Organizational Setting

FAO is implementing the STAT SANOI project (GCP/MAG/095/EC) titled “Establishment of a network of information systems on agriculture and food and nutrition security in the Indian Ocean islands (Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles)” funded by the European Union.
The main expected outputs are: (1) national information systems collect and produce data and information on food and nutrition security, (2) a regional platform supports the activities of national information systems in the identification, collection and production of harmonized food security data and information, and (3) Information coordination and national capacities for the quantitative analysis of information on agriculture, food and nutrition security are improved. The project coordination is based at the FAO Representation in Madagascar and the activities are implemented in the four countries.
The project, which supports data collection and statistical analysis by national statistical offices, will contribute to a better understanding of issues related to agriculture and food and nutrition security (FNS) to better define and monitor national food systems development strategies, so that policymakers can more easily access the information needed to prepare and monitor agricultural and FNS strategies.

FAO is recruiting a national specialist to assist in the implementation of the project activities in Seychelles.
The activities of this national specialist will be carried out in support of the national technical services, partners of the project.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will carry out the activities in support of the national technical services that are partners of the project and support the capacity building activities of these partners.
He/she will work in close collaboration with the FAO technical team, under the supervision of the regional project coordinator of STAT SANOI based at the FAO representation in Madagascar.

Technical Focus

The specialist will support the implementation of the Stat SANOI project activities in Seychelles.
He/she will coordinate and facilitate all the project’s activities at the country level that involve the national stakeholders. The objective is to guarantee constant key stakeholder engagement for an effective progress.

Tasks and responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following activities:
•    Follow up on the initiated dialogues with the national institutions to build a strong and trustful relationship with the Stat SANOI project.
•    Support the coordination and guarantee the dynamism of the national task force members, including the participation in regular meetings, and facilitation of meetings, preparation of minutes.
•    Supervise the formalization and effectiveness of the data sharing agreements, following up on the official requests from FAO.
•    Support the identification of capacity-building needs of the Task Force members.
•    Contribute to the planning, preparation and on-field support of technical missions from FAO regional project team members.
•    Contribute to the identification of sustainable institutional mechanisms for the collection of information and statistical data at the level of partner structures for their inclusion in the national platform.
•    Participate in the bi-monthly coordination meetings of STAT SANOI to monitor the progress of the activities in Seychelles with the project team.
•    Other related tasks as needed.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•    University degree preferably in Public Administration/agro-economics/socio-economics
•    A minimum of eight years of relevant experience in institutional support and public policy formulation in the field of economic development, agriculture, FNS or climate change or disaster risk reduction
•    Working knowledge of English (level C) and limited knowledge of French (level B)
•    Nationality of Seychelles or resident in the country with a regular work permit

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

Will be considered an advantage:
•    Experience working in a technical ministry working in areas related to agriculture or food and nutrition security.
•    Previous experience working with FAO.
•    Good knowledge of food and nutrition security concepts.
•    Experience with information systems .
•    Very good knowledge of the Seychelles institutional context in the areas of development.

Selection Criteria

•    Extensive experience in supporting institutional strengthening of public administration
•    Specific experience in supporting specialized public sector technical institutions in several areas related to food security, statistics and/or information systems
•    Demonstrated experience in facilitating workshops with the participation of executives from multiple sectors of public administration