Junior Technical Specialist

Organizational Setting

The FAO Sub-Regional Office for the Caribbean (FAO - SLC), based in Barbados, supports Member Countries in advancing sustainable, inclusive, and resilient agri-food systems across the region. The Office provides technical assistance, policy advice, and capacity development across agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and natural resource management, in alignment with national priorities and global development frameworks.

FAO- SLC works closely with governments, regional institutions, and development partners to design and implement programmes that address key challenges such as food security and nutrition, climate change, environmental sustainability, and disaster risk management. The Office facilitates knowledge exchange, promotes the adoption of innovative practices, and strengthens institutional capacities to improve productivity, sustainability, and resilience.

The Office manages a growing portfolio of climate resilience, ecosystem-based adaptation, disaster risk reduction and management and environmental and natural resources conservation projects across the Caribbean and works closely with the respective Governments to build sustainable, climate and disaster resilient, and nature-positive agri-food systems.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the Subregional Coordinator for the Caribbean, the Junior Technical Specialist reports to the GEF Task Manager for the Caribbean, and will work in coordination with technical officers, consultants and other members of the multi-disciplinary teams.  

Technical Focus

Providing administrative and technical support towards programme and project development and implementation.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Provide technical support for the planning and implementation of activities related to food security and nutrition, climate change, and environmental sustainability within the Subregional Office for the Caribbean.
•    Conduct desk research to justify proposed intervention actions for SLC Projects. 
•    Provide technical support to SLC Technical and Programme Officers and Consultants in the implementation of projects by maintaining ongoing communication with teams in project countries and providing timely guidance and support as needed.
•    Provide support through close collaboration with SLC technical and programme officers and consultants in following up on the planning and implementation of project activities, including monitoring and evaluation.
•    Liaise with Admin staff to support timely and appropriate oversight on all travels, procurement, human resources and financial transactions according to the existing rules and regulations, adhering to the rules of transparency, accountability, fairness and best value for money.
•    Provide support for convening meetings with relevant stakeholders and responsible representatives from government, civil society, regional and international bodies, private sector, and academia.
•    Support the Programme Team in compiling and maintaining relevant project documentation for the project’s FPMIS page.
•    Provide support in the preparation and monitoring of reports for submission to donors and FAO’s corporate systems.
•    Support the coordination and delivery of awareness building sessions with partners, focusing on specific areas of capacity development.
•    Perform any other related duties and activities as required by supervisor.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    Advanced University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in international relations, development studies, climate change, agriculture, environmental sciences, natural resource management or other related disciplines. Consultants with bachelor`s degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
•    At least 1 year of progressive professional experience in development projects for climate resilience, biodiversity conservation or sustainable agriculture.  
•    Working knowledge of English (Level C)

FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Computer literacy is required 
•    Quality of both oral and written communication skills
•    Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
•    Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and partners developing effective working relationships
•    Experience with UN system is considered an asset.