Organizational Setting

The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Country Office, is to assist 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 EU-funded programme entitled “Support to Rural Entrepreneurship, Investment and Trade in Papua New Guinea” (EU-STREIT PNG) is implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) as the United Nations Joint Programme (UNJP), in collaboration with the Government of Papua New Guinea (PNG) and other partner agencies such as ILO, UNCDF, UNDP and ITU. The programme aims to promote sustainable agriculture and rural development, with a particular emphasis on improving the living conditions of rural communities, with a great emphasis on gender equality and youth inclusion.

In this context, FAO aims to support the government of PNG under the EU-STREIT PNG programme in developing a national policy on Gender in Agriculture, that addresses gender inequalities and promotes the full participation and leadership of women in the agriculture sector.

Reporting Lines

The National Gender and Youth Inclusion Specialist works under the overall supervision of the Programme Coordinator EU-STREIT PNG, and with direct supervision of the International Gender and Youth Inclusion Specialist, EU-STREIT PNG, and technical inputs of the Gender Officer, FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific.

Technical Focus

The National Gender and Youth Inclusion Specialist will contribute to the planned outputs and deliverables of gender and youth inclusion component of EU-STREIT Programme.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Facilitate community consultations in all programme target areas.
•    Document gender considerations ensuring equal participation of women and youth in those communities.
•    Utilize the Gender Sensitive Value Chain Framework to document Gender-Based Constraints (GBCs) in targeted value chains.
•    Support to the analysis and implementation of gender-equitable solutions during programme interventions.
•    Assist in developing and improving gender inclusion and awareness among government, parastatals, and producer organizations.
•    Conduct refresher training sessions on gender mainstreaming and gender-sensitive value chain development, while incorporating the GALS Methodology at household level.
•    Work closely and provide gender related inputs to EU-STREIT technical officers in the three value chains to train trainers from relevant government agencies, including extension staff and farmer groups.
•    Collaborate with the EU-STREIT SME team to develop enterprises emphasizing women and youth participation.
•    Report progress on the assigned tasks and identify potential problems and challenges.
•    Support to implementation of program activities according to the Gender and Youth Inclusion team work plan.
•    Support to preparing extension/training material and technical reports as required.
•    Support programme staff and other consultants to manage gender/youth inclusion related risks;
•    Support to exploring opportunities to forge partnerships with local organizations, NGOs, and community groups to strengthen gender and youth inclusion efforts.
•    Collaborate in the establishment of platforms for knowledge sharing and learning among stakeholders, including workshops, seminars, and best practice exchanges.
•    Ensure cultural sensitivity in all gender and youth inclusion activities, respecting local customs and traditions while promoting positive social change.
•    Perform any other relevant duties as may be requested.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements 

•    University degree in gender studies, development studies, agriculture, rural development, social sciences, or a related discipline.
•    At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in gender and youth inclusion, agricultural development, rural livelihoods, or related fields.
•    Working Knowledge of English.
•    National of Papua New Guinea

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Strong understanding of gender and youth issues in agricultural development.
•    Capacity building and training experience, particularly in gender mainstreaming and youth empowerment.
•    Experience in conducting community consultations and facilitating participatory processes.
•    Proficiency in gender analysis tools and methodologies, and some notion of the Gender Action Learning System (GALS).
•    Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
•    Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
•    Proficiency in report writing and documentation.
•    Cultural sensitivity and respect for local customs and traditions.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION