Specialist in Dynamic Conservation Action Plan – FAO SIPAM Program (Remote, Brazil)

About FAO and the SIPAM Program

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to fighting global hunger and promoting sustainable agriculture. The Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) initiative recognizes unique agricultural systems worldwide, emphasizing their sustainable management and conservation.

In Brazil, the REDESER project, funded by GEF and implemented by FAO, aims to halt desertification and promote sustainable agriculture practices within Brazil’s semi-arid Caatinga biome. Specifically, the “Fundo de Pasto” communities in Bahia represent a traditional system of communal land use, livestock farming, and sustainable resource management adapted to challenging ecological conditions.

Position Overview

FAO Brazil is seeking a Specialist to develop an Action Plan for the Dynamic Conservation of the “Fundo de Pasto” agricultural system. This plan is essential to support the nomination of this unique agricultural heritage to the GIAHS program, promoting sustainable practices, socio-cultural preservation, and adaptive management.

Location: Home-Based (Brazil)
Duration: 6 months
Application Deadline: July 3, 2025 (11:59 PM)

Key Responsibilities

• Develop a comprehensive methodological approach and timeline for preparing the Action Plan.

• Facilitate participatory workshops and meetings with “Fundo de Pasto” communities and stakeholders to collect essential inputs.

• Identify and analyze threats and challenges affecting system sustainability, including environmental and socioeconomic pressures.

• Map ongoing and planned initiatives at local and regional levels to address these challenges and enhance dynamic conservation.

• Clearly outline stakeholder roles and responsibilities in implementing the Action Plan.

• Draft budget estimates, propose financing sources, and identify strategies to secure necessary resources.

• Develop monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess the effectiveness of the Action Plan.

• Coordinate closely with other consultants working on related GIAHS documentation to ensure coherence.

Minimum Qualifications

• University degree in Agronomy, Geography, Rural Development, Environmental Sciences, Environmental Management, Social Sciences, Anthropology, or related fields.

• Minimum of 6 years’ professional experience in rural appraisals, participatory planning, or rural development.

• Fluent in English and Portuguese (level C).

• Brazilian nationality or valid residency and work permit in Brazil.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Advanced degree (Masters, Ph.D., or specialized studies) in relevant disciplines.

• Experience with participatory methodologies in rural, indigenous, quilombola, or other traditional community contexts.

• Proven experience in preparing budgets and planning documents aligned with international agency requirements.

• Experience facilitating technical workshops and mediating stakeholder engagements.

• Prior involvement with GIAHS site nominations, dynamic conservation plans, or similar projects.

• Field experience in Brazil’s semi-arid regions.

Core Competencies

• Results-oriented approach

• Excellent teamwork skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities

• Capacity for effective relationship-building

• Commitment to knowledge sharing and continuous learning

Application Process

Interested applicants should apply online through the FAO recruitment portal:

1. Complete an accurate and detailed online profile.

2. Attach a motivation letter highlighting relevant experience.

3. Submit your completed application before the deadline.

Only complete applications submitted via the FAO recruitment portal will be considered.

For assistance, please visit FAO client support.

FAO promotes diversity and inclusivity. Qualified female applicants, under-represented nationalities, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.