National Project Specialist

Organizational Setting

The war in Ukraine has placed the entire Ukrainian agrifood system at risk, with significant consequences for food security both in Ukraine and globally. The destruction or damage to agricultural infrastructure and markets, and the disruption of food supply chains is threatening the food security of already vulnerable populations. Agriculture-based livelihoods, a key source of income for 30 percent of the population, are severely impacted. While many Ukrainians are fleeing their communities and/or the country, a significant proportion of the population is staying, facing extreme challenges and thus requiring multisectoral humanitarian assistance. 

In this context, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is uniquely positioned in Ukraine to implement a multidimensional and innovative strategy to sustain and restore agrifood systems at scale. 
Capitalizing on its technical expertise and in-country experience, the strategic approach of the Organization will focus on restoring food security and self-sufficiency in front-line communities (Pillar 1); restoring critical agricultural production and value chains (Pillar 2); and enhancing coordination and technical support to the functioning of critical food system services (Pillar 3). FAO has expanded its presence in Ukraine and established a strong multidisciplinary team. FAO’s country office remains in Kyiv, with field offices in Lviv, Kharkiv, Odesa and Dnipro.  

This role is based in-office, in Odesa, Ukraine.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the Designated Responsible Officer/Head of Office in Ukraine, the direct supervision by the Field Office Coordinator in Odesa, and in close coordination with relevant programme, operations and administrative units at FAO Ukraine.

Technical Focus

The National Project Specialist will be responsible for provision and assistance in programmatic and operational support to the implementation of emergency assistance and early recovery and development projects in the southern region of Ukraine.

Tasks and Responsibilities

The National Project Specialist will be responsible for supporting the project team in all program, operational and administrative tasks related with FAO portfolio implementation in the Southern Region, supporting operations of the project office and ensuring smooth communication between the FAO Odesa Field office and other operational units of FAO Ukraine.

•    Lead project(s) implementation in line with approved work plans, procurement plans, M&E framework, and communication requirements. 
•    Contribute to the analysis of technical-related issues for the design, formulation, implementation, and evaluation of the FAO project(s) in line with the respective work plan, procurement plan and project budgets. 
•    Gather information to support drafting of key project(s) documents and initiate the preparation of progress and final reports. 
•    •  Lead the process for identifying and selecting service providers/implementing partner, prepare Letters of Agreement and ensure project inputs and services are procured/delivered following FAO procurement procedures. 
•    Closely monitor contractual obligations and reporting of service providers and consultants
•    Support identifying issues arising from implementing partners and respond appropriately or escalate to the management level as applicable. 
•    Support the Head of Field Office on crucial project management aspects, including coordination support related to activities with regional governments, UN sister agencies, international organizations, local non-governmental organizations and other relevant stakeholders. 
•    Support processing and managing routine administrative and financial tasks in various functional areas, to contribute to effective and timely management of resources. 
•    Conduct regular field visits (provided security clearance) and organize meetings with key partners and stakeholders. 
•    Prepare project related technical briefs, reports, case studies and best practices to showcase project results in close collaboration with relevant FAO Ukraine departments. 
•    Provide support with field level inputs in development of Concept notes and project proposals Provide contents to the communication team in accordance with the projects’ communication plan. 
•    Ensure visibility of project activities and achievements in close collaboration with the MEAL and communication teams. 
•    Perform other related duties as requested.

FAO Standards and guidelines:

•    Liaison with OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, aligned messaging, and appropriate review and clearance processes.
•    All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including:
FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31: https://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/en 
FAO social media policy and guidelines: https://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia  
Social Media Branding Guidelines: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044en 
FAOSTYLE https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb8081en 
FAO terminology http://www.fao.org/faoterm 
FAO Names of Countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/en    
Story guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (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 Agriculture, Business Administration, Economics, Rural Development, or a related technical field. 
•    At least three (3) years of experience supporting administrative and/or operational project activities and/or liaising and facilitating communication between stakeholders
•    Working knowledge (Level C or native) of English, Ukrainian and/or Russian
•    National of Ukraine

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Extensive knowledge of community structure, local livelihoods, local vulnerabilities, animal production, financial planning of farm management, business development, and land tenure and legal system of the country;
•    Proven ability to work with agricultural or rural communities and related stakeholders in an open, accessible, and transparent manner;
•    Experience in conservation or climate smart agriculture will be considered an asset.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION