Organizational Setting
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the 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.
FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.
FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level.
The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources.
Specifically, FAO Country Offices:
(i) advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate.
(ii) provide technical assistance and deliver core services;
(iii) assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation;
(iv) position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and
(v) ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.
FAO HQ has developed, with the support from the Netherlands, a portal to monitor Water Productivity through Open access of Remotely sensed information (WaPOR) in near real time. The 2nd phase of the WaPOR project (GCP/INT/729/NET) focuses on developing in selected FAO Member countries practical applications and locally relevant solutions to increase land and water productivity using the WaPOR portal. Given the work implemented during the 1st phase of WaPOR and the importance of increasing water productivity in the country, Jordan has been selected as one of the countries for such field application. Jordan is also one of the countries of implementation of the EBRD-funded SEMED package, coordinated by FAO Investment Center. As part of the SEMED package, economic water productivity assessment will be implemented in Jordan using WaPOR data and tools.
The position is located in the FAO Country Office in Jordan.
Reporting Lines
Under the overall supervision of the Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in the Jordan and the direct supervision of the Project Chief Technical Adviser and of the Land and Water Officer (NSL). The incumbent will work in close collaboration with the national coordinator at the focal ministry in the country, and with specialists of the relevant international partners and consultants.
Technical Focus
The incumbent will be responsible for implementing and monitoring the country implementation plan, regularly updating the country engagement plan, and contributing to the annual project meeting and report. Provides support for field activities and ensures effective training of surveyors for WP surveys, including WaPOR data training and AquaCrop training. Prepares summary reports, training materials, and synthesis reports on WP baseline and local assessments.
Tasks and responsibilities
1) Technical expertise. In close collaboration with the Project Land and Water Officer (NSL), the incumbent will contribute substantially to the implementation of the project:
a. Contribute technical inputs to land and water productivity assessment;
b. Ensure that capacity needs assessments are undertaken and that adequate training programs and skill development are put into place; develop training material, organise and run training workshops in coordination with the technical division at headquarters and the regional office of FAO;
c. Provide guidance review the work of consultants and service providers;
2) Coordination. The incumbent will ensure close technical coordination with the other project countries and headquarters, including:
a. Coordinate meetings (including international travel) at national level as well as at project level with the other selected countries, for the WaPOR project and also for the national implementation of SEMED package on economic water productivity.
b. Adapt methodology in the country;
c. Frequently exchange on lessons learnt.
d. Liaise with other relevant regional or national institutions for sharing of information and experiences.
3) Project management. The incumbent will ensure the timely and effective implementation of the project, including
a. Develop country implementation and engagement plan in the country together with project partners and key stakeholders.
b. Coordinate and communicate with government counterparts, national partners and stakeholders and the WaPOR partners (IWMI, IHE-Delft) as well as FAO colleagues;
c. Manage the selection and recruitment of national expert consultants and national service providers as needed;
d. Ensure gender-sensitive implementation of project, including gender disaggregated data, gender-sensitive analysis and gender balanced participation in workshops;
e. Ensure grievance mechanism is implemented, informing stakeholders of process and responding when needed.
f. Take care of logistical arrangements and other matters during missions and for workshops (with the support of the FAO country office);
g. Prepare project mid-term reviews and project completion reports, Terms of Reference (ToR) of studies and consultancies, technical specifications for procurement;
h. Monitor and report on project-related expenditures.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• University degree in water management in agriculture, agronomy, natural resources management, or related subject
• 5 years of relevant experience in irrigation projects
• Working knowledge (proficient - level C) of English and Arabic
• National of Jordan
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
• Leading, Engaging and Empowering
• Strategic Thinking
• Partnering and Advocating
Technical/Functional Skills
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is essential
• Extent and relevance of experience in Advanced degree in water management in agriculture, agronomy, Crop Production and Protection, agro-economy or related subject
• Extent and relevance of experience in water management in agriculture, irrigation
• Extent and relevance of experience in water productivity
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.