National Professional Officer (Senior Rangeland Management Expert)

FAO; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization is seeking a Senior Rangeland Management Expert to support sustainable rural agricultural development in Saudi Arabia. The role involves managing technical support, conducting assessments, and liaising with government authorities to enhance rangeland management practices.

Qualifications

• Seven years of relevant experience in sustainable rangeland management.
• Proficient in Arabic and intermediate in English.

Responsibilities

• Lead baseline assessments and diagnostic studies of rangelands.
• Prepare proposals, monitor implementation, and recommend improvements.
• Supervise and train staff, ensuring adherence to procedures.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Results Focus

Education

Advanced degree in rangeland conservation

Job description

Job Description
National Professional Officer (Senior Rangeland Management Expert)
Type of Requisition: NPO (National Professional Officer)
## 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 technical and advisory services 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 approved within this framework. It aims to support MoEWA in implementing its flagship sustainable rural agricultural development programme, aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. The project comprises nine components, including the development of coffee Arabica, beekeeping, rose production, sub-tropical fruits, small-scale fisheries and livestock, rain-fed cereals, value addition, and sustainable management of rangelands, forests, and natural resources.

The incumbent will be part of the Programme Management Unit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Reporting Lines

Under the supervision of the Programme Director of the FAO-KSA Technical Cooperation, the Senior Rangeland Management Expert reports directly to the Chief Technical Adviser of the relevant project component.

Technical Focus

Programme development, management, coordination, and operational support, leveraging knowledge of local conditions, culture, language, and institutions in Saudi Arabia.

Key Results

Effective management and coordination of technical and operational support for the programme and project.

Key Functions

• Participate in policy dialogue, advise government authorities, liaise with UN agencies, and represent FAO at inter-agency meetings.
• Promote FAO's image through advocacy, communication tools, and support regulatory frameworks.
• Maintain country data on food, crops, livestock, forestry, fisheries, and external aid; monitor policy changes.
• Lead technical, economic, and policy studies; develop development frameworks like CPF and UNDAF.
• Prepare proposals, monitor implementation, and recommend improvements.
• Supervise and train staff, ensuring adherence to procedures and work quality.

Specific Functions

• Lead baseline assessments and diagnostic studies of rangelands.
• Oversee inventories of rangeland and natural resources; study integrated pest management.
• Assess rangeland carrying capacity, challenges, and manage seed production.
• Evaluate livestock grazing systems, establish pilot sites, and promote best practices.
• Develop environmental, social, and economic profiles for target regions.
• Benchmark sustainable practices, develop criteria and indicators, and assess rainwater harvesting potential.
• Develop partnerships and disseminate project outputs.

Candidates will be assessed against the following

Minimum Requirements

• Saudi Arabian nationality.
• Advanced degree in rangeland conservation, natural resources management, or related field.
• Seven years of relevant experience in sustainable rangeland management and rural development projects.
• Proficient in Arabic and intermediate in English.

Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience in multiple locations, especially field positions.
• Relevant experience in rangeland and natural resources management.
• Understanding of UN/FAO programme and project management procedures.
• Experience in policy analysis related to natural resources, food security, agriculture, and rural development.