Institutional Development Specialist

Organizational Setting

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 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. 
Specifically, FAO Country Offices: 
(i)    advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate;
(ii)    provide technical assistance and deliver core services; 
(iii)    assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation; 
(iv)    position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and 
(v)    ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.  

The FAO country office’s programme in I.R. Iran consists of several Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) and Trust Funds (TF) projects. FAO is a trusted partner of the Government of I.R. Iran in accessing the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and is an Accredited Entity to the GCF. The first ever GCF Readiness project of I.R Iran (USD 300,000) was implemented during 2020-2022 with FAO as the Delivery Partner. FAO supported the I.R. Iran GCF National Designated Authority (NDA) – the Department of Environment (DOE) – in formulating and obtaining the approval of the second Readiness project for implementation during 2024-2026. Being initiated in close collaboration with the NDA and DOE that are representing the government of the I.R. Iran, the project aims to achieve the following outputs:
•    1.3.1 Relevant stakeholders engaged and trained to support planning, programming and implementation of GCF funded activities.
•    1.3.2 Stakeholder engagement mechanisms established to support planning, programming and implementation of GCF funded activities.
•    1.3.3 Strengthened information sharing.
•    2.2.1 Country programmes endorsed by GCF recipient country processes.
•    2.2.5 Studies, modelling efforts and other research efforts conducted/developed.
•    2.2.6 Sectorial strategic frameworks or associated plans developed.
•    4.1.1 Concept notes for priority sectors developed with the support of the Readiness and Preparatory Support Programme (RPSP) for submission to the GCF.
•    5.1.1 NDAs, Direct Access Entities (DAEs), Delivery Partners (DPs) have developed knowledge products containing information on Low Emission Climate Resilient Development (LECRD), methodologies, lessons learned, or best practices extracted from within the country and from other countries (South-South cooperation).
•    5.1.2 NDAs/DAEs/DPs who have established process, systems and/or platforms for identification of best practices, lessons learned and Knowledge Management.
•    5.2.1 Collaborations at subnational, national, or regional levels to foster development and dissemination of methods, frameworks, and information systems for enhanced climate finance programming
In addition, on-going TCP projects highlight the commitment to enhancing food safety, quality, and authenticity in Iran’s agricultural sector, emphasizing comprehensive strategies that span the entire supply chain included but not limited to:

•    Pistachio Project (TCP/IRA/3901): Focuses on improving pistachio production and export through enhanced orchard productivity, better harvest and post-harvest practices, and strengthened regulatory frameworks for food safety and quality.
•    Saffron Project (TCP/IRA/3902): Aims to assess and assure saffron authenticity using the Vulnerability Analysis and Critical Control Point (VACCP) system, implementing good practices, standards, and technological innovations to maintain product integrity.
•    Date Palm Project (TCP/IRA/4001): Addresses key pest and disease challenges affecting date palms by improving phytosanitary measures, early warning systems, and integrated management strategies to enhance sustainable production.

Reporting Lines

Under the direct supervision of FAOR , close collaboration with Project coordinator and consultation with the National Programme and Partnership Development Consultant, as well as the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) and relevant FAO programme and project personnel, the Institutional Development Specialist will undertake the following tasks.

Technical Focus

Institutional coordination mechanisms, technical support, FAO procedures and rules in contracts and Letters of Agreement (LoAs).   

The main objective of the assignment of the Institutional Development Specialist is to support institutional coordination and technical implementation of the GCF Readiness II project activities, ensuring alignment with FAO frameworks, policies, and procedures with specific focus on Output 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.2.1, 1.2.2, 1.2.3, 1.3.1, 1.3.2, 1.3.3. Particularly she/he will support 1) All activities/outputs related to GCF coordination mechanisms, and training/capacity building; 2) Stakeholder capacity and needs assessments; 3) Setting up the implementation and monitoring of the contracts and Letters of Agreements (LoA), including administration, recording and reporting. Also, to act as Project Manager, supporting FAOR, in the implementation of FAO Iran on-going TCPs.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Support the Project Coordinator and other project technical specialists. 
•    Support all activities/outputs related to GCF Coordination mechanisms, training/capacity building.
•    Ensure compliance of project activities with FAO policies and procedural frameworks.
•    Draft technical reports, summaries, and briefing notes as required.
•    Ensure documentation of project activities and result in line with FAO standards.
•    Contribute to the preparation, management and reporting on the contracts and LOAs including supporting the contract/LOA Responsible Officers in maintaining close coordination with the Service Provider(s), providing advice and monitoring the implementation to deliver expected results.
•    Support coordination with national ministries, agencies, and institutions involved in the project.
•    Work with technical specialists in the design/delivery of training packages – for DAEs, for private sector/SMEs, on GCF project development.
•    Assist in organizing and participating in technical meetings, workshops, and capacity-building events.
•    Contribute to stakeholder engagement, including maintaining regular communication with counterparts.
•    Lead the day-to-day implementation of TCP projects, including guidance and support the supervision of project affiliate personnel (if applicable). 
•    Ensure the preparation, monitoring and updating of projects plans, with particular emphasis on budget management and work plan as well as application of corporate recommended tools. Monitor Project’s budget ensuring that funds are properly allocated and reported upon and take corrective action if required, informs management of any budget issues that may require attention 
•    Prepare projects budget revisions in consultation with budget holders
•    Ensure the project Logical Framework Matrix (LFM) is complete and up-to-date, and that relevant data is collected for regular monitoring of project results. 
•    Manage affiliate personnel (if applicable), goods and services,oversee the work of implementing partners and service providers. 
•    Liaise, and maintain positive working relations with project stakeholders, through the agreed office channels. 
•    Liaise with, provide reports to and receive guidance from, project governance mechanisms. 
•    Identify, mitigate and manage potential risks, report and escalate issues when necessary. 
•    Ensure project communications and visibility, in line with project plans. 
•    Ensure project reports are prepared and submitted. 
•    Ensure all project deliverables are completed, project documentation is in order, evaluation is supported as needed, and preparations for project closure are set up.
•    Perform other relevant duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•    Advanced university degree in Agriculture, Environmental Studies, Business Administration, or a related field.
•    Minimum 5 years of professional experience in institutional coordination, technical assistance, or public policy development, preferably in agriculture, environment, or rural development sectors.
•    Working knowledge (level C) of English.National of Islamic Republic of Iran.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Strong familiarity with the process and procedures in FAO. 
•    Strong interpersonal and coordination skills.
•    Strong familiarity with UN, specifically FAO or international development projects.
•    Excellent report writing and communication skills.
•    Knowledge of national institutional structures and policy frameworks.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION