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- FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
- Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
- Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
- FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
- All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
- All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.
Organizational Setting
The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative (FAOR), 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. For the period 2022-2026, the FAO Office in Zimbabwe is supporting Government efforts through the Country Programme Framework (CPF) which is based on three pillars\: (i) Promotion of inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems to address food security and nutrition (ii) Building resilience to climate change, agricultural threats and crisis; (iii) Sustainable management of natural resources and environmental protection.
FAO Zimbabwe is implementing several projects that contribute to organizational goals.
• The Capacity Development on Sustainable Soil Management in the Global South project supports the sustainable management of red soils in Zimbabwe. The project aims at a) enhancing the capacities on soil mapping and soil laboratories in Zimbabwe; b) fostering international technical cooperation on sustainable soil management, especially between South counties and China, and c) enhancing national, inter- and intra-regional coordination and collective actions to enhance soil health.
• The National Water Roadmap towards 2030 Sustainable Development Goals project is aimed at\: a) providing technical support to developing countries in their efforts to recognize the value of water from a social, economic, and environmental perspective at the national level; and b) supporting developing countries in organizing country-led National Water Dialogues through an intersectoral participatory process, through to developing their National Water Roadmaps towards achieving the 2030 Agenda SDGs, so that innovative solutions and concrete actions can be developed.
• The Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund Phase 2 program’s goal is to build resilience in vulnerable rural communities, ensure sustainable natural resources management for climate action, improve food and nutrition security, and lower the impact of natural disasters in at-risk communities in Zimbabwe.
• The SADC regional project, Support Towards the Operationalization of the SADC Regional Agricultural Policy (RAP) – Phase 2 focuses on improving agricultural data systems, controlling transboundary pests and diseases, enhancing food and nutrition security and developing inclusive value chains.
• The Zimbabwe Enhanced Food Production Project’s overall objective is to increase production and productivity for key food security commodities particularly those effected by the Russia-Ukraine crisis.
Reporting Lines
The Crops and Extension Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Zimbabwe, and direct supervision of the Deputy FAO Representative, in close collaboration with A/FAOR-Programmes, with further reporting and guidance from the relevant FAO Lead Technical Officers of the projects, Regional Office for Africa and technical divisions at FAO Headquarters (HQs).
Technical Focus
The Crops and Extension Specialist will be responsible for coordinating the successful implementation of Capacity Development on Sustainable Soil Management in the Global South, National Water Roadmap towards 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and Support Towards the Operationalization of the SADC Regional Agricultural Policy (RAP) – Phase 2 project activities in line with the proposed budget to reach defined objectives. Additionally, the incumbent will provide technical support the Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund Phase 2 project and Zimbabwe Enhanced Food Production Project.
Tasks and responsibilities
The Crops and Extension Specialist will be responsible for coordinating the successful implementation of project activities in line with the proposed budget to reach defined objectives. S/he will also provide guidance and technical support for the other two projects. In particular, the incumbent will\:
• Coordinate the implementation of field activities under the Capacity Development on Sustainable Soil Management in the Global South project
• Serve as the FAO national focal point to coordinate the development of the National Water Roadmap for Zimbabwe, supporting the implementation of specific activities under the project National Water Roadmaps towards the 2030 Agenda
• Serve as the focal point for the country office, supporting the project Support towards the operationalization of the SADC Regional Agricultural Policy (STOSAR II)
• Provide technical support to the Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund II and Zimbabwe Emergency Food Production Project projects
• Lead the procurement of all goods and services for the projects and activities falling under his/her responsibility and ensure contractual compliance for contractual work.
• Provide technical backstopping for the smooth implementation of the projects and ensure consistency among the various components of the projects and related activities, as foreseen in the project document and log-frame.
• Lead the production of all required Project Progress reports in line with donor requirements and guidelines maintaining quality (in close cooperation with the BH and the LTO and in consultation with the Project Task Force and alert the BH and the LTO of potential problems that could result in delays during implementation.
• Perform related duties, including the direct implementation of other technical activities, providing technical support and advisory services to various projects in the Zimbabwe country office including resource mobilization, process monitoring, fieldwork, preparing communication products as required.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree in agricultural or development studies, or other related fields.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in agriculture, project coordination/management
• Working knowledge (level C) of English
• National of Zimbabwe
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical Skills
• Experience in agriculture (agronomy, climate smart agriculture, extension), project coordination/management
• Knowledge of FAO and experience with FAO tools and procedures for project implementation, monitoring and reporting is an asset
• Knowledge of local specifics (socio-economic situation and livelihood options) in rural areas around Zimbabwe.
• Experience in working with government, local institutions/authorities and farming communities.
• Good analytical and writing skills
• Good communication and advocacy skills
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
- Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
- 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/
- For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website\: http\://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
- Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.
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
• 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/.These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.
• 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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