Emergency and Resilience Programme Specialist

Organizational Setting

FAO Afghanistan is investing across all 34 provinces, in resilience reinforcing actions that focus on protecting agriculture livelihoods and local ecosystems, boosting local production of nutritious foods and cash-incomes, and safeguarding critical agriculture sectoral development gains achieved over the past couple of decades through revitalizing rural markets and economy. In 2024-2026, FAO will continue to implement emergency and longer-term, resilience-building projects and programmes in the context of the UN Strategic Framework for Afghanistan (UNSFA) and the Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR) in Afghanistan. S/he will work under the direct supervision of the National Professional Officer (Programme) or as may be assigned. The National Professional Officer (Programme) or as assigned, will be responsible for all day-to-day supervision, technical guidance and the performance evaluation.

Technical Focus

Support the implementation of FAO Afghanistan emergency and resilience projects, technical assistance and coordination with implementing partners.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Liaise with Implementing Partners (IPs) for the timely submission of weekly updates, profile survey reports, and Letter of Agreement (LoA) supporting documents such as (inputs distribution lists, project photos and other related documents), final narrative and financial reports. Contribute towards ensuring that all reports have the necessary clearances and revisions prior to submission for releasing LoA instalments to the Implementing partners (IPs). • Receive and analyse weekly reports from IPs, alert supervisors and Regional Offices about delayed LoA implementation against the work plan or any other challenges faced by the IP. • Work closely with IPs and Regional Offices to ensure reports meet all requirements and capture the required content accurately (e.g. including alignment to the LoA, deviation from planned activities, challenges, delays, etc.). • Contribute towards the technical review of proposals which are received through Request for Proposals (RFPs). • Review and follow work plans of LoAs to ensure the implementation is on track as per the agreed work plan. • Participate in need assessment missions particularly pertaining to the resilience of livelihood to threat and crisis at provincial and district levels, and report to the FAO Emergency Response Coordinator. • Organize on the job training relating to reporting for IPs. • Contribute to monitoring the Emergency and resilience projects' implementation in order to ensure quality implementation in timely manner. • With the support of the Head of Food Security, Agriculture and Risk Analysis Team provide technical feedback and advisory messages to the IPs for further dissemination to the target communities. • Support the quality control of inputs (seeds, fertilizers, tools, poultry and concentrated animal feed). • Coordinated with superintendents for the quality control of all inputs ready to be shipped to the project areas. • Monitor input delivery plans and follow with relevant departments and IPs about timely delivery. • Support staff in capacity-building activities and initiatives to increase their level of ability to contribute towards quality project implementation. • Support the Head of Food Security, Agriculture and Risk Analysis Team in developing crop calendars, technical analyses of impacts of disasters on the agriculture sector and developing related analytics and visualizations. • Monitor, update, and report on achievement of the partner’s activities by attending relevant meetings, and networking events; • Contribute to different agricultural value chain analysis and assessments (crops and livestock). • Support technical team/departments in identification of suitable/key value chains and market assessments for the selection of better livelihood assistance under different projects. • Perform any other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced University (Master) degree or University (Bachelor) degree in Agriculture, Emergency Response, Food Security, Social Sciences, or closely related field. • For an Advanced University degree, a minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in food and agriculture-related emergency response activities and coordination with partners. • For University degree a minimum of seven (7) years relevant experience in food and agriculture-related emergency response activities and coordination with partners. • Working knowledge (level C) of English and the local languages (Pashto and/or Dari); • National of Afghanistan.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Excellent organizational skills; • Excellent analytical and writing skills, as well as strong interpersonal and communication skills; • Demonstrated ability to analyse problems, make appropriate recommendations, effective decisions, including in emergency settings; • Experience in supporting coordination and relationship management with internal and external stakeholders; • Demonstrated experience in reviewing, analysing information, providing feedback/guidance and supporting trainings; • Excellent knowledge of humanitarian principles; • Prior experience with the UN or an international organization is a strong advantage.

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.