Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Our goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure 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 Strategic Framework 2022-31 articulates FAO’s vision of a sustainable and food secure world for all, in the context of the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31 seeks to support the 2030 Agenda through 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’s Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) provides support to its member countries to access resources from various donors and partners through project identification, proposal development and implementation to meet its overall global strategic vision. Working closely with its member countries, RAP ensures multidisciplinary support to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the region and, in collaboration with the Offices, Centres and Divisions at headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO’s strategic response to country and regional priorities.

RAP is seeking a dynamic and experienced Water Stakeholder and Donor Engagement Specialist for an assignment covering maternity leave from 1 April 2024 to 15 December 2024. This period is critical for RAP as it coincides with several major regional and global events such as the World Water Forum (WWF) and the establishment of the Water Scarcity Regional Cooperative Platform (RCP).

Reporting Lines

The Water Stakeholder Engagement and Donor Relations Specialist will work under the overall technical supervision of RAP Senior Resilience Officer and Water Management Officer and in close coordination with other Technical Officers of the Land and Water Modules, the FAO Representation in the relevant country/ies of assignment, and in collaboration with national agencies and other stakeholders.

Technical Focus 

The main objective for the Stakeholder and Donor Engagement Specialist is to maintain the momentum of RAP’s ongoing water management initiatives and ensure their successful execution and expansion and to support regional and global events, especially during the RAP Water Management Officer’s leave period. The role involves extensive engagement with various stakeholders, including government bodies, NGOs, donors, and international organizations, to facilitate discussions, engagement with FAO and drive strategic initiatives forward.

•    Strategic Engagement and Donor Relations: Actively engaging with potential donors to secure support for both WSP/RAP water programme expansion and the Ministerial level International Land, Soil and Water Forum.
•    Communication: Developing a comprehensive communications strategy to promote initiatives and events.
•    Event Management: Lead RAP’s engagement and support to crucial events, leading to the Ministerial International Land, Soil and Water Forum, such as the World Water Forum and ASEAN collaborations, including supporting to the Indonesia Country Office/focal point for ASEAN.
•    International Land, Soil and Water Forum Execution:
•    Leading the planning and execution of the Minister-Level International Land, Soil and Water Forum, involving stakeholder analysis, engagement planning, and high-level coordination with donors, country offices and international committees.
•    Effective management and oversight of the Letter of Agreement with APRACA for event organization, ensuring that all activities and expenditures align with the objectives of the Forum.

Tasks and responsibilities

Stakeholder Analysis and Engagement Plan:
•    Identify and analyze key stakeholders, including government bodies, NGOs, industry experts, and community representatives.
•    Develop and implement engagement strategies for these stakeholders.

Active Donor Engagement:
•    Initiate and maintain communication with potential donors from February to July, ensuring their participation in the WSP ‘Donor Round Table’ at the International Land, Soil and Water Forum.
•    Create customized pitches for different donor organizations.

Development and Implementation of a Communications Strategy:
•    Create and execute a comprehensive plan to promote the event across various media channels.
•    Engage the public and stakeholders through social media, press releases, and direct outreach.

Ensure World Water Forum and ASEAN Engagement (May 2024):
•    Support RAP’s involvement in the World Water Forum.
•    Assist the Indonesia Country Office and Representative in engagements related to ASEAN.

Lead Execution of the Minister-Level Regional International Land, Soil and Water Forum (Q4 2024):

General:
•    Oversee all aspects of the Forum, ensuring a successful execution.
•    Engage with key stakeholders for insight gathering and agenda setting.
•    Draft, circulate, and finalize the tentative event agenda.

Management of LoA with APRACA:
•    Oversee the Letter of Agreement (LoA) with APRACA for event management.
•    Ensure budget adherence and alignment of expenses with the Forum objectives.
•    Collaborate with APRACA for logistical arrangements.

Pre Forum events, technical sessions and Ministerial Dialogues coordination:

•    Plan and organize interactive workshops and breakout sessions.
•    Identify and coordinate with moderators and speakers for each session.

Liaison with Country Offices for Ministerial Participation:
•    Collaborate with country offices to secure minister attendance.
•    Coordinate with the APRC for high-level participation.

Engagement with Sector Experts and Thought Leaders:
•    Invite and confirm participation of renowned water management experts.
•    Organize panel discussions and keynote speeches.

Liaison with the OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, appropriate review and clearance processes.

All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including:

FAOSTYLE (English: https://www.fao.org/3/cb8081en/cb8081en.pdf ; French: https://www.fao.org/3/AC339FR/ac339fr.pdf ; Spanish: https://www.fao.org/3/ac339s/ac339s.pdf ; Arabic: https://www.fao.org/3/ac339a/ac339a.pdf ; Chinese:
https://www.fao.org/3/ac339c/ac339c.pdf );
FAO terminology http://www.fao.org/faoterm ;
FAO Names Of Countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/en ;
Story guidelines http://intranet.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/occ/Quick_Guides/UPDATED-Digital-Storytelling-Guide-EN-FINAL.pdf ;
Story template http://intranet.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/occ/Quick_Guides/FAO-Stories-Template-UPDATED.pdf ;
UN map standards (available to staff);
FAO Brand and policy book (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

•    University degree in water resources management, environment, natural resources economics, or in a related field.
•    Working experience as below:
For Consultants level C: one to five years of relevant experience in one of the technical areas listed above.
For Consultants level B: at least five years of relevant experience in one of the technical areas listed above.
For Consultants level A: at least twelve of relevant experience in one of the technical areas listed above.
•    Working knowledge (level C) of English, French or Spanish and limited knowledge (level B) of one of the other two or Arabic, Chinese, Russian. For PSA, working knowledge of English.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Extent and relevance of experience in stakeholder engagement, partnership building, donor engagement and resource mobilization, preferably in the areas of water and natural resources management.
•    Proven experience in managing and implementing large-scale environmental programs.
•    Demonstrated analytical skills with proven ability to write technical papers, analysing and integrating diverse information from various sources.
•    Ability to lead and facilitate multi-level and multi-stakeholder dialogue.
•    Extent and relevance of experience in designing and managing large scale, multi-stakeholder events.
•    Track record of working with Governments at both technical and highly political level.
•    Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions in Asia and the Pacific is desirable.
•    Demonstrated capacity to write technical reports in English