Organization Mission

FAO ZWE organization mission TBD

Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has had a representation in Zimbabwe since 1984. The country office is located in Harare and also hosts the Sub-regional Office for Southern Africa (SFS).

Mandate and Roles
• FAO’s mandate is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active and healthy lives.
• The Zimbabwe office works closely with the Government of Zimbabwe to identify, plan, and implement priority activities under the Country Programming Framework (CPF).
• It supports national development goals through technical assistance, policy support, and capacity building in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and natural resource management.
• The office aligns its work with the Zimbabwe United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (ZUNSDCF) and FAO’s global strategic objectives

This United Nations Volunteers (UNV) assignment is part of FAO’s youth programming initiative, among others.

Key Responsibilities

• Support Youth-Focused Programme Implementation: Assist in the planning, coordination, and monitoring of youth-related activities under FAO initiatives, including TCP/ZIM/4003, the World Food Forum and other projects as needed
• Facilitate Stakeholder Engagement and Communication: Engage with youth groups, UN agencies, government ministries, research institutions, and other relevant partners. Maintain and update the youth and stakeholder databases.
• Provide Administrative and Logistical Support: Support the organization of missions, trainings, workshops, and other events. Assist with processing Letters of Agreement (LoAs), purchase requisition (PRs), travel arrangements, payments, and procurement. Ensure timely delivery and completion of all administrative services.
• Contribute to Knowledge Management and Learning: Compile and document lessons learned, youth-led innovations, and success stories. Review data quality, maintain project records, and keep up to date with national youth policies and research relevant to youth in agri-food systems.
• Support Strategic Collaboration and Youth Engagement: Contribute to the development and implementation of youth engagement strategies. Participate in youth related meetings and support cross-cutting collaboration with other FAO initiatives and youth empowerment efforts.

Required Skills and Experience

Economics, Agribusiness, Agriculture, Communication, Natural Resources, Engineering, Social Sciences, and Computer Science. (Only individuals who are 35 years and below are eligible to apply). Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply

Core Competencies

• Knowledge in qualitative and quantitative data collection, processing, and analysis
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft programmes (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, etc.) and experience with data processing software
• Knowledge in research and analysis, including comparative analysis of methodologies and impact evaluation
• Manifested familiarity or interest in the youth economic empowerment, green rural economy, just transition, agribusiness, and youth employment frameworks
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including liaising effectively with colleagues and external actors

Living Conditions

Harare is a very busy and most populated city since it is the capital of Zimbabwe. The Capital is also called the Sunshine city as the sun shines most in Harare. Traveling is very easy because there are taxis that take you to your destination. However, there is a lot of traffic during the morning and around five o’clock in the evening. Some roads require someone to drive careful as they have potholes. The cost of living is moderate to high, there are power shortages in some parts of the city/ country, with a few daylight robberies on the downside part of town being committed. One needs to be careful about drinking tap water because it is sometimes not 100% safe. However, most people are friendly and try to help wherever they can.

Generally, Zimbabwe is a unique country, and FAO is a unique (humanitarian) operation. It provides an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as stamina and commitment. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.