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

The Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) is responsible for leading FAO’s response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO’s priority activities in the region. It oversees the network of Country Offices and the Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands (SAP).

It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the region, and, in collaboration with Divisions, Offices and Centres at headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO’s strategic response to regional priorities and the implementation of the Organization’s strategies through programmes and projects across the region.

The position is located in the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) in Bangkok, Thailand.

Reporting Lines

The Land and Water Officer reports to the RAP Senior Resilience Officer under the overall guidance of the Regional Programme Leader (RPL) and the Assistant Director-General/Regional Representative (ADG/RR) for Asia and the Pacific.

Technical Focus

Water resources management.

Key Results
Comprehensive technical and policy expertise to support the planning, development and implementation of regional programmes, projects, products and services in accordance with regional objectives and the FAO Strategic Framework.

Key Functions

• Plans and leads components of multidisciplinary teams; leads and/or participates in internal committees, project teams and working groups and/or provides specialized expertise on technical networks and/or international technical policy standard setting bodies. 
• Develops technical, analytical, monitoring and reporting frameworks and related methodologies, tools, systems and databases, etc. to support the planning, implementation/delivery and monitoring of programmes of work, projects, products and/or services. 
• Designs and conducts research, data collection, validation, analysis and/or reporting activities to support the development of technical standards, international instruments, innovative approaches and strategies, new tools, technologies, technical reports/publications and/or policy proposals as well as the provision of technical/policy/specialist/advice and expertise. 
• Responds to country requests for technical and policy assistance, provides technical advice, assistance and solutions to Decentralized Offices as well as technical backstopping to field projects. 
• Collaborates in, provides technical backstopping to and ensures the quality/effectiveness of capacity development and knowledge sharing activities within member countries such as policy support, organizational development and individual learning events including preparation of related information, learning materials and on-line tools. 
• Promotes international cooperation/advocates best practices and increased policy dialogue and provides technical expertise at international/intergovernmental meetings. 
• Participates in resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework. 

Specific Functions

• Manages the water team within the RAP Land and Water Module, consisting of non-staff human resources highly specialized in water management and irrigation. 
• Leads the development and implementation of FAO’s programmes of work on water resources management in Asia and the Pacific, in line with the FAO Conceptual Framework on Integrated Land and Water Resources Management, ensuring alignment with regional priorities and the FAO Strategic Framework and synergies with other programme areas. This includes, but is not limited to, analysis of global and regional trends and Members’ demands and identification of strategic priorities as well as opportunities for FAO in water resources management. 
• Acts as a focal point and leads regional efforts in the collection and regular updating of key information and data on water resources, water use in agriculture, transboundary water management and subsequent applied research, policy development, institutional capacity building, guidelines and tools development and training to promote integrated water resources development and management. 
• Contributes to regional perspectives and priorities in water resources management to support FAO’s periodic planning and programming exercises and  reviews of the FAO Strategic Framework. 
• Leads the development, resource mobilization and implementation of water programmes and projects such as the Water Scarcity Programme, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) International Waters Programme and other water and irrigation activities to access climate and financial mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the Adaptation Fund. 
• Develops strategic partnerships with regional inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations, development partners and other stakeholders, ensuring the necessary consistency of approaches in water management, through consultations with relevant colleagues in FAO headquarters and functional technical networks. 
• Contributes to the overall RAP programme of work and agrifood systems transformation in the region from the perspective of water resources management and advises on national/regional needs and projects for the sustainable development, management and conservation of water resources. 
• Performs other related duties as required. 

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

• Advanced university degree in hydrology, water resources management, natural resources management, environment or a related field of the organization. 
• Seven years of relevant experience in water resources management and natural resources/environmental related activities, including but not limited to water accounting, allocation, water planning and agricultural water management. 
• Working knowledge (proficiency – level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency – level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish). 

Competencies

• Results Focus 
• Teamwork 
• Communication 
• Building effective relationships 
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement 

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable. 
• Extent and relevance of knowledge of water resources assessment/management tools and methods including geo-spatial analysis. 
• Extent and relevance of experience in analysing water resources, management issues and capacity development needs. 
• Extent and relevance of experience in working with government agencies and diverse stakeholders. 
• Extent and relevance of experience in planning and implementing programmes and projects related to water resources management in development organizations. 
• Ability to mobilize resources. 
• Understanding of FAO policies and programmes is considered a strong asset.