National Agro-Economist

Organizational Setting

The main aim of FAO Country Offices, 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. FAO Lao PDR assists the Government to develop policies, programmes and projects to address the root causes of hunger and malnutrition, to develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors and to use environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner. FAO participates in the development and implementation of field projects in the sectors of food security, agriculture and rural development. This requires the integration within the broader framework of sustainable food and agriculture that aims at increasing production and productivity, addressing climate change, and managing natural resources; and enhance rural livelihoods.

Reporting Lines

Under the direct supervision of the FAO Representative in Lao PDR, and in close collaboration with Assistant FAOR (Programme), Operations Officer in FAO Representation in Lao PDR and the Lead Technical Officer at FAO RAP.

Technical Focus

The National Agro-economist will undertake the following activities to provide technical and functional support to the project Capacity Building for silk and orange production in Lao PDR project (TCP/LAO/3802).

Tasks and responsibilities

• In close coordination with the Operations Officer and the LTO, support national project team by providing advice on technical aspects of implementation of the project TCP/LAO/3802;
• Provide and guide/coordinate the work, the reports and expected deliverables of: National IPM Specialist, National Irrigation Specialist, National Orange Plantation Agronomist, National Sericulture Agronomist, National Capacity Building and Partnership Specialist, National Producer Organization Specialist and National Value Chain Specialist;
• Support drafting of LOAs and contracts, preparation of related LOA documents, facilitate procurement and tendering procedures, preparation of mission arrangements for international consultants;
• Advise on streamlining the monitoring and reporting of signed LOAs and contracts as well as advise Ministry of Agriculture and Forests on the design of M&E system for the project activities;
• Assist in the collection of inputs and drafting of project progress brief s (every six months) and project Terminal Report;
• Assist the project team in streamlining project implementation process with the national project authorities and related project stakeholders;
• Assist and advise in follow-up of the related FPMIS updates;
• Assist and advise in follow-up actions;
• Advise FAOR and Operation Officer on the project financial status and achievement on regular basis;
• Perform other related duties when required;

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in agriculture, agricultural economics, agro-business development, and/or MBAs with corresponding experience in agriculture;
• Working knowledge of English.
• National of Laos.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Medium to advanced level of managerial competence in implementation of field projects;
• Five years of relevant experience in: technical cooperation, policy advice and analysis related to food and nutrition, agriculture and rural development, drafting and implementation of agriculture related sectoral development programs;
• Good analytical and writing skills.