National Programme Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a technical, knowledge-based organization aimed at moving forward policy dialogues and advocating for the eradication of hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition; the elimination of poverty, advancing economic and social progress for all, as well as the sustainable management and utilization of natural resources, including land, water, air, climate and genetic resources for the benefit of present and future generations..

Reporting Lines

This is a SC9 position under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Bangladesh and direct supervision of the Senior Resilience Manager incumbent will lead the implementation of project activities. The duties and responsibilities will include, but not limited to the following:

Tasks and responsibilities

• Manage the projects at the field level and coordinate and maintain liaison among FAO, DAE, DLS, DoF, BMDA etc as and when required for smooth implementation of the project;
• Represent FAO in the local forum(s) related to the project activities and report back to FAO Country Office;
• Conduct desk studies and contribute to the development of questionnaires for field surveys on crop production in order to discern the best ways to plant, harvest, and cultivate the crops, considering the agro-climatic suitability of the region
• Conduct regular programme/project review meetings to ensure adherence to work plans, and that lessons learnt and best practices are adopted in a timely manner;
• Contribute to development of detailed plans towards Integrated Agricultural Development for Nutrition Improvement (IADNI) by analyzing data from baseline surveys and through consultation with stakeholders;
• Contribute to the preparation of annual work plans and budgets, clearing them as required with FAO;
• Lead the planning and implementation of capacity building training to target groups (farmers’ groups, IPs, GOB partners. etc)
• Provide day-to day supervision and assistance to the Field Teams, consultants and support staff in carrying out their duties;
• Monitor project implementation in the field in close coordination with M&E Consultants assigned to individual projects and programmes;
• Participate in briefing and debriefing meetings for all consultants and review their reports after each mission;
• Prepare project-specific reports - monthly, half yearly, annual etc. as and when required
• Assist in developing lists of equipment to be procured under the project and the official Technical Specifications for inputs;
• Prepare terminal report of the project
• Establish and maintain professional relationships and communication lines with National government offices and in particular, Department of Agriculture Extension, Fisheries, Forestry, Livestock Services and other relevant departments;
• Represent the Organization at inter-agency coordination meetings, task forces and working groups as required;
• Review project expenditure regularly in coordination with Operations and M&E specialist;
• Any other task assigned by the FAO Representative & Supervisor.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Master/ higher degree in Agriculture with emphasis on agronomy/crop and food security and nutrition.
• At least 10 years of demonstrated relevant experience.
• Nationals of Bangladesh

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Good background on crops, cropping systems/farming systems, food security and nutrition;
• Proficient computer skills - Microsoft Office software, email, internet, spread sheets;
• Good diagnostic and decision-making skills;
• Survey designs questionnaire development;
• Skills in staff management and capacity development.