Agriculture Working Group (AWG) Specialist

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.

The Project Office of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Ukraine (FAOUA) was created in 2014 with the increasing portfolio in Ukraine and formally established in November 2022 as an agreement between FAO and the Government of Ukraine.

FAOUA is responsible for leading FAO’s response to the national priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO’s priority activities related to the impact of the war, as well as medium- and long-term effects for Ukraine under the overall guidance of the Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU) and in close collaboration with respective units in headquarters.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the Head of the Office/Designated Responsible Officer in Ukraine, the Agriculture Technical Working Group (ATWG) Specialist reports to the Emergency Response Manager, with close collaboration with the Food Security and Livelihood Cluster (FSLC) Coordinator.

Technical Focus

Provide comprehensive assistance to the ATWG Coordinator in overseeing ATWG activities, particularly focusing on best practices and initiatives related to market access and revitalization.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Overall management, formulation and technical direction of the working group, ensuring coherence and clearly articulated integration between relevant technical guidelines, policies and programs, including the promotion of evidence-based practice and compliance with standards in dignified and sustainable livelihoods
• Develop meeting agenda and chair the monthly meetings, draft the agenda, and ensure timely dissemination of minutes for the working group and in support of the coordinator
• Work together with members to formalize work planning against member priorities, updating each on the status of priority actions, cooperation, and activities coordination
• Work with members and the coordinator to support the generation of key guidelines, SOPs, and standards to facilitate a standardized livelihood response
• Lead consultation with the coordinator to determine capacity building/training priorities to support partners, as well as coordinate knowledge sharing events with stakeholders such as policy makers, partners, donors and private sector actors while documenting and disseminating learning tools
• In cooperation with cluster coordinators, provide briefs in external fora or provide updates to various stakeholders on the priorities and key developments
• Participate in the development of the food security and livelihood cluster funding proposal development, ensuring that assessment and analysis findings are incorporated into relevant documents
• Represent the food security and livelihood cluster at the global agriculture working group meetings along with the co-chair and brief the coordinator(s) of key trends and learning.
• Ensure delivery of action research, knowledge sharing and learning activities on time to reach desired impacts

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in an area related to the activities of the Organization, i.e. agriculture, forestry, fishery, economics, social science, business administration, political science or closely related field.
• Five years of relevant experience in programme and/or executive support roles, preferably in an international organization or non-profit setting and the coordination of diverse stakeholders.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Timely and accurate preparation of agendas, briefing materials, and supporting documents for meetings and events
• Strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills and applies them in the work
• Clear and concise minutes and follow-up on action items from meetings, contributing to the efficient implementation of decisions and tasks

Selection Criteria

• Limited knowledge of Russian and/or Ukrainian is considered an advantage
• Experience with a UN Agency would be an asset

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

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