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.
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.
The position is located in the FAO Country Office inJordan.
Reporting Lines
Under the overall supervision of FAO Jordan Representative, and supervision of the Lead Technical Advisor the National Expert on Curriculum Development (Vocational education) will implement the required tasks, in close consultation with the Policy and Educational Reform Specialist, the Ministry of Education (MoEd), and relevant stockholders.
Technical Focus
Curricula updates
Vocational school curricula (Masonry, plumbery, and agriculture)
Water conservation, climate smart agriculture
Climate change adaptation and agriculture
Tasks and responsibilities
The incumbent will be mainly involved in implementing tasks under Activity 3.1.2.1, the assignment will be based at the Ministry of Environment to support the project PMU. The assignment will involve the following tasks:
Task 1: Curriculum Review and Analysis:
o Support in Conducting a comprehensive review of existing national curricula for vocational schools related to agriculture/ water management and masonry/hydraulics/electricity at various educational levels.
o Provide support to Identify gaps and opportunities for integrating climate change adaptation practices and technologies into the curricula.
o Support Analyse best practices that will include climate awareness, risk analysis adaptation, and mitigation approaches and strategies for climate change adaptation in educational programs.
Task 2: Support for Stakeholder Consultation:
o Assist in conducting gender-inclusive consultation with public and private actors active in the vocational education sector, including educators, environmental experts, students, and policymakers to prepare the new curricula for vocational schools in the climate change/agriculture/water sectors.
o Provide support to gather feedback and suggestions for curriculum improvements specific to climate change adaptation.
o Support the confirmation of the identified educational institutions based on the conducted consultation.
Task 3: Support to Curriculum Development:
o Support the development of an updated curriculum framework of the vocational school's national curricula focused on climate-smart agriculture according to the following curricula: (I) Agriculture / Water management and (II) Masonry/hydraulics/electricity. The project will introduce in the national curricula of vocational schools: (I) principles and elements of rainwater harvesting from buildings; (II) irrigation technologies; (III) water-saving devices and water-saving techniques in construction.
o Support the collaborative efforts with stakeholders, including educators, agricultural experts, and policymakers, to ensure alignment with national priorities and best practices.
Task 4: Support to Monitoring and Evaluation:
o Contribute to the development a framework for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the updated curriculum, gathering feedback from educators and students for continuous improvement.
o Assist in monitoring and evaluate the implementation of the updated curricula, gathering feedback from educators and students for continuous improvement.
Task 5: Report on progress monthly:
• Submit monthly progress reports to the PMU team (6 reports). Address the comments raised during the clearance process of the assignment deliverables.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in Vocational Education, Curriculum Development, Agricultural Sciences, Water Management, Climate Change, or a related field. with a proven record of engaging with interdisciplinary and multi-national networks.
• At least 7 years of experience in curriculum development, vocational education, and training programs related to agriculture, water management, and technical fields (masonry, hydraulics, electricity).
• Working knowledge of English and Arabic (Speaking, reading and writing).
• National of Jordan 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
• Proven excellence in report writing skills.
• Deep understanding of vocational education systems, curriculum design methodologies, and best practices for climate change adaptation.
• Familiarity with national and international educational standards for vocational training in agriculture and water management.