National HIHI Technical Coordinator

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized technical agency of the United Nations. The FAO mission is to work toward the eradication of hunger and strive for food security for everyone as stated in the 2030 Agenda. The FAO’s Strategic Framework aspires to transform agri-food systems so that they are more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. The ultimate goals of these efforts include better production, better nutrition, better environment, and better lives, while leaving no one behind. The FAO projects in Nepal currently involve building technical capacity, developing policies, enhancing agri-production, strengthening food systems, improving food & nutrition security, and mitigating the adverse impact of natural disasters and climate change. The FAO also embraces the One Health approach to address threats posed by zoonotic diseases to human health. Within the framework of the food security cluster, the FAO helps to coordinate humanitarian assistance and the recovery of livelihoods in the agriculture sector.

Hand in Hand Initiative (HIHI)

HiHi was launched by the FAO’s Director-General in October 2019 and is an evidence-based, country-led and country-owned initiative to accelerate agricultural transformation and sustainable rural development to eradicate poverty (SDG 1) and end hunger and all forms of malnutrition (SDG 2). By promoting progress to achieve SDGs 1 and 2, and being the foundational objectives of the 2030 Agenda, HiHi contributes to the attainment of all the other SDGs. This is accomplished through FAO’s technical support to the government for developing country HiHi agricultural development strategy/investment plan/proposal for the targeted micro regions; and coordinating and matchmaking to achieve milestones under it, such as, committed public and private investments, programs, institutional and policy changes, SSC and partnerships for sharing innovations, etc.

The Government of Nepal (GoN) is a priority country of HiHi in Asia and the Pacific and has officially joined the initiative in 2021. The HiHi is a process to support the government of Nepal in its agrifood systems transformation. The HiHi implementation process engages a wide spectrum of governmental bodies and stakeholders at national and sub-national levels where coordination and regular technical support is critical. Under this initiative, Nepal has made a significant progress in completing baseline studies on agrifood system, typologies and donor mapping, and preparation of investment proposals for four commodities (Large Cardamom, Ginger, Highland Potato, Timur: Sichuan Pepper). Nepal presented the investment proposal with these four commodities during the FAO Investment Forum held in Rome in October 2022. Understanding the crucial need of such investment analyses reports by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Ministry of Forest and Environment and National Planning Commission (NPC), in prioritizing investment areas and allocating resources by the Ministry of Finance, the government has requested further support for investment analysis for additional commodities, including fish and development of agribusiness hubs. These analysis reports will be used by the government formulate 16th Five Year Plan, ensuring resource allocations based on evidence for better returns and long-term social and environmental benefits. Following the FAO Investment Forum and the government’s request, FAO provided Agriculture, Forestry, Finance and Planning agencies to conduct typology studies, financial investments, social and environmental analysis and will provide further technical support until these key agencies can confidently and independently conduct these analyses.

However, one of the biggest obstacles for Nepal in expanding agriculture production is engaging with reliable and profitable markets, as well as linking to potential investors. Towards this end, the government is exploring various strategies that include organizing and participating in national and regional level investment forums, and trade fairs. FAO could play a critical role in providing technical assistance for the preparation of marketing and investment materials. In addition, Nepal needs to build its identity for better recognition and reliability in the global market. Collaboration with regional and global certifying bodies and traders are required to build the national capacity towards meeting quality standards including branding, uniqueness, standardization and certification and market linkage. The current approach of Organic Brands faces challenges in terms of both market and production, and need to further explore unique markets with potential buyers. Nepal is also yet to adopt Good Agricultural Produces (GAP) further coupled with Geographical Indications (GI), which could help Nepal to explore and expand its market for agriculture and non-wood forest products. With assistance of the FAO Regional Office in Asia and the Pacific (RAP) of FAO, Nepal will create awareness on GI policy and its application in the global market. One Country One Priority Product Initiative (OCOP)

Nepal has also officially joined FAO’s OCOP as one of the priority countries in the Asia-Pacific region since 2022 with large cardamom as the Special Agriculture product (SAP) and has requested the OCOP to be integrated under the umbrella of HiHi. Studies reveals that large cardamom is one of the major contributors to Nepal’s foreign exchange earnings, and can significantly contribute to ensuring food security and healthy diets, supporting farmers’ livelihoods and economic growth while protecting the environment and biodiversity. The SAP has a huge potential to be integrated into local, regional, and global markets and trade, while connecting it with various similar established tools and initiatives (such as the Geographical Indicators). Under this initiative, comprehensive baseline studies on SAP including production scope and marketing opportunities are undertaken in the country. In addition, Nepal has also expressed interest to join Digital Village Initiative, which flagship programme under FAO and to pursue GI for selected commodity like large cardamom as well as to join the possible Regional Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) on OCOP and other projects to be supported by different funding sources such as FMM. Hence, the task would require follow-ups and coordination of implementation of OCOP related projects. Enabling inclusive and effective blended investment in agri-food systems in the context of the Hand in Hand Initiative (TCP-Rural Finance) FAO-RAP will be implementing a Regional TCP on “Enabling inclusive and effective blended investment in agri-food systems in the context of the Hand in Hand Initiative (HiHi)”, in which Nepal will be one of the beneficiary countries. In addition to indicated activities under this TCP, the government of Nepal has specifically requested an assistance to formulate the 16th Five Year Plan (FYP) by engaging the investment expertise of FAO. To provide direct support to the government from CO and to assist project team in FAO RAP to implement this project, a dedicated focal at the country office with adequate experience and professional capacity will be necessary. FAO RAP is also planning to extend support towards further promotion of HiHi activities in the regions through implementing the Regional TCP on HiHi as this approach appears to be promising to streamline and strengthen agrifood systems transformation towards meeting the national targets, and ultimately to achieve SDGs.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Nepal, the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme), in close coordination with FAO RAP HiHi & OCOP, HQ and Nepal Focal Points and HIHI Task force team. In addition, the incumbent will be also engaged in TCP preparation and in ongoing formulation process of GEF and GCF projects to align, integrate and harmonize overall aims and objectives of FAO initiatives and government’s plans and priorities.

