Technical Specialist (Land Governance and County Coordination)

Support land governance and county coordination activities in Kenya.

FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

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Application deadline in 11 days: Friday 17 Jul 2026 at 21:59 UTC

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Overview

Support land governance and county coordination activities in Kenya.

You have:

  • Advance University degree in agricultural courses, natural resources management, land, environment, forestry or a related field from a recognized university is required
  • A minimum of seven (7) years of progressive work experience in natural resources management, land governance and/or agricultural related programmes at national and/or county levels
  • Working knowledge (level C) of English and Kiswahili
  • National of Kenya

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind. In the wake of increased demand for digitalization of the agriculture sector and use of data for decision making, FAO Kenya has been at the forefront in supporting the Government of Kenya to fully realize this goal. Consequently, FAO Kenya is seeking to strengthen its internal technical capacity by employing a qualified and competent Technical Specialist in a position located within the FAO Representation in Kenya.

Reporting Lines

The Technical Specialist will work under overall guidance of the FAO Representative in Kenya and direct supervision of the Digital Land Governance Programme Manager.

Technical Focus

The Technical Specialist will support the effective delivery of FAO Kenya programme activities through liaison and technical support to the technical and alignment to the programme’s activities. The role focuses on ensuring liaison with the Council of Governors and other affiliates institutions that are aligned to programmes deliverables. The roles further ensure compliance with FAO rules and procedures.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Support to coordinate programme activities in collaboration with programme manager, Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs), development partners and other land sector non-state actors • Act as liaison between various stakeholders and especially Counties and FAO to support the programme Manager in the implementation of planned activities • Support the identification, planning and implementation of programme activities. • Guide and provide technical advice on the identification of existing policies, institutional and legal gaps/conflicts for effective implementation of the programme activities in line with the National, County and FAO Strategic Frameworks and guidelines • Participate in the PCU and PAC meetings and provide strategic direction on the programme implementation • Provide support in monitoring the progress and execution of the programme activities as per the work plan, and perform other duties as required. • Perform any other task as required during the implementation of the programme in consultation with the Programme Manager. • Participate in Development Partners Group in Land, environment and natural resources meetings and activities. • Support to prepare policy briefs relevant to the sector. • Support on Digitization, digitalization, GIS and technology adoption in the various levels of Government • Specifically assist the cluster focal persons to enhance technical input in the counties.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advance University degree in agricultural courses, natural resources management, land, environment, forestry or a related field from a recognized university is required • A minimum of seven (7) years of progressive work experience in natural resources management, land governance and/or agricultural related programmes at national and /or county levels • Working knowledge (level C) of English and Kiswahili • National of Kenya

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Good understanding of the Kenya policy context in relation to land and natural resources management. • Knowledge on and working experience in FAO Kenya projects and programmes • Excellent written and oral communications skills, including experience in preparing reports, policy briefs or political briefing papers • Strategic visioning, creative thinking and problem-solving skills. • Working knowledge of computer applications (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Power BI and GIS).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
  • Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
  • Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
  • For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
  • Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

Potential interview questions

Describe your experience with land governance and its relevance to sustainable agricultural programs. This assesses your practical knowledge and experience in land governance. Provide specific examples of your previous work in land governance and its impact.
How do you ensure effective stakeholder engagement in your projects? This question examines your ability to collaborate across different sectors. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you give an example of a policy brief you prepared and the outcomes that resulted from it? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies would you implement to promote digitalization in land management? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of program activities? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What challenges have you faced in natural resources management and how did you overcome them? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Discuss a time when you had to provide strategic direction on program implementation. What was your approach? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
In what ways do you contribute to team effectiveness in your projects? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 2 days ago - Updated 2 hours ago - Source: fao.org