National Project Specialist

Organizational Setting

The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist Governments for developing policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

Reporting Lines

The National Project Coordinator will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in the Republic of Tajikistan and Project Lead Technical Officer (LTO)/ Agricultural Engineer, NSP (HQ) in close collaboration with the FETAJ Office.  

Technical Focus 

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative for Tajikistan (FAOR), and under the technical guidance and direct supervision of the Lead Technical Officer based in the REU office and in close collaboration with the ASTA Team, the National Project Specialist  will support the lead in the implementation of the Project TCP/TAJ/3903/C3 “TCPF: Support to export increase of agri-food products through green development and enhanced market access (OCOP)” and FVC/GLO/184/MUL “Scaling the Implementation of the One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) Initiative” -with the following specific tasks:

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Assist to day-to-day implementation of the two above-indicated OCOP-related projects in the country ensuring that related efforts are coordinated, synergistic and delivered in a timely fashion. This includes resource and activity planning, assist in implementation of the activity plans, support in operational, logistical and administrative requirements, monitoring and project reporting (30 days);
•    Support the daily implementation of the activities to be delivered by a Service Provider, namely 
(i) the establishment of the OCOP National Task Force (NTF) aiming to coordinate apricot sector development, ensuring stakeholder engagement, and aligning with national agricultural policies; 
 (ii) facilitating FAO ASTA-OCOP activities, strengthening partnerships, and supporting the apricot value chain, including conducting surveys, organizing three workshops, and developing communication tools, and 
(iii) enhancing capacities in sustainable practices across the value chain, through capacity assessments, training on climate-smart agriculture, and preparing a comprehensive report on green technologies (20 days);
•    Facilitate interaction and coordinate activities between the ASTA team, the Service Provider, the lead technical officers from the projects contributing to OCOP implementation, and other FAO staff engaged (15 days);
•    Assist in coordination and alignment of OCOP activities in the country with those of the REU OCOP Secretariat and Regional Organization Group (ROG); the FAO HQ OCOP Secretariat; and the NTF providing related inputs upon request including as it relates reporting, communications and outreach of the OCOP programme (15 days);
•    Assist in relevant meetings, workshops, events etc. facilitating discussions or providing presentations of the project and OCOP activities where relevant (10 days);
•    Undertake any other duties assigned by the Budget Holder and/or LTO;
•    Perform any other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics, Agriculture, Economics, or a related discipline from a recognized university
•    At least 5 years of relevant experience in management of the agricultural and international trade with agriculture products
•    Working knowledge of English
•    National of Tajikistan or resident of the country with valid work permit

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Computer literacy with spread sheets, databases and electronic programmes is required;
•    Quality of both oral and written communication skills;
•    Excellent communication abilities (oral and written);
•    Excellent computer skills including Windows, Microsoft Office, Excel, Internet, etc;
•    Experience in working for or with international development organizations or United Nations agencies;
•    Experience in a general administration with international organization will be an asset;
•    Experience in liaising with national stakeholders, including relevant line ministries and development agencies working in the rural Tajikistan; 
•    Working experience with government institutions, universities, research institutions, national or international agencies;
•    Able to work in an interdisciplinary team;
•    Understanding of gender issues in the field of agriculture;
•    Excellent analytical and report writing skills (including technical reports). 

Selection Criteria 

•    Good knowledge of the agricultural sector and the key actors and institutions;
•    Good knowledge of digital technologies and their current and potential applications in agriculture;
•    Strong computer and communications skills (oral, written, presentation);
•    Strong interpersonal skills;
•    Evidence of experience in the design, operation and/or assistance to implement agriculture and trade projects; 
•    Experience in the private sector will be considered a plus;
•    Practical experience in TA implementation in the field will be an added advantage.
•    Knowledge management and best practices in trade operations and/or related business development;
•    Strong coordination, leadership and interpersonal skills.