Organizational Setting
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.
The Office of Emergencies and Resilience (OER) is responsible for coordinating technical, operational, and administrative support for FAO country offices in fragile contexts, working closely with technical divisions/offices/centres and regional and subregional offices to empower rural people to anticipate agricultural threats, respond effectively to food crises, reduce risks, and build lasting resilience. OER coordinates the development and maintenance of corporate tools and standards to enable Decentralized Offices (DOs) to assist Members to prepare for and respond to food crises and strengthen capacities of national and subnational institutions and partners for resilience and risk-informed development. Moreover, OER plays a key role in informing and advising FAO Members, resource partners, and global policy fora on acute food insecurity and food crises.
Accordingly, OER supports FAO DOs to assess and design context-responsive programmes, advocate for the role of agriculture as a cost-efficient solution, mobilize resources and timely deliver technically sound programmes at scale, structuring its work around three interconnected functional areas: 1) data analytics, evidence and learning; 2) programme development, resourcing and operational support; and 3) strategic positioning and advocacy.
Reporting Lines
The Consultant reports to the Emergency and Rehabilitation Officer.
Techincal Focus
Support the implementation of FAO’s emergency and resilience agenda at a global, regional, sub-regional and/or country level.
Tasks and responsibilities
OPERATIONAL SUPPORT:
• Provide operational management and programmatic support to the implementation of emergency projects and programmes, including budgetary management and expenditures monitoring;
• Handle day-to-day operational aspects of emergency response projects and programmes in accordance with the project management cycle from initiation phase to operational and financial closure;
• Assist the Budget Holder in the overall management of the emergency and resilience portfolio, including budget allocations, budget revisions, etc.;
• Liaise between programme and procurement units to ensure timely delivery of assistance to beneficiaries, following project workplans, budget availability and in accordance with relevant manual sections;
• Oversee recruitment, renewal of contracts and travel arrangements of all deployed/mission personnel following budget availability and in collaboration with the admin unit;
• Coordinate the production and clearance of supporting documents (concept notes, project documents, financial and narrative reports, visibility materials);
• Ensure preparedness of the country office to scale up following emerging needs or emergencies;
• Support capacity development of operations unit at the country-level, including by attending appropriate meetings and trainings at sub-regional, regional and HQ level.
PROGRAMMING:
• Research, input and analyze technical, food and nutrition security assessments, emergency response, policy related and/or funding/project related data and information to support the development and delivery of programme and projects, products and services;
• Participate in the design of emergency and resilience projects and programmes, including the preparation and presentation of project proposals and fully-fledged project documents and budgets;
• Liaise with other government, UN, cluster/sector, NGO and donor partners at the appropriate level to ensure the best preparation and implementation of emergency and resilience activities;
• Maintain and update key country-level food security/needs information and response, information systems and databases, as applicable.
OTHER:
• Undertake travel and field visits to ensure adequate support is provided to the implementation of emergency and resilience projects and programmes;
• Perform other duties as required.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• University degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in a discipline relevant to the mandate of the Organization;
• At least 1 year (Category C), 5 years (Category B) or 10 years (Category A) experience in humanitarian and agricultural/rural development sectors including work experience with national and international NGOs, UN agencies, governments and donors;
• Working knowledge of English or French (level C).
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work;
• Excellent organizational skills;
• Good communication skills, including in emergency settings;
• Demonstrated ability to analyze problems, make appropriate recommendations, effective decisions, including in emergency settings;
• Strong foundation in programme formulation, planning, implementation, evaluation and budget management.
Selection Criteria
• Limited knowledge (level B) of a second FAO language (English, Arabic, French, Chinese, Spanish and Russian) would be an asset.
This position is no longer open.