National Community Liaison Specialist

Overview

Engage with communities to enhance food systems and nutrition post-crisis

You have:

• Master's degree required, postgraduate degree preferred in Sociology, Development Studies, and Nutrition, Health, Communications or other relevant fields.
• Minimum of 03 years of relevant Work experience in emergency programmes, particularly in field positions is desirable.
• Only Bangladesh Nationals.

Organizational Setting

FAO’s Resilience and Emergency Programme is working closely with the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) to support farmers affected by natural disasters (Cyclone Amphan, Monsoon Flooding) as well as those impacted by the negative impacts to market and supply chains from Covid 19. A main goal of the programme is not only to increase agricultural production and incomes, but to strengthen food systems, making them safer and resilient. The programme aims to link individual farmers and farmer groups more closely to urban markets where accessing safe and affordable food is challenging for urban poor. The programme will also work closely with city corporations and other partners to ensure safe markets and transportation lines for food commodities.

Working with Government and civil society partners, FAO will help to ensure that fresh produce is available to urban poor households through select markets and that nutrition and food security messaging reaches beneficiary households, influencing positive purchasing and food utilization behavior. The National Community Liaison Specialist will also ensure that the programme is capturing valuable lessons learned.

The candidate for the position of National Community Liaison Specialist will have demonstrated experience in beneficiary outreach and community facilitation, with a solid understanding of Participatory Rural Appraisal and Accountability to Affected Populations.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Bangladesh and direct supervision of the Resilience Programme Specialist, the National Community Liaison Specialist will be the liaison between implementing partners, FAO and the communities we serve.

Technical Focus

The National Community Liaison Specialist is a SC 8 position and will work with stakeholders from the DAE, local government, community leaders and the farmer groups to monitor report on and improve the project’s reach and impact on communities and households. In particular, the project will work closely with government and civil society partners to monitor beneficiary perceptions, grievances, contributions and needs, aiming to improve coordination amongst partners and communities.

Tasks and responsibilities

Ensuring alignment with overall Programme objectives and promoting standardized approaches as appropriate:

• Oversee implementation of Market Assessment and Food Preference and Utilization Survey in targeted communities,
• Represent FAO at bi-weekly coordination meetings at project sites with cooperating partners and government leaders,
• Conduct PRA actions as required, including Focus Groups Discussions and Key Informant Interviews
• Provide weekly reports on programme progress in the communities, including challenges and recommended design adjustments where required,
• Conduct Covid-19 Safe household follow up to beneficiaries, in particular vulnerable groups targeted by the programme,
• Collect, analyse and report on field data from shopkeepers regarding purchasing trends of beneficiaries,
• Identify and highlight issues with access to, and quality of, produce available in participating programme shops,
• Monitor storage and handling of produce at shops to ensure Covid-19 protocols for vending are being adhered,
• Propose programme innovations and improvements for reaching beneficiaries with appropriate nutrition and food security messaging,
• Any other duties as instructed by the supervisor.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Master's degree required, postgraduate degree preferred in Sociology, Development Studies, and Nutrition, Health, Communications or other relevant fields.
• Minimum of 03 years of relevant Work experience in emergency programmes, particularly in field positions is desirable.
• Only Bangladesh Nationals.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

· Proven experience in promotion and adoption of Behavior Change Communication messaging,

· Proven track record of successful teamwork, good presentation/facilitation skills

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills required

· Ability to work independently and without close supervision

· Self-motivation, willingness to learn and strong work ethics;

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help please contact: [email protected]
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• Only language proficiency certificates from UN accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT) will be accepted as proof of the level of knowledge of languages indicated in the online applications
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 5 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: fao.org