Indigenous Peoples Specialist

Overview

The Indigenous Peoples Unit (PSUI) within FAO’s Partnerships and UN Collaboration Division (PSU) seeks a consultant to support the implementation of the FAO Policy on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples. The role involves technical support, capacity development, policy advice and advocacy across seven pillars of work and two focus areas: Indigenous Women and Indigenous Youth.

Responsibilities

• Support implementation of the FAO Policy on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples across the seven pillars of work and two thematic areas.
• Prepare and follow up on Letters of Agreement and Memoranda of Understanding related to the unit’s pillars of work.
• Assist FAO technical units and project teams in integrating Indigenous Peoples work with special attention to Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC).
• Organise and deliver capacity‑development sessions on Indigenous Peoples and FPIC for FAO staff.
• Advise on FPIC content in project design, review and implementation, particularly for high‑risk or Indigenous Peoples‑focused initiatives.
• Support the integration of FPIC into the FAO project cycle, including GEF and GCF projects.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of regional FPIC focal‑point networks.
• Design and conduct FPIC training sessions (virtual and in‑person) at HQ, regional and national levels.
• Analyse and recommend relevant projects and programmes submitted to PSUI by the FAO Programme and Project Review Committee.
• Participate in activities related to the Inter‑Departmental Working Group on Indigenous Peoples, the Rome Group of Friends of Indigenous Peoples and the Indigenous Peoples’ focal‑point network.
• Contribute to the implementation of activities related to Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems, including profiling of Indigenous food systems and technical publications.
• Support activities on Indigenous Collective Rights to natural resources, land and territories, including case studies and working group work.
• Organise and deliver global, regional and national technical meetings and workshops.
• Review and contribute to the preparation of technical reports, lessons‑learned, case studies and project information involving Indigenous Peoples.
• Review and contribute to the preparation of technical studies on specific topics involving Indigenous Peoples, in collaboration with Indigenous and non‑Indigenous organisations and research institutions.
• Liaise with FAO divisions as needed for clearances, technical support and monitoring of ongoing activities.
• Support the unit’s efforts related to resource mobilisation for technical work between FAO and Indigenous Peoples.

Qualifications

• Advanced university degree recognised by the IAU/UNESCO in agricultural sciences, development studies, environmental science, social sciences, anthropology, human rights or a related field; consultants with a bachelor’s degree must have at least two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• At least two years of relevant experience in public or private sectors related to outreach and programming in food and agriculture.
• Full proficiency in at least one UN official language; working knowledge of English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese or Russian.
• Experience working in more than one location or area of work; experience working in the field with Indigenous Peoples.
• Excellent analytical and conceptual skills; Indigenous Peoples and cross‑cultural competency.
• Experience in research involving Indigenous Peoples, data management, project proposal preparation and policy work.
• Ability to operate effectively in a team and contribute positively to team operations and working relationships.
• Experience in FPIC with Indigenous Peoples is required for consultants dealing with FPIC matters; ability to write in at least two UN official languages is a strong asset.

FAO Commitment and Equal Opportunity

• FAO is committed to workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.
• Qualified female applicants, nationals of under‑represented members and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
• All applicants undergo rigorous reference and background checks; applications are treated with strict confidentiality.
• FAO, as a UN Specialised Agency, maintains a zero‑tolerance policy for sexual exploitation, harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.
• Applicants must adhere to FAO values of Commitment, Respect for All, Integrity and Transparency.