National Professional Officer (Honeybee Expert)

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The length of appointment for internal FAO candidates will be established in accordance with applicable policies pertaining to the extension of appointments

• 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 member nations 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 our values. FAO has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and FAO, 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
• The incumbent may be re-assigned to different activities and/or duty stations depending on the evolving needs of the Organization.

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.

Organizational Setting

The Programme Management Unit (PMU) of the FAO-Saudi Technical Cooperation Programme (2019-2025) facilitates, coordinates and manages all technical and advisory services to be provided by FAO to the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MoEWA). The project UTF/SAU/051/SAU Strengthening MoEWA’s Capacity to Implement the Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Programme is the first project that has been approved within the framework of FAO-Saudi Technical Cooperation Programme (2019-2025). The project will provide technical and advisory assistance to the MoEWA in implementing its flagship sustainable rural agricultural development programme that has recently been approved within the context of the National Transformation Programme of the Saudi Vision 2030. The project expected results will be achieved through implementation of nine project components: 1) Development of coffee Arabica production, processing and marketing; 2) Development of beekeeping and honey production; 3) Development of rose production and trade; 4) Development of sub-tropical fruits production, processing and marketing; 5) Strengthening capacity of small-scale fishermen and fish farmers; 6) Strengthening capacity of small-scale livestock herders; 7) Development of rain-fed cereals production; 8) Enhancing value addition from smallholdings and rural activities; and 9) Strengthening MoEWA’s capacity in sustainable management of rangelands, forests and natural resources to support rural livelihoods.

The position is located in the premises of the FAO-Saudi Technical Cooperation Programme in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the Programme Director of the FAO-KSA Technical Cooperation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the National Professional Officer (Honeybee Expert) reports directly to the Chief Technical Adviser of the Project “Strengthening MoEWA’s Capacity to Implement the Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Programme”.

Technical Focus

Programme development and management, coordination and operational support based on the knowledge of the local conditions, culture, language, and institutions of Saudi Arabia.

Key Results

Effective and efficient management and coordination of the technical and operational support of the programme and project.

Key Functions

• Participates in policy dialogue and advises government authorities, local, national and international institutions in the areas of FAO’s activities and liaises with other UN agencies. Represents FAO at inter-agency meetings.
• Promotes the image of FAO through advocacy of the Organization’s mandate, programmes, national priorities and activities including the coordination of development and maintenance of communication tools such as website, press releases and publications, and supports the implementation of FAO’s regulatory frameworks (Codex Alimentarius, Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, Safe Use of Pesticides, etc.) in the country.
• Coordinates and manages the maintenance of country data on food, crops, livestock, forestry and fisheries, including information on external aid in FAO’s corporate systems and monitor and communicate changes in national policies affecting the agricultural sector.
• Takes the lead in producing technical, economic and policy studies as well as developing country level development frameworks such as the Country Programming Framework (CPF) and the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF).
• Identifies, formulates and coordinates the preparation of programme and project proposals, monitors FAO field programme implementation, ensuring that all operational activities are carried out in line with the work plan and the project document, and makes recommendations on how to improve results and increase efficiency.
• Briefs, trains and supervises lower grade level programme staff regarding all aspects of the job. Ensures adherence to procedures and work requirements and accuracy and diligence of the work provided.
• Performs other duties as required.

Specific Functions

• Advises and coordinates with the FAO Programme Director, liaises with the PMU and the MoEWA to ensure the flow of cooperation and coordination in the planning, implementation and monitoring of progress of the project component in accordance with the project document.
• Works in close collaboration with and ensures timely and full coordination with the Project Focal Points to facilitate the implementation of the Project, prepares periodical reports.
• Assists the sector review of beekeeping and honey industry, production, processing and marketing, and the organization of diagnostic studies to give directions to the sustainable development of the sector.
• Contributes to the identification of important local honeybee species, subspecies and eventually races present in each of the target regions; develops and implements a national breeding programme for queens and honeybees including contribution to the establishment of queen and bee breeding centres.
• Contributes to the identification, testing and promotion of locally adapted subspecies/races and the use of appropriate modern beehives among small local beekeepers/producers and their associations.
• Leads pilot tests of appropriate innovations and technological packages for apiary management including health and disease control, designs and implements a programme for the promotion of small beekeepers in target regions.
• Makes suggestions for improvement of the beekeeping physical infrastructure and logistics support including testing and grading center and laboratory.
• Assists in reviewing and validating the list of identified technical experts for the project component, preparing their Terms of Reference (ToRs) as well as supporting their recruitment, supervising and guiding them to carry out their duties.
• Leads, contributes and/or supervises preparation and dissemination of various written project component outputs, e.g. background papers, sector reviews, diagnostic studies, technical reports, progress reports, terminal report and identifies lessons learned, sections of technical reports and studies, manuals, guidelines and checklists and knowledge products.
• Contributes to the development of demand driven and responsive partnerships to benefit Saudi Arabia from proven innovation and good practices in the south and north for beekeeping and honey production and marketing.
• Coordinates with the Project National Director and national stakeholders to ensure close working relations with MoEWA branches and other local authorities, to ensure timely conduct of country activities and inform the Chief Technical Adviser (CTA) of problems and obstacles that need attention and specific assistance.
• Provides support in exploration and establishment of geographical indication and effective strategies for branding, specifications, standardization and certification for honey.
• Assesses and develops a needs-based training and capacity development programme to strengthen skills of beekeepers and honey producers, processors and other value chain actors.
• Ensures that the Project investment and support components including the provision of equipment, construction of honeybee quality centers, extension centers and others include marketing facilities and are timely completed.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• National of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Advanced University degree in apiculture, beekeeping or any other related field.
• Seven years of relevant experience in beekeeping and honeybee breeding and/or project management in the field of sustainable rural agricultural development.
• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of Arabic and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of English.

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, particularly in field positions, is desirable.
• Extent and relevance of experience in beekeeping and honeybee breeding management project development and management.
• Demonstrated understanding of the purpose and functions of the technical programme, operational guidelines and project/programme management procedures, preferably those adopted by the United Nations or FAO.
• Extent and relevance of experience in the field of policy analysis relating to food and nutrition security, agriculture and rural development.
• Extent and relevance of experience in the collection of country data on food, crops, livestock, forestry and fisheries.
• Extent and relevance of experience in the identification, formulation and preparation of programme and project proposals as well as programme/project implementation, monitoring and reviewed.
• Extent and relevance of experience in Saud Arabia is considered a strong asset.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.
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GENERAL INFORMATION

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CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click on the following link: https://icsc.un.org/Resources/SAD/Booklets/sabeng.pdf
FAO encourages a positive workplace culture to increase inclusivity and diversity within its workforce. FAO applies measures in which all staff members contribute equally and in full to the work and development of the Organization. This includes:
• elements of family-friendly policies
• flexible working arrangements
• standards of conduct