National Specialist on Agriculture and Rural Development

Overview

Support implementation of agriculture and rural development initiatives in pilot communities.

You have:

• University degree in rural development, economics, business administration, agricultural science or related fields
• Two (2) years of relevant experience in rural territories
• Working knowledge of Russian is needed, English is highly preferable
• National of Kazakhstan or resident in the country with a regular residence/work permit

Organizational Setting

The Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU) is responsible for leading FAO's response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO's priority activities in the region. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the Region and, in collaboration with departments and divisions at Headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to regional priorities. REU also advises on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization's Programme of Work and Budget and implements approved programmes and projects in the region, monitors the level of programme implementation and draws attention to problems and deficiencies. The Regional Office supports regional policy dialogue on food security, agriculture and rural development issues, facilitates the emergence of regional partnerships, and supports capacity development and resource mobilization for food security, agriculture and rural development in the region.

Reporting Lines

The National Specialist on Agriculture and Rural Development will work under the overall supervision of the OiC for FAO Representative in Kazakhstan/the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) of the project, and with the day-to-day guidance of the FAO Kazakhstan office. The National Consultant will work under the technical guidance of the Land Tenure Officer (REU) and the International Community Development Consultant (REU) and in close cooperation with relevant national stakeholders and other national consultants. The National Specialist on Agriculture and Rural Development will oversee the work of Local coordinators in each pilot community.

Technical Focus

Support the implementation of the project activities by conducting assessments and analyses, mapping relevant stakeholders and holding capacity building sessions and workshops with identified stakeholders, liaising with relevant rayonal and local authorities. Under the guidance of the international consultants, the incumbent will also lead or contribute to the preparation of different documents, including Community Development Action Plans for two pilot communities, assessment reports, project progress reports, etc.

Tasks and responsibilities

The National Specialist on Agriculture and Rural Development will perform the following tasks: • Prepare an operational action plan to guide the implementation of the project. • Draft methodology for the rapid assessment of the two pilot communities in terms of their needs, development potential, opportunities, challenges and constraints for development, including the relevant existing value chains. • Lead a series of community workshops in the pilot communities to support the preparation of a Community Development Action Plans. • With the involvement of relevant local stakeholders, including women, youth and vulnerable groups, develop a Community Development Action Plan for each of the two pilot communities. • Support pilot communities to map funding opportunities for the implementation of the Community Development Action Plans. • Contribute to the development of a small-scale investment support scheme to facilitate the implementation of the Community Development Action Plans. • Organize and hold capacity building sessions for farmers and other community members in the pilot communities on selected topics relevant for each pilot site. • Participate in the online training programme organized by FAO for national stakeholders. • Travel to the pilot community when needed and prepare back to office reports after each mission. • Perform other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in rural development, economics, business administration, agricultural science or related fields • Two (2) years of relevant experience in rural territories • Working knowledge of Russian is needed, English is highly preferable • National of Kazakhstan or resident in the country with a regular residence/work permit

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/ Functional Skills

• Good knowledge of the MS Office applications, Internet and office technology equipment

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Potential interview questions

Added 3 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: fao.org