National Programme Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through FAO’s Strategic Framework 2022-31 by supporting the transformation to More efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri- food systems, for Better production, Better nutrition, a Better environment and a Better life, leaving no one behind.

The FAO Representation in Ghana is the body in charge of ensuring liaison between FAO and the Government of Ghana and is the first port of call for analyzing and appraising government assistance requests; identifying, formulating, implementing and monitoring all FAO programmes and projects; managing all phases of the project cycle for national projects for which operational and budget holder responsibilities have been assigned by the Technical Cooperation Department; identifying opportunities for collaboration, and mobilizing technical and operational support from the Regional Office, Headquarters and other funding sources as appropriate. The Government of Ghana and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations with funding support of the European Union (EU) is implementing EU Food Security Response in Northern Ghana (GCP/GHA/040/EC) project (2023-2026) targeting at least 10000 households. The project is being implemented over three agricultural seasons to increase crop and livestock production, including 6 000 maize farmers who will be supported to produce 18 000 Mt of maize over three years in targeted districts; 2 400 millet farmers who will be supported to produce 5,184 Mt of millet; and 4 200 sorghum farmers to produce 8 517 Mt of sorghum over the three years in the targeted districts. In addition, farmers, especially women and youth, and value chain actors will be supported with capacity and access to post-harvest technologies along the groundnut, soybean and vegetable (tomato) value chains with farmers’ capacity on climate change adaptation among others enhanced. An integrated approach to sustainable food production and the resilience of food systems has become all-time important than ever. The project will promote crop-specific, agro-ecological systems and approaches and support the sustainable development of maize, millet, sorghum, soyabean, groundnut, vegetables (tomato), poultry, piggery value chains. In selected project locations, direct agricultural inputs provision, accompanied by support to climate-adapted agricultural practices, provision of improved grain storage technologies, training on post-harvest practices, promotion of organic fertilizer use, provision of solar powered irrigation solutions and application of other climate sensitive and sustainable agri-techniques, promotion of integrated pests and diseases management approaches and facilitation of access to market as well as value addition for crops produced will help in resolving some of the production and post-harvest bottlenecks and contribute to achieving food security, and enhanced resilience to future shocks and disasters.

Reporting Lines

The National Programme Specialist will work under the overall supervision and guidance of the FAO Representative to Ghana, the technical supervision of the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) and the direct supervision of the Project Technical Adviser.

Technical Focus

Programme development, coordination and operational management based on the knowledge of the local conditions, culture, and institutions of Northern Ghana.

Tasks and responsibilities

Specifically, he/she will:

• Contribute to the management of country office programmes, administration and implementation of programme and project strategies, processes and procedures. • Support senior colleagues and contribute to the coordination and management of the project implementation and activities, considering in-country multi-stakeholder engagement frameworks and/or existing arrangements. • Assist in the preparation of programme and project proposals and monitor and review the status of programme/project implementation to ensure that all operational activities are carried out in line with the work plan and the project document. • Assist in the preparation of periodic reports, assessments, and technical documents, including but not limited to, project progress and monitoring reports, implementation reports, letters of agreement and speeches. • Develop and/or review Terms of Reference of affiliate workforce and ensure compliance with current standards and regulations • Contribute to the implementation of Ghana’s Country Programming Framework (CPF) Priorities such as on “Sustainable Natural Resource Management for a Safe, Secure and Productive Environment” and “Resilient Livelihoods for reduced Vulnerability and Rural Poverty”. • Performs other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Forestry, Fisheries, or any other field related to the work of the Organization. • Minimum of 5 years of proven knowledge and experience in agricultural development and/or project implementation and programming, and other relevant technical experience. • Working knowledge of English, (proficient – level C). • National of Ghana or resident in the country with a valid work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable. • Extent and relevance of experience in programme/project development (including formulation and analysis) and management (implementation and monitoring). • Demonstrated understanding of the purpose and functions of the technical programme, operational guidelines and project/programme management procedures, preferably those adopted by the United Nations or FAO, which would be considered an asset. • Ability to work under pressure and adapt to an evolving and complex humanitarian context and within multidisciplinary and different cultural background team

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Added 3 days ago - Updated 1 hour ago - Source: fao.org