National Programme Assistant (AgroFood Systems)

Organizational Settings

The Food and Agriculture organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Government of Eswatini have partnered since the country joined the Organization in 1971. FAO assistance has covered the formulation and implementation of food security and nutrition policies, including risk reduction and management strategies, and activities to increase agricultural productivity. More recently, cooperation has included a focus on market access and agricultural competiveness, with support to smallholders’ transition from subsistence to commercial agriculture. Emphasis is also given to the sustainable management of natural resources.

FAO Eswatini is implementing a number of Technical Cooperation Programmes (TCP) projects and Emergency programmes. The TCP provides assistance in all areas pertaining to FAO’s mandate and competence that are covered by the Strategic Framework to respond to governments’ priority needs. These short-term, catalytic and sustainable projects are driven by the demands and priorities of member countries, addressing critical gaps in hunger and malnutrition eradication, sustainable production, rural poverty reduction more efficient and inclusive food chains and building resilience to crisis. TCP projects catalyze change, foster capacity development and assist countries in mobilizing resources, in line with the Country Programming Frameworks agreed to with governments. Currently FAO Eswatini is supporting a number of TCPs with the Ministry of Agriculture and jointly collaborating with other Ministries as related to projects.

Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy of the Kingdom of Eswatini, and a major source of employment for more than 70 percent of the population. Eswatini’s young population and agro-based economy place the development of the country’s agro-food systems at heart of any strategy aiming to deliver employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for young people in both rural and urban areas. However, the sector has been impacted by the incidence of weather-induced crop failures, pests and diseases and limited access by especially smallholder farmers to financing instruments and technology. Agricultural activity has been declining in Eswatini over the last two decades. The Comprehensive Agriculture Sector Policy’s (CASP) which overall aim is to promote sustainable agricultural development, economic growth, poverty alleviation, food security and sustainable natural resource management. Through FAO support, Eswatini has now begun a process of reviewing its Agricultural Investment plan (E-NAIP Process) as an initiative to support Government to achieve the goals of the CASP and its strategic plan. It is envisaged that the E-NAIP will feed from the Agrinvest process and its associated network of institutions aimed at achieving the vision for the agricultural and natural resources sector and food security in the country within the auspices of the New Partnership for Africa (NEPAD) Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP).

AgrInvest initiative, which feeds into the new generation National Agricultural Investment Plan, can play a catalytic role in the development and successful implementation of important national, continental and global strategies. The overall objective of the AgrInvest initiative is to promote private investment in agro-food systems by promoting an environment favourable to these investments and by reducing the associated risks. FAO is building an alliance of multilateral institutions including IFAD, World Bank, African Development Bank, etc. and bilateral institutions to support the AGRIVEST initiative.

FAO Eswatini has a growing agribusiness portfolio which is buoyed by the Agrinvest initiative, various agribusiness and value chain initiatives which constitute part of its country programme

Moreover, with the current situation regarding COVID-19, it is expected that the projects will also contribute towards addressing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in the relevant thematic areas.

The FAO country office intends to engage a Programme Assistant will support the Programme Team in implementing various agribusiness and Agrinvest projects and initiatives as part of the country programme.

Reporting lines

The National Programme Assistant (AgroFood Systems) will perform this assignment under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative to Eswatini / SFS Sub Regional Coordinator, and the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative/Programmes, with technical support from the Agrofood Systems and Investment Policy Specialist.

The post is located in the FAO Eswatini office.

Technical Focus

The Eswatini FAO Country office intends to engage a National Programme Assistant (AgroFood Systems to assist with two of the activities namely

• Supporting FAO’s Finance and Administration teams to conduct operational, human resources’, procurement and administrative support functions
• ensure the efficient and effective delivery of project activities

Tasks and Responsibilities

• provide direct support to the implementation of the country office agrinvest and agribusiness programme
• Assist in programme planning including coming up with terms of reference, work plans, procurement plans, and other programme cycle management related planning documents
• Assist in programme proposal design and the office resource mobilisation drive by carrying out literature searches and reviews in the context of FAOs support to the agribusiness sector in Eswatini
• Working closely with the programme team as well as Admin and Procurement, assist in the administrative aspects of programme implementation including ensuring uploading documents in the FAO systems.
• Assisting through organisation of meetings, workshops and field visits and timely report back
• Any other duties in the country programme as determined by the FAOR and AFAOR

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum University degree in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Agri-Finance or closely related fields.
• Three (3) or more years of concrete experience in agribusiness project cycle management and field work and
• Experience and strong knowledge of national context with reference to food, agriculture sector, natural resources management, climate change and rural development
• Working knowledge of English and Siswati.
• Nationals of Eswatini

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Extent and relevance of experience in project operations whereby financial management, human resources management, public administration and operational planning come under one position.
• experience in the Monitoring and Evaluation
• A proven understanding of NGOs or International Organizations or programmes is considered a strong asset
• Ability to work with staff/team under pressure.
• Ability to coordinate and work with partners;
• Ability to interpret and apply administrative rules;
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment;
• Demonstrated use of initiative and ability to make appropriate linkages in work requirements and anticipate next steps;
• Ability to plan, organize, implement and report on work;
• Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping clients and colleagues informed

Selection criteria

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work.
• Extent and relevance of experience in Agriculture and project / programme administrative support.
• Experience in the field of project cycle management in Eswatini in particular.
• Experience working with government ministries and/or agricultural sector stakeholders’ issues..
• Capacity to work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information and present ideas and recommendations in a clear and understandable manner.
• Ability to work independently, strong analytical skills and problem-solving
• Computer literacy with Word, PowerPoint and basic spreadsheets (Excel).
• Excellent communication (both written and oral) and presentation skills in English and Siswati