National Seaweed Value Chain Development Specialist

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.

Under the Joint Programme (UNJP/URT/173/UNJ) on Transforming Seaweed Farming through Integrated Financial Solutions for Enhanced Food Systems in Zanzibar, FAO would like to engage National Seaweed Value Chain Development Specialist who will be responsible for the planning and implementation of the workplans of the project and support coordination. The project aims to strengthen the seaweed value chain in Kaskazini Unguja and Kaskazini Pemba, with a focus on women and youth, who constitute the majority of the sector’s workforce.

Reporting Lines

The National Seaweed Value Chain Development Specialist will work under the overall guidance of the FAO Representative in Tanzania, and that of the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme), and guidance from other technical officers at the FAO Headquarter, Regional and Sub regional offices, and working in close collaboration with other relevant officers at the country office.

Technical Focus

The National Seaweed Value Chain Development Specialist will provide support in planning, coordinating and monitoring project activities, strategically also ensuring effectiveness and efficiency in all project-related operations.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Support development, as appropriate, implementation, monitoring and possible revisions of the project workplan, including the budget.
• Ensure that the appropriate implementation and operational arrangements, in accordance with FAO rules and procedures, and technical support and inputs are in place for the successful achievement of project expected results.
• Assist in the planning and production of communication products on project achievements, as appropriate, and the SSF Guidelines.
• Encourage collaboration and synergies with other related initiatives and projects in URT, including - but not limited to - the UNJP/URT/173/UNJ.
• Support the implementation of the Joint Programme on Transforming Seaweed Farming through Integrated Financial Solutions for Enhanced Food Systems in Zanzibar\:
o Assist in monitoring progress of project implementation.
o Actively seek supplementary sources of funding and organize/participate in meetings with donors.
o Identify possible collaboration and synergies with other projects and initiatives in URT.
• Participate in monthly catch-up meetings with other PUNOs and keep project progress monitoring file up to date, as appropriate.
• Contribute to project progress and final reports for the donor.

FAO Standards and guidelines\:

• Liaison with OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, aligned messaging, and appropriate review and clearance processes.
• All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including\:
FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31\: https\://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/en
FAO social media policy and guidelines\: https\://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia
Social Media Branding Guidelines\: https\://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044en
FAOSTYLE https\://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb8081en
FAO terminology http\://www.fao.org/faoterm
FAO Names of Countries https\://www.fao.org/nocs/en
Story guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (available to staff).
• Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries, food systems, rural development, or a related field
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in project implementation, preferably in aquaculture, fisheries, blue economy, or agricultural value chains
• Working knowledge of English; knowledge of Kiswahili is essential
• National of Zanzibar

FAO Core Competencies

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

Selection Criteria

• Excellent communication and report-writing skills in English
• Proven experience working with government institutions, cooperatives, and community-based organizations.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION