Resource Mobilization Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the 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: 

(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. 
(v)    ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.

The FAO in Nepal works to enhance food security and food safety, sustainable agriculture, one health and rural development through technical assistance, policy support, and project implementation. The Country Programming Framework (CPF) 2023-2027 ensures FAO’s work in Nepal is well-coordinated with government strategies, including the Agriculture Development Strategy (ADS) 2015-2035 and Nepal’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for climate action.
To strengthen its funding base and enhance partnerships with donors, FAO Nepal seeks to engage a Resource Mobilization Specialist to support resource mobilization, donor engagement, and strategic partnership development.
The Resource Mobilization Specialist will be responsible for identifying funding opportunities, developing proposals, engaging with donors and partners, and ensuring effective coordination of resource mobilization efforts within FAO Nepal.
This role involves assessing resource needs and funding gaps in agriculture, food security, food safety, natural resource management, one health, climate finance and rural development; supporting the development and implementation of resource mobilization strategies in alignment with FAO’s corporate objectives and national priorities; strengthening stakeholder engagement, particularly with government agencies, resource partners, development partners, and local communities; ensuring effective monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of resource mobilization outcomes using appropriate indicators; and building the capacity of staff and partners through training and knowledge-sharing on resource mobilization techniques and best practices. This dedicated position at the Country Office will contribute to ensuring that interventions are adequately funded, strategically targeted, and effective in advancing FAO’s mission to enhance food security and rural development.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the FAO Representative and direct supervision of Assistant FAO Representative (Programme), and in close consultation with the Country Programme and Administration team, Resource Mobilization focal points in the Regional Office and the Headquarters, will undertake the following tasks.

Technical Focus

Provide needful Resource Mobilization support to the FAO country programme/office in Nepal to carry out tasks as envisioned in the Terms of Reference (TOR).

Tasks and responsibilities

The Resource Mobilization Specialist will be responsible to carry out the following tasks, organized into four key areas:

Resource Mobilization Strategy Development:
•    Develop and implement a Resource Mobilization Strategy and action plan aligned with the CPF and national priorities.
•    Identify and analyze donor/ resource partner trends, funding priorities, and opportunities in agriculture, food security, and rural development.
•    Establish and maintain a database of potential donors and development partners, including bilateral/multilateral agencies, private sector partners, and philanthropic organizations.
•    Develop a funding opportunity calendar to track project calls and deadlines.
•    Review development partners’ country strategies to identify collaboration opportunities aligned with FAO’s mandate.

Donor Engagement and Partnership Development:
•    Strengthen relationships with existing and potential donors, including private sectors, through effective communication and engagement.
•    Organize periodic donor briefings, strategic dialogues, and portfolio review meetings with the FAOR, government, and partners.
•    Facilitate negotiations with donors, development partners and funding agencies to secure financial and in-kind contributions.
•    Liaise with government authorities, UN agencies, private sectors and other stakeholders to enhance partnerships.
•    Leverage strategic alliances with private sector actors, academia, and government agencies to expand resource mobilization opportunities.
•    Promote FAO’s mandate and achievements through advocacy and communication tools.

Proposal Development and Grant Acquisition:
•    Lead the development of high-quality, comprehensive funding proposals and concept notes that integrate FAO’s Strategic Framework and thematic areas, leveraging past achievements and lessons learned.
•    Ensure proposals align with national policies, FAO’s Strategic Framework, and donor requirements.
•    Support technical teams in budget preparation and resource allocation for proposals.
•    Provide guidance to relevant ministries and institutions to access global funding mechanisms (e.g., climate finance).
•    Contribute to technical, economic, and policy studies as needed to support proposal development.

Reporting and Donor Compliance:
•    Ensure timely, high-quality donor reporting that meets compliance and accountability standards.
•    Maintain accurate records of funding agreements, donor commitments, and project performance indicators.
•    Coordinate the preparation of briefs and reports on FAO priorities and field programs for dissemination to government, donors, and UN agencies.
•    Provide regular updates to FAO Nepal’s management on resource mobilization efforts and funding status.
•    Document and share impact stories of FAO interventions to highlight results.
•    Coordinate the collection and maintenance of country data in FAO’s corporate systems to support reporting.

Performs other duties, as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•    Master’s degree (Agriculture, Natural Resource Management, Economics, International Relation/Development, or a related field)
•    At least five years of proven experience in resource mobilization, donor relations, or partnership development in an international development context.
•    Working knowledge of English and Nepali languages (Proficiency Level C)
•    National of Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills        
    
•    Resource Mobilization Strategy Development
•    Donor Mapping, Engagement, and Partnership Building
•    Proposal Development and Grant Acquisition
•    Strategic Alliance and Multi-Stakeholder Coordination
•    Monitoring, Evaluation, and Results Reporting
•    Data Management and Knowledge Documentation
•    Policy Alignment and Technical Advisory Support
•    Understanding of Donor Funding Mechanisms and Development Finance in Nepal

Selection Criteria

•    Proven experience in developing resource mobilization strategies, donor engagement, and high-quality proposal development aligned with national priorities.
•    Strong understanding of donor funding mechanisms, international development finance, and government priorities in Nepal.
•    Excellent computer skills (MS Word, Excel, database analysis and power point) and knowledge and experience of report writing and technical document preparation.
•    Previous experience with FAO, UN agencies, or international development organizations.
•    Familiarity with FAO’s CPF and agricultural development priorities in Nepal.
•    Knowledge of UN agency operations and government coordination processes.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION