Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.
FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO’s goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.
FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level.
The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources.
Specifically, FAO Country Offices:
(i)    advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate;
(ii)    provide technical assistance and deliver core services;
(iii)     assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation;
(iv)    position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation;
(v)    ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Bangladesh (FAOBD) seeks to provide technical support to the Government of Bangladesh to facilitate the implementation of the Agriculture Sector Transformation Programme (ATP), under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA). This initiative is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and is anticipated to be executed over a period of 38 months. The project aims to achieve several objectives, including:

•    Conducting policy, institutional, and investment gap analyses to inform an effective action plan for agriculture sector transformation.
•    Identifying and establishing effective pathways for prioritizing and coordinating resources and partnerships.
•    Enhancing collaboration with the private sector.
•    Improving the scale and efficacy of investments in agrifood system research and innovation.
•    Increasing initiatives to safeguard environmental health, particularly in light of climate vulnerability.

The Technical Advisor (TA) position is crucial for the successful execution of this project, ensuring regular consultations and coordination with key stakeholders while facilitating the attainment of the project’s objectives.

Reporting Lines

The TA will operate under the direct supervision of the FAO Representative in Bangladesh, with support from ethe Deputy FAO Representative in Bangladesh, and collaborating closely with the Assistant FAO Representative for Programme. The TA will receive technical oversight from the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) and will consult with other FAO technical units. Furthermore, the TA will maintain communication with relevant national and international stakeholders to ensure effective coordination and implementation of project activities.

Technical Focus

The technical focus of the assignment includes oversight, management and technical leadership of the Agriculture Sector Transformation Programme (ATP). This includes strategic planning and programming of project activities, development and implementation of annual work plans and budgets, efficient resource utilization, stakeholder engagement, capacity strengthening, and supervision of project team members to ensure timely delivery of outputs.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Provide technical and managerial leadership in implementing project activities of the BMG funded Agriculture Sector Transformation Programme (ATP) to achieve targets, in particular lead all project activities to achieve the project’s goals, monitor progress, and assume overall responsibility for project activities.
•    Prepare annual work plans, budgets, and all technical documents; ensure clearance with FAO and the donor and obtain approval from the Programme Steering Committee.
•    Lead the execution of work plans, prepare commitment requests for the FAO budget holder, and monitor and report on progress and expenditures in accordance with the requirements of FAO, the Government of Bangladesh (GoB), the Steering Committee, and the donor.
•    Supervise and support the technical assistance team, consultants, and support staff in fulfilling their responsibilities.
•    Support the finalization of terms of reference (TORs) for all consultants, outlining specific tasks for each mission and oversee the process to streamline program implementation and maximize outcomes across components.
•    Engage in the briefing and debriefing of all consultants, thoroughly reviewing their reports following each mission.
•    Assist in compiling lists of materials to be procured under each program component.
•    Develop comprehensive plans for training/workshops and clearly define implementation modalities, including Memoranda of Understanding/Letters of Agreement (MoU/LoA) for each project component.
•    Liaise directly with the donor regarding project activities as needed throughout the project duration.
•    Monitor each workstream according to the program document, conducting half-yearly and yearly reviews, and recommend amendments as necessary to reflect progress and ongoing learning.
•    Contribute to active fundraising efforts to support program development, including identifying new proposal ideas, drafting concept notes and project proposals, and prepare briefing materials as required by FAO and/or the donor.
•    Support communication and visibility initiatives through tailored communication products, including presentations, media outreach, speeches, interview discussion points, press releases, Op-Ed, articles, etc.  utilizing various platforms such as web, photo/video, social media, and press releases, in close coordination with the project’s monitoring focal person.
•    Participate in relevant in-country multi-stakeholder work streams and platforms and support the expansion of existing partnerships with relevant GoB institutions, donor community and other development partners working on agriculture sector transformation agenda in Bangladesh.
•    By the project’s conclusion, prepare a final report and draft a terminal project report in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
•    Undertake any other tasks assigned by the FAO Representative, Deputy FAO Representative and/or the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme).

FAO Standards and guidelines:

•    Liaison with OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, aligned messaging, and appropriate review and clearance processes.
•    All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including:
FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31: https://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/en
FAO social media policy and guidelines: https://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia   
Social Media Branding Guidelines: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044en
FAOSTYLE https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb8081en 
FAO terminology http://www.fao.org/faoterm 
FAO Names Of Countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/en  
Story guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (available to staff).
•    Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    Advanced university degree in agricultural economics, or a relevant subject area;
•    At least seven years’ experience in agricultural transformation / agricultural systems management/development activities including seven years’ experience in programme management, working with governments in developing country situations covering a wide range of activities in agricultural sector
•    Working knowledge (level C) of English

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Demonstrated competency in researching, planning, managing and executing programmes in complex situations.
•    Extend and relevance of work experience in agriculture/food systems programming
•    High-level managerial, supervisory, analytical and negotiating skills with demonstrated ability to lead a team of professionals and to exercise sound judgement.
•    Ability to work under pressure independently within an interdisciplinary team of personnel with different educational backgrounds and cultural orientations.
•    Ability to communicate credibly and effectively and to represent FAO in dealings with government, UN agencies, bilateral and multilateral agencies and non-government organizations.
•    Demonstrated skills in managing and working with people at all levels
•    Skills in advocacy, tact versatility and a high degree of discretion and integrity
•    Work experience in more than one location or area of work is an asset