National Project Specialist (GCP/GLO/229/ROK)

Organizational Setting

FAO Côte d'Ivoire is part of the operationalization of the National Strategy for the Development of the Rice Sector (SNDR) adopted on February 15, 2012 and updated by the Council of Ministers in March 2020. This Strategy focused on the objectives of i) ensure Côte d'Ivoire's self-sufficiency in good quality rice before 2025 and ii) make Côte d'Ivoire one of the largest African rice exporting countries by 2030. The NRDS is based on a model of spatial and functional organization called "development pool" corresponding to a rice production area. However, rice production still faces many challenges including low productivity, which is mainly aggravate by the effects of climate change and low yielding varieties, inadequate application of improved technologies, insufficient irrigation, the limited participation of young people in agriculture and the insufficient knowledge of smallholders on the application of good agricultural practices. The availability of water also appears to be a limiting factor. Increasing rice production also requires proper post-harvest management and the use of suitable mechanization technologies in order to avoid losses and increase productivity.

The Division of South-South and Triangular Cooperation (PST) was established to support the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The work of PST focuses on a number of key areas as fostering an enabling environment for effective South-South and triangular cooperation (SSTC) in the agriculture sector, promoting the uptake of sustainable agricultural practices, technologies, and innovations to address challenges in agriculture and rural development facing developing countries, establishing a hub for knowledge generation and documentation, promoting partnerships and collaborations with knowledge networks and platforms, and facilitating the exchange of development solutions in support of the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Reporting Lines

The National Project Specialist reports directly to the AFAOR Programme and will work under the direct supervision of the FAO Representative and the Programme Officer in the Division of South-South and Triangular Cooperation (PST), Lead Technical Officer (LTO) and the project task force in headquarters (HQ).

Technical Focus

The incumbent will support the implementation of the “Capacity development and experience sharing for rice value chains through south-south and triangular cooperation (SSTC)” project funded by the Republic of Korea. This is the second phase of the project, which will target national research/training institutions and rice value chain stakeholders, inter alia, in Côte d'Ivoire. The objectives of the project are to: i) enhance the institutional and individual capacities in rice handling; and ii) strengthen the enabling environment by supporting the implementation of rice strategies.

Tasks and responsibilities

The National Project Specialist will carry out the following tasks:

• Serve as the FAO-Côte d'Ivoire’s project focal point and ensure timely implementation of the project activities in line with the project work plan and budget, in collaboration with PST, LTO/project task force and PST regional officers/focal points; • Provide technical backstopping to project implementation; • Ensure coordination of key stakeholders involved, including the Ministère de l'Agriculture et du Développement Rural, in project implementation at national level; • Develop periodic and routine reports on progress of project implementation and any required technical reports ; • Prepare project-related documentation (e.g. briefs, factsheets, communication materials, etc.); • Coordinate the organisation of training-related activities (e.g. trainings, study/exchange tours, etc.), in collaboration with relevant national or international research/training/extension institutions; • Support the development of training curricula, in collaboration with relevant national or international research/training/extension institutions and/or rice research experts; • Support liaison with national/international rice research experts; • Support knowledge exchange activities; • Support M&E-related activities and facilitate identification, documentation and exchange of lessons learnt; • When required, represent FAO in national/international meetings and events; • Assist with the organization of project-related events/workshops/meetings (e.g. training curriculum development writeshop, stakeholder consultations, donor consultations, etc); • Perform any other tasks as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree (Master’s Degree preferred) in development studies, agriculture, value chain or related field; • At least five (5) years of relevant experience in agriculture with at least two (2) in rice value chains in Côte d'Ivoire; • Working knowledge of French is required. Working knowledge of English is an asset; • A National of Côte d'Ivoire.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience in collecting, analysing, collating and compiling technical information and data Experience in training curricula development and trainings organization • Familiarity with the system of the Ministère de l'Agriculture et du Développement Rural and Agence de Développement du Riz (ADERIZ) would be an advantage • Familiarity with the UN System would be an advantage • Ability to coordinate with internal and external partners considering social diversity, and the ability to work with a high level of independence; • Excellent written and oral communication skills in French. Good communication skills in English is an asset • Ability to pay attention to details • General knowledge and skills in the use of standard office software, such as MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point).

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.