National Project Support Specialist at Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

Reporting Lines

• Under the overall supervision of the Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa (SRC/SFS), the direct supervision of the Resilience Team Leader Southern Africa, the National Project Specialist will support resilience program development and implementation, including SFS resource mobilization efforts.

Technical Focus

• Provide support to the resilience program development and implementation, including SFS resource mobilization efforts, together with country offices, the Regional Office for Africa (RAF) and partners.

Tasks And Responsibilities
Programme support

• Provide programmatic support to FAO emergency and resilience projects in Southern Africa.
• Support the organization of technical meetings, conferences and workshops for the SFS emergency and resilience programme.
• Undertake basic research and analysis in assigned project areas and contribute to the preparation of project briefs to support informed decision making and planning
• Conduct research on specific topics as requested by Technical Officers involved in the development of SFS programme on building climate resilience in agrifood systems
• Schedule meetings, prepare agendas, take minutes, and ensure follow-up on action items for the SFS Coordination Unit for Emergencies and Resilience (CUERE)
• Participate in regular meetings organized by other SFS Technical Coordination Units ensuring that the CUERE perspective is considered
• Support the production of reports on meetings, workshops and conferences as requested by Technical Officers

Resource mobilization

• Conduct research and contribute to the development of concept notes and proposals for resource mobilization for emergency and resilience programming in southern Africa.
• Maintain an up-to-date database on FAO resource partners in southern Africa
• Support the organization of subregional technical meetings for resource mobilization
• Assist in the preparation of meetings with donors, implementing partners and other stakeholders

Interagency collaboration

• Assist in the development of PowerPoint presentations and other materials for interagency technical meetings with United Nations Agencies and Non-Governmental Organizations.
• In close liaison with relevant Technical Officers, participate in technical meetings organized by the Food and Nutrition Security Working Group (FNSWG) and the Regional Inter-Agency Standing Committee for Southern Africa (RIASCO.
• Perform any other duties, as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements

• University degree in disaster management, climate change, food Security, nutrition, agricultural Economics, or sustainable agriculture (including livestock, forestry, and fisheries), or related field.
• At least 2 years of relevant experience in technical cooperation's related activities, policy advice and analysis relating to food and nutrition security, agriculture and rural development, fishery, forestry, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programmes.
• Strong analytical and report-writing skills.
• Working knowledge of English
• National of South Africa 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

• Strong field coordination, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work with diverse stakeholders including government institutions, CSOs, private sector and development partners.
• Experience in working with FAO or other UN agencies.

Selection Criteria

• Extent and relevance of experience (at least 2 years’ experience) in humanitarian programming.
• Demonstrated ability to liaise and build partnerships with UN agencies, NGO, and government institutions on drought, floods, and cyclones trigger development.