Programme Specialist- International Cash Based Interventions (CBI)

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FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender and nationality

People with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

The incumbent may be re-assigned to different activities and/or duty stations depending on the evolving needs of the Organization

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Organizational Setting

The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO representatives, is to assistant governments to develop policies , programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

The FAO Representation in South Sudan is organizes in five units: emergency and resilience, natural resources and sustainable production, economic and social development, partnership and outreach and corporate and operational support unit. The current portfolio of projects in South Sudan includes activities related to agriculture (crop), livestock, Fisheries, Natural Resource management, food information systems is implemented with humanitarian, and development funding.

Since 2015, FAO South Sudan Program launched Cash Transfer Interventions as part of its long term strategy to increase the community resilience by supporting the local producers in meeting the local needs of nutritious food and agricultural inputs. FAO South Sudan plans to institutionalize and scale up the Cash based Transfers throughout its operations. CBTs will be embedded in FAOSS programs and appropriate response modalities will be designed to address basic needs, promote communal assets, stimulate local markets and create access to nutritious food, agricultural and livestock inputs. The incumbent will contribute to the country’s programme as foreseen in the project he/she will coordinate and be assigned.

Reporting Lines

Reports to the Head of Emergency & Resilience programme

Technical Focus

• Facilitate development of CBI mechanisms applicable to the country monetary and financial policies.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Represent FAO-SS in relevant coordination for a cash-based interventions at National level;
• Support in developing new modalities for the piloting/implementation of cash-based interventions and payment modalities for South Sudan, including: research of background literature, liaison with national actors as required including travel;
• Advise FAO South Sudan on the appropriate CBT modalities and delivery mechanisms according to context and program objectives;
• Support in feasibility assessments, cost effectiveness and risk analysis to inform programming for cash based interventions;
• Support in conducting of regular market assessments to understand the market dynamics in lieu of cash based interventions and recommend relevant response actions.
• Carry out the timely completion of technical evaluation procedures for tenders / Invitations to Bid (ITBs), for the selection of IPs involved in cash-based interventions; and ensure the most appropriate delivery mechanism and payment modalities to support financial inclusion, transparency and traceability of FAO assistance
• Ensure a timely and effective coordination among FAOSS Unit for cash-based interventions with FAOSS Procurement Unit, others as applicable;
• Continue to revise and update existing SOPs in collaboration with the team and implementing partners.

· Identify skills and knowledge gaps related to FAO-CBIs among FAOSS staff and partners and provide capacity building sessions;

· Identify and map constraints in rural agricultural markets (for crops, livestock, fisheries, agro-vet input supply etc.) that curtail the implementation of cash based interventions in South Sudan and recommend relevant interventions to foster market functionality thereof

· Participate in relevant assessments by other units and provide recommendations to inform and/or guide the implementation of CBIs

• Perform other related duties as requested.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in programming, design and management of cash-based assistance for agricultural programs in humanitarian settings.
• University degree in Economics, Agriculture, International Affairs, Rural development, Development studies or a field relevant to development assistance.
• Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of the other FAO languages (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian).

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• A broad understanding of community-based approaches and capacity development in cash and voucher programming and market analysis;
• Demonstrated work experience in project/program planning, design of emergency and resilience projects/programs
• Good judgment, initiative, high sense of responsibility, organization and analytical skills;
• Capacity to work independently and establish good relationships with staff and external partners;
• Excellent communication, writing and presentation skills in English
• Creativity and problem solving skills;
• Flexibility and ability to work under stress;
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment;
• Knowledge of major humanitarian assistance issues and challenges
• Better understanding of food security and livelihood programs.

Selection Criteria

• All candidates should possess a minimum of years of experience in cash programming
• Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by a competency-based interview.
• Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognised by the UN.
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments

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Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency

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