ABOUT THE COMPANY:

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Our goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With over 194 member states, FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide. We believe that everyone can play a part in ending hunger.

JOB SUMMARY

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 covering the value chain of coffee Arabica; beekeeping and honey; rose; sub-tropical fruits; small-scale fishermen and fish farmers; small-scale livestock; rain-fed cereals; and their value addition; and the sustainable management of natural resources.

Requirements for international technical expertise 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 and incumbents who are technical specialists in the subject matters of the various outputs and activities.

Reporting Lines

The National Value Addition Specialist reports to the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) of the Project, under the overall guidance of the FAO Programme Coordinator in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in consultation with the Technical Adviser (Value Addition) of the Project.

Technical Focus

Operational support to the Value Addition component activities in SRAD target value chains of Rainfed Cereals, Sub tropical fruits, Honey, Livestock, Fisheries & aquaculture, Coffee and Rose.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Assist and coordinate with the Technical Advisor (Value Addition) to ensure the flow of cooperation and coordination necessary for the appropriate planning and implementation, and monitoring of progress of the project component in accordance with the project document;
•    Work in close collaboration with and ensure timely and full coordination with the ‘Project National Focal Points’ to facilitate the implementation of the project, prepare periodical reports and support timely completion of various reports by the direct supervisor.
•    Contribute to the identification of important activities to meet the targets, KPIs as well as prepare and assist implementation of local commodities’ value addition project activities;
•    Initiate and assist the innovation, design and production of value added products from target commodities.
•    Support and assist the improvement of value addition in:
o    agro-processing
o    physical infrastructure and logistics, including grading facilities,
o    establishment and operation of local agro-processing centres
o    Postharvest value addition activities
o    identification and promotion of access and use of technologies and innovations by small producers and their associations;
•    Assist the preparation of quarterly and semi-annual project component progress reports, terminal report and identify lessons learned, constraints and issues that require timely resolution and corrective actions and presents recommendations for improving performance;
•    Assist development of demand driven and responsive partnerships to benefit Saudi Arabia from proven innovation and good practices for value addition and marketing;
•    Assist in ensuring a close working relations with MoEWA branches and other local- authorities in the implementation of planned activities;

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•    Advanced University degree in agribusiness, agriculture, value chain analysis, business administration, agricultural economics or any other related field;
•    Five years of relevant experience in agriculture, value chain analysis, agri-business development and/or program coordination in sustainable rural agricultural development;
•    Working knowledge (Level C) of Arabic and limited knowledge (Level B) of English.
•    National of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia or resident of the country with valid work permit (please submit copy with your application).

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 or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable;
•    Extent and relevance of experience in agriculture, value chain development and agri-business;
•    Extent and relevance of experience in stakeholders coordination in relation to agriculture and rural development;
•    Extent and relevance of experience in program monitoring, data collection and report writing;
•    Extent and relevance of experience in agriculture of Saudi Arabia is considered a strong asset.

Selection Criteria 

•    Relevant experience in technical areas
•    Experience working with small holders rural agriculture value chain actors
•    Knowledge of issues, policies and procedures of UN and Saudi government organizations
•    Knowledge about Result Based Monitoring and reporting

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Good luck!