Technical Adviser
Job Description
Job description
Organizational Setting
The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop 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.
The position is located in the FAO Representation in Mogadishu, Somalia.
Reporting Lines
Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative, the incumbent will work as a Technical Adviser for FAO’s engagement with the Federal Government of Somalia and Federal Member States to implement the Green Climate Fund (GCF) project ‘Climate Resilient Agriculture in Somalia’. Under the direct supervision of the Head of Programme, the Project Management Unit (PMU) core team of Technical Specialists will be technically led by a Technical Adviser, who coordinates with the National Project Coordinator on administration, management, finance and logistics related matters.
Technical Focus
The Technical Adviser will provide guidance to the PMU team in various technical areas in relation with Environment and Climate Change and more specifically: (i) landscape management and restoration, (ii) natural resource management (water, forest and pasture), (iii) development of agricultural production and agricultural value chains with a specific focus on maize, sorghum and sesame, (iii) policy implementation and coordination, and (iv) climate services. The Technical Adviser will provide guidance on the implementation strategy to ensure project effectiveness and efficiency. Within the implementation strategy, he/she will be responsible for elaborating a targeting strategy to achieve timely outcomes and outputs.
Key Results
Comprehensive technical and policy expertise to support technical cooperation-related programmes, projects, products and services in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework.
Key Functions
• Leads the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned technical cooperation-related programmes/projects; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies priorities, liaises with relevant parties; identifies follow-up actions.
• Coordinates technical cooperation activities and programme-related activities, reviews the assessments of issues and trends for their implementation and leads the preparation of impact evaluation or equivalent studies.
• Supervises preparation of various written outputs, e.g. background papers, analyses, substantial sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications.
• Contributes to consultative and other meetings, conferences, including proposals for agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations.
• Participates in activities such as structuring of training workshops, seminars; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
• Leads field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties.
• Provides advice regarding the development of policies and strategies related to technical cooperation, as well as regional, subregional and national protocols and guidelines for projects with specific domains related to FAO’s work.
Specific Functions
• Oversees technical and operational implementation of Ugbaad Project activities, leading multi-disciplinary teams, committees and working groups.
• Serves as a key liaison, managing communications with the FAO Budget Holder (FAO-BH), FAO Somalia, GCF and other governmental bodies, relaying essential updates to improve project outcomes.
• Acts as Secretary for the Project Steering Committee (PSC), organizing meetings, taking minutes and providing periodic project updates.
• Ensures synergy and regular documented communication among Ugbaad’s project partners, including government, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and private and academic sectors.
• Leads and updates project plans, budgets and financial records, coordinating closely with the National Project Coordinator, ensuring compliance with operational and financial protocols.
• Drives gender-sensitive and environmentally sound implementation, coordinating closely with the Gender and Environmental & Social Safeguard Specialists.
• Approves technical, financial and procurement reports; oversees monitoring and evaluation processes, and integrates PSC feedback into reports before submission.
• Guides Ugbaad’s knowledge management, field mission activities, grievance handling and closure processes, ensuring compliance with agreements and reporting standards.
Skills and qualifications
Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree in agricultural economics, development economics, rural sociology, food security, nutrition, sustainable agriculture (including livestock, forestry and fisheries), natural resources management, environment and climate change or related field.
• Seven years of relevant experience in technical cooperation-related activities, policy advice and analysis relating to food and nutrition security, agriculture and rural development, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programmes.
• Working knowledge (proficiency – level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency – level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building effective relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions.
• Relevance and extent of experience in technical cooperation-related activities, policy advice and analysis relating to food and nutrition security, agriculture and rural development, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programmes.
• Relevance and extent of experience in working with inter-governmental bodies and multidisciplinary teams.
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Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.
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GENERAL INFORMATION • FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment• Extension of fixed term appointments is based on certification of performance and availability of funds• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
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CONDITIONS OF SERVICE A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click on the following link: https://commonsystem.org/cp/default.asp
Other benefits, subject to eligibility, include:
• Dependency allowances
• Rental subsidy
• Education grant for children
• Home leave travel
• 30 working days of annual leave per year
• Pension fund entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund
• International health insurance; optional life insurance
• Disability protection FAO encourages a positive workplace culture to increase inclusivity and diversity within its workforce. FAO applies measures in which all staff members contribute equally and in full to the work and development of the Organization. This includes:
• elements of family-friendly policies
• flexible working arrangements
• standards of conduct
How to apply
• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications and language skills;
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile;
• Once your profile is completed, please apply and submit your application;
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided on your online profile;
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications;
• Incomplete applications will not be considered;
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered;
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.
If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp
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