National Project Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has reinforced its presence in Ukraine by signing an agreement with the Government to set up a Project Office that will facilitate and expand the provision of technical and humanitarian assistance to the country’s most vulnerable communities, especially in rural areas.

Ukraine joined FAO in 2003 and since 2015 the Organization has been operating in two strategic directions: emergency humanitarian response in conflict-affected oblasts and agricultural development across the whole country. Following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, FAO has scaled up its activities in the country to support agricultural production and food systems with the aim of protecting the food security of vulnerable households and communities across Ukraine.

To implement its 2023 Response Plan for Ukraine, FAO requires USD 205 million to restore the food security and self-sufficiency of 500 000 rural households in seven frontline oblasts and other areas heavily impacted by the war, to restore agricultural production and critical value chains by providing support to small- and medium-sized producers, and to provide coordination and technical support to the Government of Ukraine to support critical food system services.

The Response Plan was formulated to respond to the priority intervention areas and target beneficiaries outlined by the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food (MAPF), to be consistent with the UN-wide response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, and to respond to the distinct needs of vulnerable rural households and small- and medium-sized agricultural producers across the humanitarian-development-peace-nexus with a focus on responding to immediate needs while also building resilience. In addition, the Response Plan delineates FAO’s role in generating accurate, timely analysis and evidence of the food security and sectoral situations in Ukraine to inform the programming of FAO and other development partners as well the Government of Ukraine’s policy response and related actions. Furthermore, the Response Plan has been formulated to complement FAO’s development portfolio that was being implemented prior to the outbreak of the war.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the Designated Responsible Officer, the direct supervision of the Head of Field Office - Dnipro, and in close coordination with the Programme Implementation Specialist as well as relevant programme, operations and administrative units at FAO Ukraine, the National Project Specialist will be responsible for provision and assistance in programmatic and operational support to the implementation of emergency assistance and early recovery projects (including UHF, Luxemburg, etc.) in the eastern regions of Ukraine.

Technical Focus

The Project Specialist will be responsible for supporting the project team in all programme and administrative tasks, supporting operations of the project office and ensuring smooth communication between the project office and other operational units of FAO Ukraine.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Lead project(s) implementation in line with work plans, M&E framework, and communication requirements. • Contribute to the analysis of technical-related issues for the development, implementation, and evaluation of the project(s) in line with the Work Plan, Project Staffing Plan, Procurement Plan and Project Budget. • Gather information to support drafting of key project(s) documents and initiate the preparation of progress reports. • Lead the process for identifying and selecting service providers/implementing partners and draft agreements and ensure project inputs are procured and distributed following FAO procurement procedures. • Closely monitor contractual obligations and reporting of service providers and consultants. • Support identifying issues arising from implementing partners and respond appropriately or escalate to the management level as applicable. • Support the Head of Field Office and Programme Implementation Specialist on crucial project management aspects, including coordination support related to activities with regional governments and other stakeholders. • Support processing and managing routine administrative and financial tasks in various functional areas, to contribute to effective and timely management of resources. • Conduct regular field visits (provided security clearance) and organize meetings with key partners and stakeholders. • Prepare project related technical briefs, reports, case studies and best practices to showcase project results in close collaboration with relevant FAO Ukraine departments. • Provide support with field level inputs in development of Concept notes and project proposals. • Provide contents to the communication team in accordance with the projects’ communication plan. • Ensure visibility of project activities and achievements in close collaboration with the MEAL and communication teams. • Perform other related duties as requested.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in agriculture, development studies, environmental studies, social sciences, or related discipline. • Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible working experience related to project implementation/management. • Fluency in English and Ukrainian, as all the duties will have to be performed in English. • National of Ukraine.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Demonstrated experience in the field level implementation of humanitarian and early recover assistance projects highly desirable. • Ability to take ownership and accountability for assigned processes and to work autonomously. • Rigor and demonstrated attention to detail. • Quality of both oral and written communication skills. • Experience implementing activities with a voucher modality an asset. • Proven ability to conceptualize, plan and execute complex processes across a wide range of stakeholders, advance ability to work quickly and under pressure.

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
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.