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.
Reporting Lines
The National Specialist on Post Harvest Management reports to the Assistant FAO Representative (FAOR), Programme.
Technical Focus
Programme development, coordination and operational assistance based on the knowledge of the local conditions, culture, language and institutions of the country of assignment.
Tasks and responsibilities
• Support and oversee service providers hired to install or provide services.
• Assure the accuracy of information relating to the project.
• Participate in the adjudication of bids for work done for the project.
• Ensure the execution of project implementation plans.
• Support the Ministry of Agriculture in collecting data and reporting on SDG 12.3 & CAADP food loss and waste indicators.
• Organise training for businesses, extension officers, and farmers.
• Support actions to implement the National Post-harvest Strategy.
• Support actions to raise resources for the National Post-harvest Management Strategy.
• Support FAO participation in country-level events that offer visibility to FAO's work on FLW reduction as required.
• Perform any other related tasks as assigned.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• BSc in agriculture, food science/technology, and agricultural marketing
• At least two years of relevant experience in value chain development, post-harvest management, food security, and value addition
• Working knowledge of English
• National of Liberia
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Demonstrated ability to liaise and build partnerships with UN agencies, NGO, and government institutions on agriculture, forestry governance and fisheries management.
• Extent and relevance of experience in programme/project development and management.
• Demonstrated understanding of the purpose and functions of the technical programme, operational guidelines and project/programme management procedures, preferably those adopted by the United Nations or FAO.
• Extent and relevance of experience in the field of policy analysis relating to food and nutrition security, agriculture and rural development.
• Extent and relevance of experience in the collection of country data on food, crops, livestock, forestry and fisheries.
• Extent and relevance of experience in the identification, formulation and preparation of programme and project proposals as well as programme/project implementation, monitoring and review.
• Relevance and extent of experience in working with inter-governmental bodies.
Selection Criteria
• Good data collection, report writing and strong skills in Microsoft Office.
• Working experience with the private sector, government institutions, development partners/NGOs, and FAO is an added advantage.
• Working experience with private sector, agro-food enterprises and small and medium-scale enterprises.The position requires high levels of proactiveness, initiative, and the ability to work under minimal supervision.
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.