be required.
Candidates Will Be Assessed Against the Following
* Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by IAU/UNESCO in agrifood systems, environmental sciences or related field. Consultants with a bachelor’s degree require two additional years of relevant experience.
* Minimum two years of research experience on plants and environment, ideally in China and/or Indonesia.
* Working knowledge (proficiency level C) of English and Chinese.
FAO Core Competencies
Technical/Functional Skills
* Relevant experience in working with a wide range of partners, including governments and research institutions.
* Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable.
* Experience in designing, collecting, and analyzing technical information and data; preparing, editing, and revising technical/scientific documents; organizing international meetings and workshops.
* Experience in working with governments, research institutions, and multidisciplinary teams.
Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
* FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing).
* FAO will consider academic credentials only from institutions recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list.
* Higher educational qualifications must be from an institution accredited/recognized in the WHED (IAU/UNESCO).
* Appointment is subject to medical fitness, accreditation, residency/visa requirements, and security clearances.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. Attach a letter of motivation and submit your application. FAO emphasizes that credentials should align with ISCED mappings and WHED recognition.
Please note: Additional information may be requested to verify past employment, education, and other qualifications. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications are accepted only through the FAO recruitment portal.
If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp
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