National Specialist on development of the National Action Plan

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Our goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives.

FAO Sub-Regional Office for Central Asia (SEC) is responsible for developing, promoting, overseeing and implementing strategies for addressing food security, agriculture and rural development priorities in the sub-region; Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The Organization’s technical assistance includes institution building, development of knowledge and competencies, and exchange of experience among countries facing the challenges of transition.

National Specialist on development of the National Action Plan will be assigned in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan and will work under “Integrated natural resources management in drought-prone and salt-affected agricultural production landscapes in Central Asia and Turkey (CACILM II)” project in FAO Partnership and Liaison office in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of FAO Sub-regional Coordinator for Central Asia (SEC-SRC), the technical supervision of Lead Technical Officer, under operational guidance from SEC Field Programme Unit and the direct supervision of the of Regional Programme Coordinator for CACILM II project, and the day-to-day guidance of the Project Coordinator of CACILM II project in Kazakhstan.

Technical Focus

Provide support to the development of the new version of National Strategy and Action Plan to Combat Desertification within the project.

Tasks and responsibilities

• In consultation with the UNCCD FP team development of the new version of the National Strategy and Action Plan to Combat Desertification by:

-reviewing of national policies and institutional frameworks on accepted country obligations under UNCCD agreement, and their application with the view to identify gaps and potential opportunities;

-analyzing the current situation of land management and related degradation problems in terms of economic, social and environmental conditions, and key constraints and barriers of implementing SLM approaches;

-reviewing and provide assessment of current state and effectiveness of the performance of activities under the implementation of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification in Kazakhstan;

-reviewing relevant experience and documentation of UNCCD and LDN from at least 3 foreign countries, where it was applied, and add relevant points in the NAP analysis and reports;

-developing recommendations on strengthening the intersectoral mechanism for cooperation to combat desertification and land degradation, in collaboration and participation of relevant government committees, departments and ministries, project experts; etc.

-developing the Roadmap for Integration of UNCCD LDN Targets into national policy and institutional settings with the support of LDN expert;

- given the importance of Drought events in desertification, Include specific Drought Action plans into the NAP.

• Arrange round table/working meetings with participation of experts and stakeholders to discuss key findings and brainstorm on results of analysis and first draft of the National Strategy and Action Plan to Combat Desertification;
• Organize a national seminar to discuss the final draft of the National Strategy and Action Plan to Combat Desertification;
• Support project national partners on adoption of the new version of the NAP;
• Support and coordinate national consultants on preparation of the Country PRAIS 4 report;
• Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in economics, natural resource management/agriculture/environmental protection/land management or related technical disciplines;
• At least 5 years of experience in the areas land degradation neutrality such as SLM/SFM/CSA practices included projects;
• National of Kazakhstan or resident in the country with official residence/work permit.
• Working knowledge of Russian and English. Additionally, good command of Kazakh will be an advantage.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Extent and relevance of experience in the project management
• Knowledge of Project Cycle Management is an asset
• Previous working experience in UN organizations is an asset
• Experience in environmental related projects of UNDP, GEF, FAO, CAREC, etc. is an asset;
• Knowledge and experience of FAO systems and databases, accounting or financial modules and corporate applications is considered an asset
• Good knowledge and experience in UN conventions (especially UNFCCC and UNCCD preferably);
• Proven analytical, leadership skills, demonstrated ability to open to new approaches and new practices;
• Ability to work with governmental and non-governmental organizations;
• Experience in conducting and organizing conferences, seminars and trainings at the national level;
• Proven communication skills with national authorities, district/regional governments, national experts, and local communities;