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 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.
The FAO country office and the Royal Government of Bhutan have jointly prepared and signed the Country Programming Framework (CPF) for Bhutan 2024โ2028, with more than twenty-three projects ongoing and in development. The National Health Survey of Bhutan indicates a self-declared disability of 6.8%, representing a sizeable portion of the population, particularly concentrated in rural areas. Bhutan is a party to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and has also developed a National Policy for Persons with Disabilities and an Action Plan to implement its provisions. The Royal Government of Bhutan, in partnership with the United Nations, civil society, and other partners have launched a joint initiative to fund projects and programs aimed at promoting disability inclusion.
FAO Bhutan is implementing activities under the CPF aiming to promote inclusivity for persons with disabilities as part of its support to agri-food systems transformation and is also exploring opportunities for creation of sustainable income generation for persons with disabilities to enhance economic resilience and social inclusion.
Reporting Lines
The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative, the direct supervision of the Assistant FAOR (Programme) and work in close collaboration with FAO Bhutan administrative and programme colleagues, relevant government counterparts, UN agencies and other implementing partners and stakeholders.
Technical Focusย
Designing and implementing technical assistance and cooperation projects aiming to promote inclusivity for persons with disabilities within the context of agri-food systems transformation.
Mainstreaming inclusivity across the country programme and office, ensuring alignment with best practices in inclusive development.ย
Tasks and responsibilities
Program Development and Implementation
โข ย ย Design and implement tailored agricultural training programs for persons with disabilities.
โข ย ย Develop accessible training materials and tools for diverse abilities across agricultural practices.
โข ย ย Conduct accessible and inclusive workshops on entrepreneurship in agriculture.
Capacity Building
โข ย ย Train local facilitators, educators, and project staff to support inclusive agricultural activities.
โข ย ย Develop and deliver agriculture curricula emphasizing disability inclusion and entrepreneurship.
Mainstreaming Inclusivity
โข ย ย Review existing projects to identify and address gaps in disability inclusion.
โข ย ย Recommend strategies to integrate inclusive practices across programs.
โข ย ย Conduct sensitization workshops for staff and stakeholders on inclusivity principles.
โข ย ย Collaborate with agencies supporting persons with disabilities to enhance programme outreach and impact.
Monitoring and Evaluation
โข ย ย Establish monitoring frameworks to assess inclusivity.
โข ย ย Document success stories and lessons learned to inform future initiatives.
Any other duties as required and relevant in line with the responsibilities mentioned above.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
โข ย ย University degree in disability studies, social policy, international development, or related fields.
โข ย ย Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in working with persons with disabilities, particularly in areas like program development, implementation, and advocacy, is highly valued.
โข ย ย Working knowledge (level C) of English
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 Skillsย
โข ย ย Work experience in more than one location or area of workย
โข ย ย A strong understanding of relevant legislation and policies related to disability rights is crucial
โข ย ย Extent and relevance of experience in developing and delivering training sessions and workshops on disability inclusion for staff, volunteers, and other stakeholders, aimed at raising awareness and strengthening capacity
โข ย ย Extent and relevance of experience to establish and sustain effective partnerships with organizations of persons with disabilities, UN agencies, development partners, donors, and other key stakeholders
โข ย ย Strong project management capabilities, including planning, execution, and evaluation of disability-inclusive programs and initiatives
โข ย ย Familiarity with FAO policies, programmes and systems is desirable
Selection Criteriaย
โข ย ย Based on requirements, competencies and skills.