National Specialist on community-based tourism (CBT)

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

• 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 member nations, 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 our values. FAO has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and FAO, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
• All selected candidates, therefore, will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• 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

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations. With presently 194 member states, FAO works in more than 130 countries worldwide, including Vietnam where the Organization has operated since 1978. The current Country Programming Framework (CPF) for the period of 2017‑2021 has four priority areas: (1) Increased food security with focus on alleviation of hunger, malnutrition and food safety concerns; (2) Sustainable development of the agriculture sectors, contributing to the national Green Growth and other strategies on improved natural resources management and environment protection; (3) New Rural Development and Sustainable Poverty Reduction; and (4) Enhancing resilience of communities to disasters and threats. The incumbent’s tasks will largely fall under the second priority area.

Reporting Lines

• Overall supervision: Nguyen Song Ha, AFAOR (Programme);
• Direct supervision: Hoang Van Tu, Programme Officer - Food Systems.

Technical Focus

Integrated organic production and agro-ecotourism and community-based tourism.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Conduct need assessments and on-the-job training courses for homestays on homestay operation: room and bedding, cooking, catering, reception;
• Surveys and develop CBT service products;
• Design and operate marketing and sale instruments;
• Conduct on-the-job training for homestays on marketing and sale skills;
• Conduct on-the-job training courses on the operation of CBT services.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Certificate on tourism or related disciplines;
• 5 years of experience in CBT product development;
• 5 years of experience and skill in CBT training and advice;
• National of Vietnam.
• Working knowledge of Vietnamese – Must; English - Preferable.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience with the Government of Viet Nam;
• Extent and relevance of experience in agro-ecotourism and organic agriculture;
• Knowledge and experience in consumer behaviour and market analysis;

Selection Criteria:

• Relevant academic background;
• Relevant knowledge and experience in on CBT product development;
• Experience and skills in CBT training and advisory services;
• Experience in homestay management and operation;
• Experience in travel/tourism marketing and sales;
• Communication skills (Vietnamese and English).
• Experience in homestay management and operation;
• Experience in travel/tourism marketing and sales;

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