Technical Focus

To follow up with key partners met during the Investment Forum, to coordinate with the OCOP programme in Nepal and to support the implementation of the Regional TCP on (Rural Finance, OCOP, DVI), and proposed regional TCP on HiHi, a National Coordinator is required. The National Coordinator will work closely with the regional office and facilitate coordination, planning, preparation and implementation of these programmes in Nepal. The proposed coordinator will also contribute technically to identify agricultural opportunities with key commodities at territorial level for matchmaking and closing the investment gaps by working with existing donors, partners, private sector and explore funding opportunities.

Tasks and responsibilities

The National HIHI Technical Coordinator will be responsible to carry out the following tasks: • Research, gather, classify and screen prospective investment opportunities under Nepal’s foreign direct investment (FDI) policy, FDI projects related to agriculture and livestock sector, agribusiness and trade, value chain of key agricultural products, producer associations and interpret and apply results of analysis to economic and investment prospects linking to HiHi Nepal; • Consolidate and develop Nepal HIH Investment catalogue/handbook on agricultural and livestock products projects under national FDI Priority List of Activities, including detailed information about products and producers; • Follow up with key partner collaborations indicated during the HiHi Investment Forum 2022 in Rome and assist government to reach out to further discuss and build partnerships for investment in Nepal; • Support participation of government in the upcoming investment forums; • Coordinate the development of Investment Proposal for Nepal on Fish, Lentil, Buckwheat, citrus, processing hub, dairy production, highland livestock production, etc.; • Support and contribute to building the capacity of the government, corporations and private sector on application of typology, financial investment & returns, social and environmental analysis to support investment decision making process and prepare investment concept note for priority commodities and value addition/postharvest interventions; • Support the implementation of the Regional TCP on Rural Finance to review and take stock of the national rural finance service delivery system; collection of relevant studies, policy papers, strategies, assessments; engagement of relevant stakeholders and support consultation process; contribute to the development of the country assessment report in close consultation with the international consultant; organize national HIH donor roundtable; identification and participation of national experts for capacity building and exposure visits; • Support the implementation of the Regional TCP on OCOP to organize stakeholder mapping & consultation; prepare Factsheets of SAPs; take stock of existing policy and legislative systems; identify green technologies and good agricultural practices; cross-country technical network on geographical indication for environment sustainability; identification and participation of national experts for capacity development on GI & preparation of nutrient profile/analysis of SAP; identify key interventions including policy adjustment, technical inputs and financial investments; • Identify key stakeholders and organize in country Investment Forum in coordination with farmer/producer associations, commerce associations, government bodies, development partners, NGOs, and the private sector in Nepal; • Contribute to the GEF/GCF and TCP project formulation process in aligning and integrating typology information to support identifying investment areas/commodities; • Technically contribute to the development of 16th FYP for the agriculture sector in Nepal; • Provide organizational support to meetings, consultations and facilitate the organization of multi-stakeholder roundtables, including proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation and archiving of documents, presentations, and meeting summaries, etc.; • Prepare regular updates and progress reports at national & sub-national levels to the HIHI Team and maintain information sheets with updates on the progress of the tasks delegated to respective agencies and ensure timely follow up and delivery; and • Perform other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• National or Resident of Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal • Master’s degree in a field relevant to economics, trade, public policy, agriculture, forestry, food security and nutrition • At least 10 years of working experience in the above-mentioned fields. In-depth understanding on agriculture policy, features, challenges and opportunities of agriculture and food system in Nepal • Working knowledge of English and Nepali

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Excellent soft skills: Paying attention to detail, adult learning, effective communication, interpersonal relationship skills, networking and coordination, and team and relationship building; • Proficiency in report writing and technical programme document preparation • Computer skills in Office applications including Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint • Ability to plan, organize, and administer workshops and training sessions

Selection Criteria

• Ability to manage and work with a multidisciplinary and multicultural team • Proven ability to network sensitively, cooperatively and productively with multiple stakeholders • High degree of team ethics, well-organized, results-focused and dynamic personality • Excellent written and verbal communication skills • Proficiency in English and Nepali language (both spoken and written) • Previous experience working with UN agencies is an asset

Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation and and educational certificates to the online profile, along with other supporting documents to the online profile.