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.
FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure 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 Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level.ย
The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources.ย
Specifically, FAO Country Offices:ย
(i) ย ย advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAOโs mandate;
(ii) ย ย provide technical assistance and deliver core services;ย
(iii) ย ย assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation;ย
(iv) ย ย position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; andย
(v) ย ย ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management. ย
For more than four decades, FAO has been working with the Government of the Philippines, civil society, community-based organizations, the academe and the private sector to address challenges in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector. Joint efforts have included increasing sustainability in agricultural production, promoting value-adding practices, mechanization and modernization through improving post-harvest management, enhancing productivity and increasing the resilience of agriculture-based livelihoods to natural disasters, climatic hazards and armed conflict.ย
The position is located in Mandaluyong City, Philippines.
Reporting Lines
The Agriculture and Farming Systems Specialist report to the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme).
Technical Focusย
The Agriculture and Farming Systems Specialist provides agricultural technical expertise especially during project conception and implementation.
Tasks and responsibilities
โข ย ย Provide technical oversight and quality assurance related to project development, implementation, reporting, and monitoring and evaluation activities related to agriculture and livelihoods in the FAO Representation Office.
โข ย ย Provide support in coordinating with government counterparts, implementing partners, service providers, and agencies in the implementation of various projects and initiatives.
โข ย ย Assist in the review of reports, studies, and other publications related to agriculture, livelihoods, agri-food system, and agri-investments.
โข ย ย Assist in the preparation of training plan and activity design documents.
โข ย ย When delegated, lead project ideation, conceptualization, and writing processes in support of the CPF 2025-28 implementation and FAO PH resource mobilization plan.ย
โข ย ย Provide technical inputs along his/her area of competence in the preparation of concept notes, technical briefs, reports and other knowledge/visibility products.
โข ย ย Assist in the drafting of the technical specification of agricultural inputs and facilitate in obtaining technical clearance.
โข ย ย Participate in technical and sectoral meetings, including agriculture and livelihoods working groups/clusters.
โข ย ย Collect and organize relevant data and background information in areas of FAOโs activities in the country.
โข ย ย Prepare and submit an end-of-assignment report in English according to FAO's guidelines.
โข ย ย Carry out any other relevant duties within her technical competence as may be requested by the FAO Representative and Assistant FAO Representative (Programme).
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements ย ย
โข ย ย University degree in Agriculture, Horticulture or any related degree
โข ย ย At least 5 years of relevant practical experience working in agriculture programs
โข ย ย Full proficiency / working knowledge (level C) of English
โข ย ย A national of the Philippines or a legal resident with a valid work permit
FAO Core Competencies
โข ย ย Results Focus
โข ย ย Teamwork
โข ย ย Communication
โข ย ย Building Effective Relationships
โข ย ย Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
โข ย ย Familiarity with and understanding of the work of international organizations, regional entities and national governments
โข ย ย In-depth knowledge of project management and strategic planning, budgets and financial reporting
โข ย ย Excellent leadership and communication skills.
โข ย ย Ability to promote efficiency toward achieving project objectives and advanced knowledge of best business practices.
โข ย ย General knowledge and skills in the use of standard office software, such as MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point)
Selection Criteria
โข ย ย Experience with legal issues related to veterinary, laboratory, food, agriculture, environment and health sectors would be an asset.
โข ย ย Experience in drafting legal instruments and implementing national projects would also be an asset.
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