Organizational Setting

The FAO Representation in Uganda provides technical assistance to the Government of Uganda in the Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Climate Change, Food Security, Livelihoods and related sectors. Since late March 2022, the Uganda border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has seen high levels of displacement due to the escalation of violence in North Kivu province of DRC. In parallel, the caseload of South-Sudanese arrivals to the West Nile region has increased since January 2022 due to ethnic clashes, persecution, insecurity, cattle raids, and environmental factors (e.g., flooding and drought). As a result of these situations, since the start of 2024, 110,377 individuals (including 20,491 new births), 31% of whom are new arrivals from Sudan, 18% from South Sudan, 15% from the DR Congo. The individuals crossing the border are generally received in reception and holding centres before being relocated to established settlements. This influx has been adding to the circa 1.7 million refugees already being hosted by Uganda, many of which have been residing there for decades but are still facing issues related to the integration into Ugandan society, access to services, access to sustainable livelihoods and protection. The situation calls for increased effort for durable solutions linking short- and longer-term livelihood responses. The (International) Refugee Response Specialist will actively design and manage programming to respond to the above issues.

Position only open to international applicants.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR), the incumbent reports to the Food Security and Livelihoods Coordinator.

Technical Focus 

The main responsibility is to support the Refugee Response Manager in assuring delivery of quality programming and coordination of FAO’s Refugee Response Programme and its partners.

Tasks and Responsibilities

•    Support the overall implementation and management of FAO-Uganda’s refugee response programme with support from the Food Security and Livelihoods Coordinator.
•    Ensure that communication with various donors is regular, on time and up to standard, including assuring that all reporting requirements are maintained according to FAO’s standards.  In addition, ensure that constant communication with Government counterparts and implementing partners are maintained to support both programme delivery and programme development.
•    Identify issues and risks related to implementation in a timely manner and suggest appropriate programme adjustments in close collaboration and through regular communication with field-based colleagues.
•    Support project formulation processes including project writing to support FAO’s Refugee Response Programme in Uganda.  Ensure that these documents contain the necessary elements to address livelihoods, food security, energy, and environmental concerns in communities.
•    Support coordination between the Uganda refugee response, the regional UNHCR-FAO partnership, and FAOs global response, by ensuring liaison with the relevant sub-regional and HQ teams.
•    Support, mentor and oversee FAOs implementing partners in the field, as well as track the delivery according to signed contracts with FAO.
•    Support FAO teams in continuously developing operational efficiencies and driving innovations in delivery, ensuring that the programme meets established objectives and targets and delivers value for money.
•    As requested, represent FAO in refugee response related subject matter or coordination meetings.
•    Identify and assist in documenting and create awareness around critical programme learnings including both successes and challenges.
•    Support the livelihoods portfolio with the engagement of socially responsible private sector energy partners to identify sustainable and market-based solutions to increase rural access to energy.
•    Prepare and disseminate regular briefs on FAO’s Refugee Response Programme.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    Bachelor’s degree related to Agriculture, Livestock, Economics or Development studies.
•    Two years professional experience in underdeveloped countries on livelihoods programming in a humanitarian/sustainable development context ideally in a refugee response context among non-government organizations (NGOs).
•    Working knowledge (level C) of English.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Coordination skills (communication) and ability to technically support on food security needs across different thematic areas.
•    Extent of experience and knowledge in programme development and fundraising
•    Extent of experience and understanding of the humanitarian-development nexus and associated challenges in the context of refugee related programming.
•    Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable.
•    Specialization/exposure to issues related to forced displacement/migration is an asset.