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.

FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO’s goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level.

The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources.

Specifically, FAO Country Offices:

•    advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate;
•    provide technical assistance and deliver core services;
•    assist and catalyze partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation;
•    position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and
•    ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management

Reporting Lines

This is an SC-11 level position, and the incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Bangladesh and direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme), in close collaboration with LTO, HQ Technical Officer at PST, and liaison with different the Project Formulation Team.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will support the design and implementation of the Technical Assistance of the PARTNER project, focusing on precision agriculture, mechanization, and innovation, while leading FAO’s engagement with relevant institutions and contributing to proposal development and fundraising initiatives.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Support FAOR for preparation of UTFs under World Bank and IFAD-funded “Program on Agricultural and Rural Transformation, Nutrition, Entrepreneurship, and Resilience in Bangladesh (PARTNER)” project.
•    Ensure clear communication and coordination to address their requirements for finalizing the signing process of the Unilateral Trust Fund (UTF), following the agreed format.
•    Support the representation in drafting the presentation and Priority Investment Plan for the Crop Sector for the high-level delegation attending the Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum.
•    Focus on key areas such as mechanization, precision agriculture, cold chain development, and solar irrigation pumps (SIPs) to align with national priorities and attract potential investments.
The incumbent will also provide strategic support to the FAO Representative (FAOR) on key aspects of agricultural transformation and ongoing agricultural reforms across the crop, livestock, and fisheries subsectors. This includes:
•    Analyse current trends, policies, and reforms in agriculture to identify opportunities and challenges for sustainable sectoral growth.
•    Offer expert guidance on best practices, innovations, and policy frameworks that can enhance productivity, resilience, and sustainability in the agricultural sector.
•    Providing recommendations for aligning FAO’s strategies with national and regional agricultural reform agendas.
•    Support to FAO representation on various policy dialogues, stakeholder engagements, and technical discussions related to agricultural transformation.
•    Support FAOR to advocate for policies and programs that foster agricultural development.
•    Identify key platforms, forums, and partnerships where FAO can enhance its influence and contribute effectively to discussions on agricultural transformation and sectoral reforms.
•    Contribute to developing new proposal ideas, drafting of concept notes and project proposals, preparation of briefing notes and briefs, related to agriculture innovation and sustainable mechanization.
•    Perform any other duties that may be required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements  

•    Advanced university degree in agricultural engineering, agriculture or related field.
•    At least ten (10) or above years of demonstrated experience in teaching, research and implementing projects related to precision agriculture, agricultural mechanization, agriculture, food and nutrition and project cycle management.
•    Working knowledge of (level C) English
•    National of Bangladesh

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

Technical Skills:

•    In-depth knowledge of precision agriculture, mechanization, and sustainable agricultural practices, with a focus on enhancing productivity and resilience in Bangladesh.
•    Proven experience in development proposals, including needs assessments, budget planning, and timeline creation.
•    Expertise in agricultural innovations, including gene bank automation, systems development for information management, and advanced mechanization technologies.
•    Experience in managing multi-partner projects, specifically in collaboration with governmental institutions, and international organizations.
•    Skilled in preparing concept notes, and proposals to secure funding and enhance FAO’s technical assistance in the agricultural sector.
•    Competence in monitoring, reporting, and evaluating agricultural projects, ensuring the successful implementation of activities and outcomes.
•    Ability to prepare technical reports, briefings, and strategic documents related to agricultural mechanization and innovation.

Functional Skills:

•    Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills – Capability to assess risks, identify gaps, and propose solutions.
•    Collaboration & Teamwork – Ability to work in multi-sectoral and inter-agency settings, fostering partnerships.
•    Adaptability & Flexibility – Capacity to work in fast-changing environments, particularly in emergencies.
•    Time Management & Multitasking – Ability to handle multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and manage workloads efficiently.
•    Proficiency in IT Tools – Skills in using Microsoft Office, and other relevant project management software.