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.
An overall plan and budget is developed and approved, including activities and outputs that are expected to be accomplished under each component. Requirements for national and international technical expertise of each component have been identified. In order to ensure a coordinated, smooth, timely and successful implementation of the project, long-term competent national and international technical advisors will be appointed as Component Technical Advisors to each of the nine components. Each Component Technical Advisors will be supported by a team of international consultants and experts who are technical specialists in the subject matters of the various outputs and activities.

 

Reporting Lines

The National Specialist on Community Participation and Awareness will report to the Technical Adviser under the overall guidance of the Chief Technical Adviser in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

 

Technical Focus

Contribute to the accomplishment of outputs of the project component on “Strengthening MoEWA’s capacity in sustainable management of rangelands, forests and natural resources to support rural livelihoods”.

 

Tasks and responsibilities

The following specific functions are to be executed by the incumbent:
•    Support developing situation analysis, baseline assessment and diagnostic studies on the current status of community and GNOs engagement in reducing land degradation and sand encroachment in KSA.
•    Provides technical support to the development and operation of a system in natural resources conservation in KSA.
•    Support the establishment of multi-stakeholder platform for engagement on community and GNOs in reducing land degradation and sand encroachment in KSA in KSA.
•    Support preparing leaders of community and NGOs for reducing land degradation and establishing active steering groups and networks in all regions of KSA to promote and drive community participation and engagement.
•    Developing and implementation of a capacity development and awareness program for government and stakeholders on developing and implementing plans for community and NGOs in KSA.
•    Provides technical support to the development and operation of a system in natural resources conservation in KSA.
•    Organize training activities in the topics related to the project activities – community activation, conservation of natural resources, sustainability of ecosystem service, etc
•    Participate in interviews, discussions, trainings, and meeting with all stakeholders of the program.
•    Any other related tasks as assigned by the FAO and MoEWA officials related to this project.

 

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements  

•    Advanced university degree on agricultural extension, communication, social science, journalism, political science or a related field
•    Five years of relevant experience in communication, community engagement, institutional developments and/or project management in the field of sustainable natural resources management or rural agricultural development.
•    Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of Arabic and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of English.
•    National of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia or have resident permit (please submit copy with your application).

FAO Core 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
•    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.