National Project Personnel - Field, research and studies coordinators

Organizational Setting

The Programme Management Unit (PMU) of the FAO-Saudi Technical Cooperation Programme (2019-2025) facilitates, coordinates and manages all technical and advisory services to be provided by FAO to the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MoEWA). The project “UTF/SAU/051/SAU Strengthening MoEWA’s Capacity to Implement the Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Programme” is the first project that has been approved within the framework of FAO-Saudi Technical Cooperation Programme (2019-2025). The project will provide technical and advisory assistance to the MoEWA in implementing its flagship sustainable rural agricultural development programme that has recently been approved within the context of the National Transformation Programme of the Saudi Vision 2030. The project expected results will be achieved through implementation of nine project components: 1) Development of coffee Arabica production, processing and marketing; 2) Development of beekeeping and honey production; 3) Development of rose production and trade; 4) Development of sub-tropical fruits production, processing and marketing; 5) Strengthening capacity of small-scale fishermen and fish farmers; 6) Strengthening capacity of small-scale livestock herders; 7) Development of rain-fed cereals production; 8) Enhancing value addition from smallholdings and rural activities; and 9) Strengthening MoEWA’s capacity in sustainable management of rangelands, forests and natural resources to support rural livelihoods.
An overall plan and budget is developed and approved, including activities and outputs that are expected to be accomplished under each component. Requirements for international technical expertise of each component have been identified. In order to ensure a coordinated, smooth, timely and successful implementation of the project, long-term competent international technical advisors will be appointed as Component Managers to each of the nine components. Each Component Manager will be supported by a team of international consultants, specialists and experts in the subject matters of the various outputs and activities.
FAO-Saudi Arabia is seeking consultants with relevant expertise in the field coordination, research and data analysis and training management.

Reporting Lines

The National Consultants will report directly to the FAO Programme Director in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in consultation with the corresponding subject matter Technical Advisers and National Managers and under the guidance of the Chief Technical Adviser of the Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Project.

Technical Focus

Knowledge management for sustainable rural agriculture development and natural resources management.

Tasks and responsibilities:

The Consultants in coordination with the respective Component Technical Adviser and National Project Officer will:
• Assist with organization field surveys, data and information collection, provide logistical and services coordination support to field implementation.
• Coordinate and liaise with provincial and local government partners, and other relevant stakeholders for the conduct of project activities.
• Prepare and submit reports for activities undertaken.
• Assist in dissemination of technical advice on innovation packages including design, piloting and upscaling of inclusive rural communication services, public relations involving the use of appropriate media and dialogue.
• Provide data collection and analysis support for activities and deliverables of the project components work plans.
• Ensure training management and research support for reporting and monitoring project components work plans
• Support adoption of results-based management approaches, quality assurance of all data and information.
• Assist in preparation of Technical missions to the field, surveys, work plans, and coordinate with relevant parties.
• Process, format and proof-read project/programme reports, documents, publications and correspondence from draft texts, related to the field programme.
• Undertakes arrangements for field missions and overall programme-related meetings, seminars and events: closely follow up logistics and administrative arrangements, prepare correspondence, compile, distribute and disseminate documents as desired.
• Provide support to the organization of field-based trainings, e-learnings and the preparation and sharing of case studies, methodologies and tools to enhance capacities development especially of FAO offices, rural institutions, farmer organizations, and relevant practitioners.
• Contribute to documentation of best practices by collecting and reviewing data and information relating to field intervention and prepare briefing notes on them.
• Contribute in preparation of concept note for national or international events to be celebrated by the Ministry and FAO.
• Accompany international experts and consultant in the field to facilitate and document field observations.
• Coordinate between the office and MEWA regarding the World Food Day celebration.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in business management, public relations, community development, agriculture, statistics, sociology, political science, marketing studies or any other related field.
• Two to four years of relevant experience in research, data analysis, community organisation and coordination.
• Working knowledge of English and Arabic.
• National of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location and particularly in field positions.
• Extent and relevance of experience in research, coordination, quality assurance and rural agriculture development.
• Familiarity with project management skills including familiarity with results frameworks, project work planning and budgeting;
• Demonstrated communication skills, including the ability to convey and present sensitive issues/positions.
• Analytical skills and ability to write clear and concise reports is considered a strong asset.

Selection Criteria

• Work experience with in technical cooperating projects supporting countries.
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable.
• Extent and relevance of knowledge experience.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION