Quality Assurance and Innovation Assistant

Details

Mission and objectives

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the Government of Guate-mala signed the Country Programming Framework (CPF) 2022-2025, which defines the na-tional priorities that FAO will address through actions at the country level within the scope of strategic framework. These priorities are intended to guarantee the comparative advantages of FAO to contribute to the achievement of the goals established in national policy instru-ments such as: a) the National Development Plan K’atún Nuestra Guatemala 2032 (CON-ADUR-SEGEPLAN, 2014), b) the National Development Priorities (SEGEPLAN, 2016), c) the General Government Policy 2020-2024; as well as the United Nations Cooperation Framework for the Sustainable Development of Guatemala (MC), and the 2030 Agenda, which contributes to the three Sustainable Development Goals (SDG): SDG1 (no poverty), SDG2 (zero hunger) and SDG10 (reduction of inequalities).

Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations plays a pivotal role in enhancing agricultural productivity and food security worldwide, with a particular focus on supporting rural communities in developing countries. In Guatemala, the FAO’s efforts are directed towards empowering local agricultural sectors, promoting sustainable development practices, and improving livelihoods in rural areas. These initiatives are crucial in a country where agriculture forms the backbone of the economy and sustains most of its population. Guatemala faces significant challenges, including climate change impacts, deforestation, and soil degradation, which threaten agricultural productivity and food security. Additionally, the country’s rural communities often grapple with limited access to markets, financial services, and modern agricultural technologies. In response, the FAO office in Guatemala is implementing a range of projects aimed at addressing these challenges, fostering sustainable agricultural practices, and enhancing the resilience of rural communities.
The UN Volunteer will support the Operations Unit of the FAO office in Guatemala, focusing on quality assurance and innovation. This support is critical for the efficient implementation of FAO’s projects in Guatemala, which include:
1.Sustainable Agricultural Development: Initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable farming practices, improving crop yields, and enhancing the resilience of agricultural systems to climate change.
2.Rural Livelihood Enhancement: Projects designed to improve rural livelihoods through increased access to markets, financial services, and agricultural training programs.
3.Natural Resource Management: Efforts to support the sustainable management of natural resources, including soil conservation, reforestation, and water management practices.
4.Capacity Building and Technical Assistance: Providing technical assistance and training to farmers, agricultural cooperatives, and local institutions to build their capacity in sustainable agricultural practices and business management.
The UN Volunteer will be instrumental in ensuring that our projects and internal processes meet the highest standards of quality and are continuously improved through innovative practices. The volunteer will contribute directly to the success of FAO’s initiatives in Guatemala, ultimately aiding in the improvement of food security and rural development in the country.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the FAO Assistant Representative for Programme, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:
•Assist in the development and implementation of quality assurance policies and procedures.
•Conduct regular checks of operational processes to ensure compliance with established standards.
•Analyze findings and collaborate with the Operations Unit to address any issues or areas for improvement.
•Support the documentation and standardization of best practices within the Operations Unit.
•Research and propose new technologies or systems that could improve the efficiency of the Operations Unit.
•Participate in the planning and execution of pilot projects for innovative operational solutions.
•Support to evaluate the outcomes of innovation initiatives and prepare reports on their effectiveness and potential for wider implementation.
•Engage with various stakeholders, including project teams, suppliers, and partners, to gather feedback on operational processes.
•Stay informed about the latest trends and best practices in quality assurance and operational innovation.