National South-South Cooperation Specialist (Programme)

Organizational Setting 

 The Regional Office for Africa (RAF) is responsible for leading FAO's response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through identifying, planning and implementing FAO's priority activities in the Region. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the Region and, in collaboration with departments and divisions at Headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to regional priorities. RAF also advises on incorporating regional priorities into the Organization's Programme of Work and Budget, implements approved programmes and projects in the region, monitors programme implementation, and draws attention to problems and deficiencies. RAF develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions, including the Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs). The Regional Office supports regional policy dialogue on food security, agriculture and rural development issues, facilitates the emergence of regional partnerships, and supports capacity development and resource mobilization for food security, agriculture and rural development in the Region. 
 

Reporting Lines 

The National South-South Cooperation Specialist will maintain a direct reporting line to the South-South Cooperation Officer at the Regional Office for Africa (RAF). Additionally, they will function under the broad oversight of the Regional Programme Leader for RAF. 
 

Technical Focus 

Programme development, coordination and operational assistance based on the knowledge of south-south cooperation or partnership  

Tasks and Responsibilities

•    Support processes of negotiations with governments, partners, FAO units and programmes in the development, expansion and effective use of SSC initiatives and promotes the knowledge and understanding on the SSTC among the concerned stakeholders; 
•    Provide assistance to FAO Representatives, officers in ROs/SROs, development partners and regional organizations in the identification of SSTC initiatives in the region in line with FAO priorities for the region and leads/participates in and technically guides the SSTC programme/project formulation process in the region (identification and appraisal). 
•    Participate in corporate planning and contribute to the implementation and achievement of FAO’s Strategic Objectives (SOs) and regional priorities while liaising closely with PST and ROs/SROs in other regions to expand SSTC interregional cooperation. 
•    Support the development of a results-based M&E system and SSTC communication strategy and inform management, collaborating countries and partners on the achievements of SSTC, lessons learned and its global outreach. 
•    Contribute to the preparation of SSTC-related reports on progress, lessons learned, and other relevant documents by the country offices involved. 
•    Resource Mobilization: Identify funding opportunities, prepare project proposals, and engage with donors to secure resources for South-South Cooperation initiatives specifically aimed at Sub-Saharan Africa. 
•    Partnership Building and Liaison: Support, facilitate and promote partnerships and collaborations among countries within Sub-Saharan Africa and other countries of the South. Liaise with governments, organizations, and institutions to encourage and promote cooperation. 
•    Project Management and Implementation: Support, develop, plan, and manage projects that advance South-South Cooperation in Sub-Saharan Africa. Ensure the successful execution of these initiatives and effectively manage the resources allocated to these projects. 
•    Contribute to developing strategies and policies that facilitate South-South Cooperation, aligning with the specific needs and context of Sub-Saharan Africa within the broader FAO objectives. 
•     Support knowledge sharing and capacity building among countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. This could involve coordinating training programs, workshops, and other educational activities focused on agriculture and food security practices that have been successful in other South countries. 
•    Monitor the progress of South-South Cooperation initiatives in Sub-Saharan Africa, evaluating their impacts and making adjustments as necessary. Provide regular reports to management and stakeholders. 
•    Advocate for the value and benefits of South-South Cooperation in addressing the unique challenges faced by Sub-Saharan Africa. Communicate the results and impacts of these cooperative efforts to various stakeholders, including donors, governments, and the broader public. 
 

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING 
 

Minimum Requirements 

•    Advanced University degree in agriculture, agricultural economics, forestry, fisheries, or any other field related to the work of the Organization 
•    Two years of relevant experience in agricultural development and/or project implementation in an area of FAO's activities in the country  
•    Working knowledge (Level C) of the official communication language used for FAO communication with the country (English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese or Russian)  
•    Limited knowledge (Level B) of English (if the main communication language is French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian or Chinese) 
•    National of Ghana
 

FAO Core Competencies 

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

Technical/Functional Skills 
 
•    Extent and relevance of relevant experience in agricultural development related to south-south cooperation, partnership, capacity development, training, knowledge sharing and exchange, and international technical cooperation programmes 
•    Capacity to develop strategies, prepare and coordinate programmes related to sustainable agricultural development, food security and negotiating agreements. 
•    Extent and relevance of knowledge and field experience in regions of Africa and extent and relevance of experience with project formulation/implementation, resource mobilization and impact assessment. 
•    Extent and relevance of experience in capacity building programmes, institutional collaboration and partnership with governments, private sector and development regional, national and local agencies; experience in resource mobilization. 
•    Demonstrated understanding of the purpose and functions of the technical programme, operational guidelines and project/programme management procedures, preferably those adopted by the United Nations or FAO 
•    Extent and relevance of experience in the field of policy analysis relating to food and nutrition security, agriculture and rural development  
•    Extent and relevance of experience in the identification, formulation and preparation of programme and project proposals as well as programme/project implementation, monitoring and review within the context of South-South Cooperation or Partnership  
 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION