Technical Adviser

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.

The Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands (SAP) is responsible for developing, promoting, overseeing, and implementing strategies and projects that drive the transformation of food, agriculture, and rural development. It also fosters and maintains relationships with subregional institutions. The Subregional Office is a subsidiary of the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP).

The FAO SAP Office is looking to recruit three Technical Advisers for Samoa, Nauru and Palau Readiness Projects.

Reporting Lines

The Technical Advisers will be under the overall supervision of the FAO Subregional Coordinator (SRC) for the Pacific and will directly report to the project’s Lead Technical Officer (LTO) / Natural Resource Officer and the day-to-day supervision of the LTO for the TA for Samoa, the National Environment Coordinator, Office of Project Management, Bureau of Budget and Planning, Ministry of Finance, Palau, and the Secretary of Department of Climate Change and National Resilience Nauru. He/she will liaise with other technical, operational and administrative colleagues in the SAP Office.

Technical Focus

The Technical Advisers (TAs) will ensure that the project deliveries are done on time with quality and in consultation with LTO. He/she will manage the daily implementation, management, and technical supervision of the project.  

Key focus areas include capacity building for the National Designated Authority (NDA) and relevant country stakeholders on areas relevant to GCF objectives, review of existing legislation, develop agriculture policy and development strategy that’s supports transformation towards low carbon and climate smart agriculture, and the development of co-designed innovative climate solutions supported by the prefeasibility studies to inform the development of a Concept Note for Palau.

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Ensure project deliveries are done on time and manage project implementation to ensure timely production of all relevant outputs at an acceptable standard.
•     Provide direct advice on the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to FAO personnel, counterparts and partners at all levels.
•     Prepare and regularly update the project implementation plans, in consultation with the relevant FAO technical teams, National Designated Authority (NDA) and Office of Climate Change in Samoa, Nauru and Palau, Office of Project Management (Bureau of Budget and Planning), and Department/Bureau of Agriculture where relevant.
•     Participate in multidisciplinary teams to assist with the preparation of key project deliverables, in line with GCF guidelines.
•     Facilitate the preparation of relevant baseline studies, analyses, evaluations and assessments to support reviews of policies and legal frameworks, and development of concept notes.
•     Coordinate the compilation of all relevant documentations required for the delivery of project outputs. 
•     Coordinate inputs and responses to comments on policies and Concept Note.
•     Design and deliver training programmes, in collaboration with other project consultants, including the development of supporting materials and resources.
•     Lead the development of technical specifications for the selection of a Service Provider to deliver the visioning and co-design processes, ensuring they are technically sound, inclusive, and delivered on time and within budget
•     Review all GCF-related project documentation for quality and consistency with GCF and FAO requirements
•     Provide comments and suggestions for revision of project outputs.
•     Liaise with relevant FAO (and other organizations, as needed) to obtain guidance and advice on specific elements of Concept Note
•     Coordinate with all project stakeholders, including government agencies, communities and private sector actors.
•     Ensure the timely delivery of project reports to FAO and the Project Steering Committee.
•     Respond to ad-hoc questions and perform other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     Advanced degrees (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in Economics, Finance, International Development/Relations, Environmental Science or related fields from recognized and reputable institutions. 
•     Seven years of relevant experience in project or programme management, including experience in capacity development related to climate change development, climate finance and development of national plans and strategies. 
•     Full proficiency/Working knowledge of English

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Extensive experience minimum of 5 years in providing technical advice in relation to GCF investments.
•     Demonstrated project management experience.
•     Demonstrated knowledge of GCF modalities and procedures, including requirements and guidelines (vii)
•     Demonstrated engagements with Country Strategic Frameworks, and/or related document development.
•     Demonstrated experience with the Green Climate Fund’s investment criteria including the development of project Concept Notes/Funding Proposals to the GCF and other donor agencies. 
•     In-depth understanding of climate finance issues, at the international level and regional scales, with knowledge of the current climate finance architecture of the Green Climate Fund. 
•     Experience working with a cross-section of stakeholders, including senior government officials in small and vulnerable states (SIDS and LDCs)
•     Experience in working in Samoa or Pacific region will be an advantage
•     Strong writing skills and language proficiency
•     Work experience in more than one location or area of work