National Specialist (Agriculture Marketing Policies and Trade)

Organizational Setting

The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner. Under this specific project, FAO will carry out an assessment of the capacities and needs of the Jordanian and Palestinian markets of agricultural products. To that end, the Jordanian-Palestinian Company for Marketing Agricultural products (JPACO) - an Arab company that had been officially established in January 2022 as a vision by the ministries of agriculture in Jordan and Palestine- established to enhance trade for both countries' agricultural products. As a result of the Syrian crises, main shipping paths from Jordan to European markets had been suspended, therefore horticultural product exporters in both countries lost fair market share in Europe. the assessment will cover the following areas/studies:

• Available\\existing marketing infrastructure for agricultural products, to identify its maximum production capacity, and determine the utilized productive capacity. Furthermore, identify and analyse opportunities to develop partnerships between the company and the private sector to ensure the optimal utilization of the accessible infrastructure, and avoid overlapping and competition between Jordan and Palestine.

• Supply-demand analysis of agricultural products that have a competitive advantage in both countries, taking into consideration the competitiveness with other producing countries, and the competitors' export costs to the selected international markets (EU, UK, USA, UAE, Indonesia). Also, suggest any other countries and markets that are more suitable for products with a competitive advantage for both countries.

• Prepare an outline for agricultural products and crops and promising markets with competitive advantage in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the State of Palestine.

In the context of this project, The project team will work with partners and stakeholders to collect and analyze the data collected through the assessment, improve staff capacities on continued monitoring and design effective short and long-term policy responses which will allow JPACO to achieve its goals by entering new markets and increasing its share in current European and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets for both countries with competitive prices by giving JPACO a clear vision of what and when to promote Jordanian and Palestinian agricultural products which will positively affect the agricultural sector in both countries and reflect its impact on food security.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the supervision of the FAO Representative and in close collaboration with the Lead Technical Officer (LTO), FAOR Assistant (Programme) and in collaboration with FAO Jordan staff.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will act as a Project Coordinator (PO) and technical matter specialist for the assigned projects. The incumbent will provide a wide range of management, reporting, project development, as well as coordination support to the Representation.

Tasks and responsibilities

The incumbent will have the following tasks and responsibilities:

• Assume the role of the Project Coordinator and be in charge for the assigned project, thereby, ensure due implementation of the activities under the assigned project; • Review and maintain project monitoring, evaluation and reporting tasks; be acquainted with and update the M&E tools of each assigned project of FAO Representation and ensure due monitoring is performed corresponding to the project work plan; • Prepare in close collaboration with the project staff different periodic, routine and occasional reports to the donors and other concerned entities/authorities as per envision of the project; • Support in FAO project reporting as per stipulations of the project document • Review and maintain the Letter of Agreement (LoA) under the project to ensure deliverables of the service provider (SP) are obtained by FAO; monitor and report on any deficiency in any engagement between FAO and the SP; • Support identification of relevant national experts to support the implementation of the project and prepare communication strategy for the visibility of the project; • Support formulation of identified projects in collaboration with stakeholders • Support the development of LOAs and partnerships with the relevant stakeholders. • Develop, review and update project reports. • Carry out correspondence of TCPs with the relevant project stakeholders. • Review, edit and contribute through independent inputs in different FAO documents, as needed and requested; • Work within the team to maintain the image of the Organization. • Perform any other tasks as needed and requested by the FAO Representation.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced University degree in development studies, Agriculture, marketing, value chain, international relations, economics or related field; • Have at least 10 years’ experience in Agriculture or similar related sector, management, marketing, reporting, or similar related area; • Working knowledge (level C) of English and Arabic; • National of Jordan or a legal 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

• Must demonstrate abundant knowledge and experience in Project cycle management; • The candidate should be knowledgeable in the area of contract management; • Previous working experience with UN and/or international cooperation will be an asset; • Strong communication skills, networking and teamwork is required; • Computer skills in Office Applications including Excel, Word, Outlook, Power Point as necessary; • Must work independently and pay attention to details; • Must demonstrate good report writing experience ; • Candidate must have the ability to work harmoniously with people of different national and cultural backgrounds; • Strong communication skills, networking and teamwork are required; • Previous working experience with UN and/or international organizations will be an asset.