Technical Specialist (Concept Note Development)
Develop high-quality concept notes aligned with FAO strategies.
Overview
Develop high-quality concept notes aligned with FAO strategies.
You have:
- Advanced University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in international development studies, international relations, economics, political and social sciences, agribusiness, agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, rural development, or related field or any other discipline relevant to the work of the Organization.
- At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in concept note development.
- Working knowledge (level C) of English.
Organizational Setting
Guided by the Country Program Framework 2023 -2027, FAO’s country programme in Egypt is aligned with country priorities as expressed in national strategies such as; Vision 2030, 2030 Updated Sustainable Agricultural Development Strategy and Action Plan (SADS-2030), National Water Resources Plan, 2017-2037, Egypt National Climate Change Strategy-2050 and First Updated Nationally Determined Contributions (2022), National Food and Nutrition Strategy (2022-2030), Egypt National Action Plan for Antimicrobial Resistance (2018-2022), Programmer (2022), National Strategy for the Empowerment of Egyptian Women, 2030, Haya Karima Initiative (Decent Life – Sustainable Rural Communities) 2019-2030, Nexus of Water, Food and Energy (NWFE) Program, and residential Initiative “Bedaya – A New Beginning for Human Building”.
Through the support of various international donors, FAO Egypt is implementing a growing portfolio of projects covering but not limited to; land and water enhancement, agriculture production, animal health, climate change adaptation, agrifood value chain development, food security and nutrition and support to vulnerable rural and smallholder farmers. Further, an expected pipeline of projects covering climate change adaptation, natural resources management, biodiversity restoration and risk reduction is expected. FAO Egypt also sits in various coordination mechanisms in the country, in a strategic capacity, as a technical lead for food systems and agriculture.
To deliver its program, FAO Egypt is working with several line ministries such as Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Health and Population, Ministry of Social Solidarity, Ministry of Water Irrigation, and Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Reporting Lines
The Technical Specialist (Concept Note Development) will work under the direct supervision of the FAO Representative/Day-to-day OiC in Egypt.
Technical Focus
The Technical Specialist (Concept Note Development) will contribute specialized expertise to the development of concept notes for key priority programmatic areas, ensuring compliance with standards and requirements.
Tasks and responsibilities
• Formulate and draft high-quality concept notes on priority programmatic areas ensuring alignment with FAO’s strategic frameworks, donor requirements, and national priorities; • Ensure integration of cross-cutting issues (such as gender, climate change, safeguards, nutrition, youth) into the concept notes in accordance with FAO and donor guidelines; • Provide technical support to FAO country office on concept note structure, formulation and resource mobilization, including guidance on results frameworks, theory of change, and alignment with national development plans and FAO strategic objectives; • Perform any other related duties.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• Advanced University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in international development studies, international relations, economics, political and social sciences, agribusiness, agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, rural development, or related field or any other discipline relevant to the work of the Organization. Consultants with bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience; • At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in concept note development; • Working knowledge (level C) of English;
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus • Teamwork • Communication • Building Effective Relationships • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe your experience in developing concept notes for projects? | This question assesses the candidate's direct experience in the key task of the position. | Discuss specific projects you have developed concept notes for, including the context, purpose, and outcomes. |
| How do you ensure that cross-cutting issues are integrated into your project proposals? | This question evaluates the importance placed on integrating diverse issues in project proposals. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What strategies do you use to align your projects with donor requirements and national priorities? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you approach stakeholder engagement when developing project concepts? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you provide an example of a challenging concept note you developed and how you handled it? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What is your understanding of FAO’s strategic frameworks and how would you apply them? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you measure the success of a project concept post-implementation? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe your experience working with governmental and non-governmental partners in project development. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |