Socioeconomic Specialist

Organizational Setting

The main aim of the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO’s) Representation in Egypt, which is headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist the Government of Egypt to develop policies, programmes and projects to improve food security and nutrition, promote sustainable agricultural development, reduce rural poverty, develop inclusive agri-food systems and strengthen livelihood resilience – in line with the Organization’s Strategic Objectives and United Nations’ global and Government of Egypt’s national Sustainable Development Goals.

FAO is planning to implement a project titled “Enhancement of Agricultural Productivity" OSRO/EGY/041/JPN, is an emergency project supported by the Government of Japan. The project would help vulnerable agricultural households in Upper Egypt and the Nile Delta regions of Egypt, which are threatened by crises, climate change, and insufficient water supplies, become more resilient and less dependent on government assistance. This contribution will be made by enhancing the use of water for farming, increasing agricultural production for smallholder farmers, increasing incomes, and providing impoverished rural households with economic opportunities. The project will work towards achieving increased crop yields per unit of irrigation water used over time and improving food security and income generation in selected Haya Karima villages of Minya, Qena, and Kafr El Sheikh Governorates through the upscaling of tested and validated modern irrigation technologies (such as solar-powered pumps and hybrid (low energy drip and/or sprinkler) irrigation systems), climate-smart water management (CSWM) practices, and good agricultural practice (GAP) principles.

The position is located in the FAO Office in Cairo, Egypt.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of FAOR-EGY, the direct supervision of the project Manager, the technical supervision of the senior water resources management officer (FAO-SNG), and the technical senior land and water officer (FAO-RNE), and in close collaboration with the FAO country office and project personnel, as well as Government counterparts and all stakeholders, the incumbent will carry out the following tasks for the project to increase agricultural and water productivity in the aforementioned governorates in the designated locations in Menia, Qena, and Kafr El Sheikh governorates.

Technical Focus:

The Socioeconomic Specialist will be responsible for conducting a socio-economic assessment of the project area, focusing on the project's impact on the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. The assessment will provide an analysis of the economic, social, and environmental implications of the project and provide recommendations on how the project can be improved to maximize its impact on the target beneficiaries.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Conduct a socio-economic analysis and baseline assessment of the target regions to identify the major constraints to irrigation modernization, crop productivity, including issues related to access to inputs, markets, and financing. • Develop strategies to enhance agricultural productivity and promote sustainable agriculture, taking into consideration the socioeconomic context of the area. • Conduct a cost-benefit analysis of different interventions proposed by the project to enhance crop productivity, including the adoption of modern irrigation and agricultural technologies, training and capacity building, and market linkages. • Provide guidance and advice to farmers, policymakers, and other stakeholders on issues related to agricultural productivity and sustainable agriculture. • Collaborate with local organizations and stakeholders to develop and implement agricultural projects that promote sustainable agriculture and enhance productivity. • Develop a social assessment of the project interventions to ensure that they are gender-sensitive and socially inclusive. • Conduct a risk assessment to identify potential risks associated with the project interventions and develop mitigation measures. • Develop training materials and provide training to farmers on sustainable agriculture practices, including crop rotation, soil conservation, and water management from socio-economic point of view. • Provide recommendations on the most effective interventions to enhance crop productivity, including the estimated costs and benefits, potential impacts, and risks. • Prepare reports, briefings, and other written materials on socioeconomic issues related to agriculture.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• An advanced university degree in agriculture, agriculture economy, agribusiness, or a related field. • At least 7 years of experience in designing, socio-economic studies. • Working knowledge of the English and Arabic languages. • National of Egypt or a legal resident in the country.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Relevance and extent of experience in working with inter-governemental bodies and multi-disciplinary teams. • Excellent organizational and analytical skills; • Experience in report writing and data analysis • Computer literacy in standard office software and proficiency in project management tools and software • Strong analytical skills and experience using quantitative and qualitative methods. • Strong knowledge of sustainable agriculture practices and their socioeconomic implications. • Proven experience in developing and implementing strategies to enhance agricultural productivity and promote sustainable agriculture.