Job Description Sand Encroachment Control Specialist
Primary Location
: Saudi Arabia-Riyadh
Organizational Setting
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 the framework of FAO-Saudi Technical Cooperation Programme (2019-2025). The project will provide technical and advisory assistance to the MoEWA in implementing its flagship Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development programme that has recently been approved within the context of the National Transformation Programme of the Saudi Vision 2030. The project expected results will be achieved through implementation of nine project components: 1) Development of coffee Arabica production, processing and marketing; 2) Development of beekeeping and honey production; 3) Development of rose production and trade; 4) Development of sub-tropical fruits production, processing and marketing; 5) Strengthening capacity of small-scale fishermen and fish farmers; 6) Strengthening capacity of small-scale livestock herders; 7) Development of rain-fed cereals production; 8) Enhancing value addition from smallholdings and rural activities; and 9) Strengthening MoEWA’s capacity in sustainable management of rangelands, forests and natural resources to support rural livelihoods.
An overall plan and budget is developed and approved, including activities and outputs that are expected to be accomplished under each component. Requirements for international technical expertise of each component have been identified. In order to ensure a coordinated, smooth, timely and successful implementation of the project, long-term competent international technical advisors will be appointed as Component Technical Advisors to each of the nine components. Each Component Technical Advisors will be supported by a team of international consultants and experts who are technical specialists in the subject matters of the various outputs and activities.
Reporting Lines
The Specialist will report to the Land Desertification Control Technical Advisor under the overall guidance of the NRM component Chief Technical Advisor and FAO Programme Director in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Technical Focus
Contribute to the accomplishment of the project Outcome 2.5: “Innovative practices and technologies for sand fixation and sand encroachment control developed and promoted”.
Tasks and responsibilities
• Review published information, reports, and documents, and benchmark best practices and lesson learnt from national and international experience on sand dune fixation and sand encroachment control.
• Assess the affected areas using high resolution satellite data to confirm the presence of sand deposits, dunes, and sand encroachment in KSA.
• Identify and document sand encroachment triggering factors and prepare maps showing the priority triggers and affected areas.
• Support the selection, setup, operation, and maintenance of a wind erosion and sand encroachment monitoring station at a selected pilot locations following international standards and best practices.
• Develop models of sand movements and generates sand encroachment risk map showing potential encroachment risk areas in KSA.
• Identify, document, and where necessary modify existing innovative technology to control sand encroachment in KSA.
• Support the setup of sand dune fixation and sand encroachment control pilot demonstration sites in affected regions.
• Design tailored training modules on relevant topics on sand encroachment control including source mapping and risk/vulnerability assessment.
• Assist with the organization of workshops and meetings, including training of experts and stakeholders.
• Support developing of the related strategies and plans.
• Any other duties pertaining to this consultancy as may be determined by the FAO .
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• Advanced University degree in natural resource management, environmental policy, development economics or related discipline.
• A minimum of 7 years of working experience related to the above disciplines, including in-depth knowledge in monitoring sand encroachment stations, good practices, including sand dunes fixation and reducing sand encroachment related issues and sustainable land/water management and restoration policies, programs.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English for Personal Service Agreement, For COF, working knowledge (level C) of English and limited knowledge (level B) of another FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish and Russian)
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Demonstrated knowledge on desertification, land degradation, ecosystem monitoring, sand encroachment particularly modelling, mapping and Geo-informatics.
• Solid knowledge of the UNCCD, related UN and intergovernmental processes.
• In-depth knowledge of climate change, arid ecosystem and desertification and land degradation.
FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing) Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at For more information, visit the Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
HOW TO APPLY
• To apply, visit the recruitment website at 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
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.
If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance:
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