Resource Mobilisation Specialist - Green Cities Initiative

Overview

Develop resource mobilization strategy and operational plan for Green Cities Initiative

You have:

• Advanced university degree (Masters or higher) in International Relations, Political Science, or similar
• At least ten years’ experience in the development sector, preferably in fundraising, resource mobilisation or partnership building, at the national, regional and/or international level
• Working knowledge of English
• National of Zimbabwe or resident of the country with valid work permit

Organizational Setting

The main aim of the FAO country offices 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. For the period 2022-2026, the FAO Office in Zimbabwe is supporting Government efforts through the Country Programme Framework (CPF) which is based on three pillars: (i) Promotion of inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems to address food security and nutrition; (ii) Building resilience to climate change, agricultural threats and crisis; (iii) Sustainable management of natural resources and environmental protection.

The world is becoming more and more urbanized with 55 percent of the population living in cities. The urban population is set to reach 68 percent by 2050, with 90 percent in low-income countries - especially in Africa and Asia. Cities already consume almost 80 percent of the total energy produced in the world and absorb up to 70 percent of the food supply. To address these challenges, cities are taking a more active role in contributing to national governments’ efforts in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement. Population growth and rapid urbanization are exacerbating the limits of our current food systems (increased levels of Green House Gases (GHGs,) deforestation, food loss and waste) and increasing competition for natural resources. Local administrations are finding it increasingly challenging to ensure urban and peri-urban populations have access to sustainable and nutritious food, build resistance to zoonotic diseases, develop green spaces and reduce food waste. Maintaining sustainable agrifood systems with green spaces that include urban and peri-urban agriculture and forests are essential for cities, making them more resilient to the impacts of climate change and socio-economic crises. To trigger transformative actions for cities to become greener, cleaner, more resilient and regenerative, FAO launched the Green Cities Initiative and Action Plan on 18 September 2020. The FAO Green Cities Initiative focuses on improving the urban environment, strengthening urban-rural linkages and the resilience of urban systems, services and populations to external shocks with an eye towards constructing a robust constituency of actors. The concept will help ensure access to a healthy environment and healthy diets from sustainable agri-food systems, increasing availability of green spaces through urban and peri-urban forestry. The Initiative will also contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation as well as sustainable resource management. In Zimbabwe, FAO has (triggered/launched) the GCI through the signing of letters of intent with the City of Bulawayo and City of Harare. Initial activities involved hiring a specialist to assess the two cities and their peri urban areas under the three key pillars of Urban Food Systems, Urban and Peri urban agriculture and Urban- and Peri urban forestry. The specialist completed the assessment and submitted a report on the findings which were validated by stakeholders for both cities. The finding included prioritization of areas of key interventions by stakeholders. (Report will be made available to the successful candidate.) The following priority clusters were identified and validated during the assessment: Priority Cluster 1:

• Valorise waste by adopting circular economy approach to solid waste management and solid waste pollution • Mobilize funding to fully implement Master Plans and Local Environment Action Plans of both Cities in Bulawayo and Harare Priority Cluster 2: • Rehabilitate, restore wetlands. Identify and formalize wetlands that can be used for sustainable urban agriculture. Highly sensitive wetlands should not be cultivated. • Rehabilitate and upgrade sewage reticulation system. Priority Cluster 3: • Provide more market spaces for vendors and informal traders along the outskirts of the cities to release pressure in the city centre markets. • Construct Green Market Infrastructure (with increased space, tables for products display, water, adequate toilets, and energy). • Strengthen the national food quality and safety surveillance system–farm to fork and establish robust food safety information management system. Priority Cluster 4: • Revise By-laws of both cities in response to existing and predictable future challenges • Increase capacity of Local Authorities, EMA, and Forestry Commission among others to enforce regulations. While the project has managed to attract some GEF8 funding, the identified priorities will require much more resources to achieve the desired goals and impact. FAO is seeking the services of a qualified incumbent to develop a comprehensive resource mobilization strategy and communications materials and plan to help mobilize resources for the Green Cities Initiative project.

FAO is implementing this project under the Green Cities Initiative- Technical Cooperation Project (TCP/ZIM/3902/C2).

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Zimbabwe, and direct supervision of the AFAOR-Programme. Supervision received is focused on the quality of the work performed. The incumbent will work closely with the GCI focal Person, the investment analyst and communications specialist in the Zim Office.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will develop resource mobilisation strategy and its operationalisation plan, prepare 2-3 concept notes for prioritised donors. She/he will develop comprehensive Resource mobilisation manual and develop a communication strategy plan in line with GCI communications plan.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Identify priority areas listed by GCI stakeholders and carry out donor mapping within each priority identified considering donor interests, priorities, funding windows pointing out clear actions that should be taken to mobilize funds and develop/maintain relationships with these donors in relation to GCI identified priority areas. • Identify suggested mechanisms for system-level resource mobilisation and the strategic expansion of funding, including through innovative financing initiatives and with a focus on both traditional and non-traditional funding sources. • Prepare a plan to implement the resource mobilization strategy that include list of contacts and, visiting plan and negotiating with donors. • Search, prospect, and establish new and innovative partnerships that would increase. • Support for GCI agenda in Zimbabwe. This includes coming up with a strategy that will motivate and inspire the private sector to collaborate with GCI stakeholders within a social responsibility approach, while nurturing and cultivating relationships with existing and new funders and donors. • Develop a comprehensive resource mobilization Manual that includes standard operating. procedures and processes and defines the direction of resources acquisition and utilization. The plan should also align with the 5-year investment plan presented by the investment analyst. • Prepare 2-3 concept notes in response to advice arising from communications and contacts with prospective donors’

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Masters or higher) in International Relations, Political Science, or similar • At least ten years’ experience in the development sector, preferably in fundraising, resource mobilisation or partnership building, at the national, regional and/or international level • Working knowledge of English • National of Zimbabwe or resident of the country with valid work permit

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Good technical writing and communication skills, computer literacy • Ability to communicate in a clear, concise, and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. • Computer literacy (Microsoft -Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Selection Criteria

• Strong demonstrated experience in dealing with donors or donor funds management. • Proven partnership development skills, project management skills, including budgeting. • and donor compliance. • Good knowledge of international development and humanitarian aid landscape, including • WB, AfDB, bilateral donors and the UN system and others. • Proven ability to conceptualize, plan and execute ideas. • Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team and cross-culturally.

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Potential interview questions

Added 2 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: fao.org