Development of Sustainable Production Standards and Criteria 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. The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programs, and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

FAO Liberia is implementing a joint program on Community Forestry Management in two of Liberia’s priority landscapes. With funding from the Embassy of Sweden, and under a UN-to-UN arrangement with UNDP, through the Multi Partner Trust Fund (MPTF). FAO will implement the program working with the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) and other relevant government institutions, international and national non-governmental organizations, as well as development institutions working towards sustainable natural resource management, environmental protection, and biodiversity conservation.

The Joint Programme, building on the experiences of each organization, will work across the following four components: • Component 1: Enabling policy, governance framework and institutional capacity for CFM • Component 2: Promote effective community-based management of PAs and INRM in the target landscapes • Component 3: Create and strengthen resilient, low-emission land management, equitable, non-timber forest product smallholder value chains through sustainable business development of forest and farm producers, and their organizations (e.g., cooperatives) • Component 4: Knowledge management, communication and awareness, gender mainstreaming, and monitoring & evaluation

Reporting Lines

Under the overall guidance of the FAO Representative in Liberia and the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative for Programme, and in full collaboration with the Project Management Specialist, the Consultant will undertake the tasks outlined below.

Technical Focus

Develop sustainable production standards and criteria through the conduct of training of trainers (ToT) on Quality Control Systems, Transparency, Accountability, Participation, and Value Chain Analysis.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Develop a detailed work plan to be presented including the description of the ToT manual, the methodology, and the timeline. • Conduct a desk review/literature review of all relevant secondary data and sources of any information relevant reports, research, publications of project/program documents, and existing policies including assessment and surveys conducted on sustainable production standards and value chain analysis. • Work with the Project team to conduct preliminary consultations and identify specific capacity needs on sustainable production standards and criteria. • Develop Training of Trainers (TOT) manuals on sustainable production standards and criteria • Conduct joint sessions on Training of Trainers (TOT) for selected participants from NGOs/CBOs and CFMBs/Community leaders including women and persons with disability. • Produce final report including Training manuals and report from TOT.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in Forestry or other related field of studies. • 5 years of relevant experience or specialization in Sustainable Forest Management (SFM), environmental, natural resource management, Business development, value chain and financial management. • Working knowledge of English level C. • National of Liberia 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

• Demonstrated experience in preparing related documentations for training purposes • Proven ability to conduct Training of Trainer exercise • Provide record for development of SFM and training materials and knowledge products. • Understanding of sustainable production standards and value chains in forestry. • Proven ability to build good relationships with a variety of stakeholders, including government institutions, NGOs, and local communities, and conduct fieldwork. • Previous experience working on international donor projects is highly preferred.

Selection Criteria

• Very high skills/knowledge of background related to the ToR’s requirements • Strong report writing skills in English • Experience with UN and other International Organizations would be an asset