Project Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through 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 is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

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:

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

The position is located in the FAO Country Office in Kenya.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall guidance of the FAO Representative in Kenya, and the direct supervision of the Assistant FAOR Programm, the Project Support Specialist will undertake the day-to-day implementation of and follow-ups on Programme/project activities at the national level.

Technical Focus

The Project Support Specialist will support the implementation of a GCF-funded climate-resilient agriculture project by providing technical, communication, and coordination support. The focus is on strengthening climate-smart, low-carbon agricultural value chains through:

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Assist in the preparation and compilation of comprehensive reports on project activities, outcomes, and evaluations, ensuring adherence to FAO and GCF standards and guidelines, including those related to climate change mitigation and adaptation.
•     Assist in drafting of project proposals, progress reports (including Annual Performance Reports), and donor reports by incorporating feedback from technical teams and stakeholders, with a focus on demonstrating alignment with GCF investment criteria and impact indicators.
•     Maintain organized documentation of project activities, meeting minutes, and key decisions, ensuring that climate-related data and information are accurately recorded and readily accessible for reporting and verification purposes.
•     Contribute to the development of communication strategies to effectively convey project goals, activities, and achievements to diverse audiences, including stakeholders, partners, and the GCF Secretariat.
•     Help create informational materials such as brochures, newsletters, and social media content to enhance project visibility, promote community engagement, and highlight the project's contribution to climate resilience and low-emission development.
•     Help organize outreach events, workshops, and meetings to promote the project, strengthen partnerships, and foster collaboration on climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts.
•     Maintain a database of stakeholders and partners, ensuring effective communication and relationship management, with a particular focus on tracking their involvement in climate-related activities.
•     Conduct research on relevant topics to support project planning and implementation, including literature reviews, data collection, and analysis of best practices in climate-smart agriculture, ecosystem restoration, and low-emission technologies.
•     Assist in monitoring and evaluating project outcomes through data gathering and analysis, contributing to informed decision-making on climate-related interventions and ensuring alignment with GCF impact indicators.
•     Prepare briefing notes and background documents to support project meetings and discussions, with a focus on climate change impacts, adaptation strategies, and mitigation opportunities.
•     Provide administrative support to the project team, including scheduling meetings, organizing travel, and managing project timelines, ensuring that all activities are aligned with the project's climate objectives.
•     Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure cohesive project delivery and alignment with FAO’s strategic objectives and the GCF's investment criteria.
•     Perform any other duties as assigned by FAOR.

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, environment, development, or a related field with at least 5 years of relevant experience; or Advanced university degree in Economics, Knowledge Management, Business Administration or Project Management with at least 3 years of relevant experience. 
•     A minimum of three (3) years (with Advanced university degree) or five (5) years (with University degree) in Economics, Knowledge Management, Business Administration or Project Management with at least 3 years of relevant experience.
•     Working knowledge (level C) of English and Swahili
•     National of Kenya 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

•     Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills
•     Familiarity in stakeholder engagement, facilitation, or participatory project design in a multilateral or international development organization
•     Familiarity with working effectively in a team environment and managing multiple tasks simultaneously.