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- FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
- Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
- Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
- FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
- All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
- All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.
Organizational Setting
FAOSFS, with the support of the EU and SADC Secretariat, is implementing two of three components of the SADC Regional Agricultural Policy (RAP), namely: i. enhancing information on agricultural production, sustainability and competitiveness for evidence-based decision-making; and, ii. improving access to markets through the implementation of plant and animal pest and disease control strategies at the regional level. The expected result of the intervention includes sustainable agricultural growth, socio-economic development, and food and nutrition security for the SADC Region achieved through enhanced production, productivity, competitiveness and improved regional and international trade, as well as improved access to markets for agricultural products.
SADC region to enable safe, competitive, and sustainable trade in agro-food commodities.
The project covers Animal Health, Plant Health, Nutrition, and Value Chain Development, addressing critical gaps in diagnostics, surveillance, regulation, and market access.
Mauritius has developed a workplan tailored to its immediate needs whilst building on success of STOSAR I. Successful implementation requires stakeholder awareness and a technically detailed workplan with clear guidance on:
• The specific technologies to be deployed.
• Technical specifications for equipment and infrastructure.
• Geographical locations for interventions.
• Implementation timelines and responsibilities.
Reporting Lines
Under the overall supervision of the FAO Sub-Regional Coordinator for Southern Africa (SRC-SFS), and the direct supervision of the Project Manager for the SADC EDF 11 RAP project - GCP /SFS/010/EC , the National Project Support Specialist will be responsible for the overall coordination, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of the project activities under the SADC Regional Agricultural Policy (RAP) intervention in Mauritius, ensuring alignment with the objectives of FAO, the EU, and the SADC Secretariat.
Technical Focus
• Project coordination and implementation of the SADC Regional Agricultural Policy (RAP).
• Results-based project management, monitoring, evaluation, and donor compliance.
• Stakeholder engagement and partnership coordination at national and regional levels.
• Sustainable agricultural development, regional integration, and market competitiveness.
Tasks and responsibilities
• Coordinate the overall planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of project activities in line with the objectives of the SADC Regional Agricultural Policy (RAP) and the requirements of FAO, the EU, and the SADC Secretariat.
• Serve as the main focal point among national stakeholders, implementing partners, regional institutions, and donors, while facilitating effective coordination, communication, and stakeholder engagement.
• Lead the preparation and implementation of annual and quarterly workplans, ensuring activities are delivered within approved timelines, budgets, and donor requirements.
• Coordinate administrative, logistical, procurement, and operational processes, while monitoring project progress, identifying risks, and ensuring timely corrective actions.
• Prepare technical and progress reports, ensure compliance with donor and national requirements, support monitoring and evaluation activities, and promote sustainability, regional cooperation, market access, and agricultural competitiveness within the SADC region.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• University degree in Agriculture, Veterinary Science, Plant Health, Environmental Science, Food Security, Natural Resource Management, or another related field.
• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in agricultural development projects, project coordination, monitoring and evaluation, stakeholder engagement, or related fields.
• Working knowledge of English at level C and French at level C;
• Nationality of Mauritius
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Experience in project planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting.
• Knowledge of results-based management (RBM) and monitoring and evaluation systems.
• Experience in organizing workshops, training sessions, and stakeholder consultations.
• Ability to prepare technical and progress reports.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
Selection Criteria
• A postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline would be an asset.
• Experience working with government institutions, regional organizations, development partners, or international organizations would be an asset.
• Strong organizational and coordination skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Excellent analytical and report-writing skills.
• Ability to engage effectively with government agencies, farmers' organizations, private sector actors, and development partners.
• Familiarity with agricultural policies and programmes in Mauritius and the Southern African region.
• Experience working with FAO or other UN agencies would be an advantage.
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.
FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.
HOW TO APPLY
• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• 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/.These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.
If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp
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