Organization: FAO – Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Location: Dhaka
Grade: Consultancy – Consultant – Contractors Agreement
Occupational Groups:
Project and Programme Management
Closing Date: 2024-10-23
CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST – VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT\:
IMPORTANT NOTICE\: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device
FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.
Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply;
Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO’s values
FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
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\:
(i) advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate;
(ii) provide technical assistance and deliver core services;
(iii) assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation;
(iv) position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation;
(v) ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Bangladesh (FAOBD) seeks to provide technical support to the Government of Bangladesh to facilitate the implementation of the Agriculture Sector Transformation Programme (ATP), under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA). This initiative is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and is anticipated to be executed over a period of 38 months. The project aims to achieve several objectives, including\:
• Conducting policy, institutional, and investment gap analyses to inform an effective action plan for agriculture sector transformation.
• Identifying and establishing effective pathways for prioritizing and coordinating resources and partnerships.
• Enhancing collaboration with the private sector.
• Improving the scale and efficacy of investments in agrifood system research and innovation.
• Increasing initiatives to safeguard environmental health, particularly in light of climate vulnerability.
The Technical Advisor (TA) position is crucial for the successful execution of this project, ensuring regular consultations and coordination with key stakeholders while facilitating the attainment of the project’s objectives.
Reporting Lines
The TA will operate under the direct supervision of the FAO Representative in Bangladesh, with support from ethe Deputy FAO Representative in Bangladesh, and collaborating closely with the Assistant FAO Representative for Programme. The TA will receive technical oversight from the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) and will consult with other FAO technical units. Furthermore, the TA will maintain communication with relevant national and international stakeholders to ensure effective coordination and implementation of project activities.
Technical Focus
The technical focus of the assignment includes oversight, management and technical leadership of the Agriculture Sector Transformation Programme (ATP). This includes strategic planning and programming of project activities, development and implementation of annual work plans and budgets, efficient resource utilization, stakeholder engagement, capacity strengthening, and supervision of project team members to ensure timely delivery of outputs.
Tasks and responsibilities
• Provide technical and managerial leadership in implementing project activities of the BMG funded Agriculture Sector Transformation Programme (ATP) to achieve targets, in particular lead all project activities to achieve the project’s goals, monitor progress, and assume overall responsibility for project activities.
• Prepare annual work plans, budgets, and all technical documents; ensure clearance with FAO and the donor and obtain approval from the Programme Steering Committee.
• Lead the execution of work plans, prepare commitment requests for the FAO budget holder, and monitor and report on progress and expenditures in accordance with the requirements of FAO, the Government of Bangladesh (GoB), the Steering Committee, and the donor.
• Supervise and support the technical assistance team, consultants, and support staff in fulfilling their responsibilities.
• Support the finalization of terms of reference (TORs) for all consultants, outlining specific tasks for each mission and oversee the process to streamline program implementation and maximize outcomes across components.
• Engage in the briefing and debriefing of all consultants, thoroughly reviewing their reports following each mission.
• Assist in compiling lists of materials to be procured under each program component.
• Develop comprehensive plans for training/workshops and clearly define implementation modalities, including Memoranda of Understanding/Letters of Agreement (MoU/LoA) for each project component.
• Liaise directly with the donor regarding project activities as needed throughout the project duration.
• Monitor each workstream according to the program document, conducting half-yearly and yearly reviews, and recommend amendments as necessary to reflect progress and ongoing learning.
• Contribute to active fundraising efforts to support program development, including identifying new proposal ideas, drafting concept notes and project proposals, and prepare briefing materials as required by FAO and/or the donor.
• Support communication and visibility initiatives through tailored communication products, including presentations, media outreach, speeches, interview discussion points, press releases, Op-Ed, articles, etc. utilizing various platforms such as web, photo/video, social media, and press releases, in close coordination with the project’s monitoring focal person.
• Participate in relevant in-country multi-stakeholder work streams and platforms and support the expansion of existing partnerships with relevant GoB institutions, donor community and other development partners working on agriculture sector transformation agenda in Bangladesh.
• By the project’s conclusion, prepare a final report and draft a terminal project report in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
• Undertake any other tasks assigned by the FAO Representative, Deputy FAO Representative and/or the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme).
FAO Standards and guidelines\:
• Liaison with OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, aligned messaging, and appropriate review and clearance processes.
• All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including\:
FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31\: https\://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/en
FAO social media policy and guidelines\: https\://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia
Social Media Branding Guidelines\: https\://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044en
FAOSTYLE https\://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb8081en
FAO terminology http\://www.fao.org/faoterm
FAO Names Of Countries https\://www.fao.org/nocs/en
Story guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (available to staff).
• Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree in agricultural economics, or a relevant subject area;
• At least seven years’ experience in agricultural transformation / agricultural systems management/development activities including seven years’ experience in programme management, working with governments in developing country situations covering a wide range of activities in agricultural sector
• Working knowledge (level C) of English
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Demonstrated competency in researching, planning, managing and executing programmes in complex situations.
• Extend and relevance of work experience in agriculture/food systems programming
• High-level managerial, supervisory, analytical and negotiating skills with demonstrated ability to lead a team of professionals and to exercise sound judgement.
• Ability to work under pressure independently within an interdisciplinary team of personnel with different educational backgrounds and cultural orientations.
• Ability to communicate credibly and effectively and to represent FAO in dealings with government, UN agencies, bilateral and multilateral agencies and non-government organizations.
• Demonstrated skills in managing and working with people at all levels
• Skills in advocacy, tact versatility and a high degree of discretion and integrity
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work is an asset
Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing)
Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list
Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http\://www.whed.net/
For more information, visit the FAO employment website
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
HOW TO APPLY
• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.
If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance\: https\://fao.service-now.com/csp
FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT