Nature-Based Livelihoods Specialist at Food and Agriculture Organization Of the United Nations

Technical Focus 

• The Nature-Based Livelihoods Specialist will play a crucial role in the UK PACT project focused on rehabilitating coastal ecosystems and enhancing the climate resilience of mangrove ecosystems, alongside their associated forest and fisheries communities.
• This specialist will lead initiatives to develop sustainable livelihoods rooted in nature-based practices and value chains, promoting community engagement, gender inclusion, and private sector partnerships.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Formulate and advocate for guidelines supporting mangrove-friendly aquaculture, sustainable small-scale fisheries, and co-management of mangrove ecosystems.
• Develop and implement sustainable income-generating fishery activities and value chains within and around mangrove ecosystems.
• Establish Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to create nature-based value chains that reduce pressure on mangrove ecosystems while generating benefits.
• Facilitate market linkages, access to resources, and value-chain financing through contract farming and partnerships.
• Develop opportunities for PPPs that strengthen agricultural, forestry, fisheries, and ecotourism value chains.
• Implement gender-sensitive interventions for integrated agricultural, forestry, and fishing practices.
• Train communities in sustainable income-generating fishery activities and value chains, focusing on women and youth participation.
• Conduct Train-the-Trainers workshops for state officials, NGOs/CBOs on technical and managerial aspects of nature-based livelihoods.
• Build community capacity for using the Integrated Mangrove Fish Farming System (IMFFS) to enhance resilience.
• Empower vulnerable community members in establishing community-based finance systems.
• Profile and assess vulnerability of households dependent on mangroves and fisheries.
• Collaborate with the Gender and Social Inclusion Specialist to implement GESI activities, including eliminating gender-based violence and child labour.
• Empower women through sensitization, training, and empowerment activities based on the Gender Action Plan.
• Provide capacity building and institutional strengthening to ensure maintenance of proposed income-generating activities.
• Develop bankable business plans for sustainable nature-based economic activities.
• Prepare project reports, documenting lessons learned and best practices.
• Collaborate with other project experts to share project impacts and successes.
• Perform other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree or advanced university degree in relevant natural or social sciences (Fisheries and Aquaculture, Natural Resource Economics, Agroecology, Integrated Production Systems, Climate Change Adaptation).
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in developing climate-resilient mixed production systems, sustainable fisheries, pastoralism systems, and nature-based value chains.
• Working knowledge of English.
• Nigerian nationality.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

• Work experience in diverse locations and areas.
• Familiarity with project management and development.
• Strong command of English and excellent communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and experience working with diverse stakeholders.
• Knowledge of economic and social development, agriculture, and social protection policies.
• Experience working with government counterparts, financial institutions, and private sector entities.
• Previous experience in community development and mobilization.
• Strong team-building and cross-cultural skills.