Organizational Setting

The Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU) is responsible for leading FAO’s response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO’s priority activities in the region. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the Region and, in collaboration with departments and divisions at Headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO’s strategic response to regional priorities. REU also advises on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization’s Programme of Work and Budget and implements approved programmes and projects in the region, monitors the level of programme implementation and draws attention to problems and deficiencies. The Regional Office supports regional policy dialogue on food security, agriculture and rural development issues, facilitates the emergence of regional partnerships, and supports capacity development and resource mobilization for food security, agriculture and rural development in the region.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Europe and Central Asia, the direct supervision of FAO REU Land Tenure Officer/Lead Technical Officer of the project and in close coordination with international and national experts in the FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia and FAO Office in Montenegro, the technical expert is expected to provide the targeted technical support on the implementation of the EU LEADER approach to the ongoing project.

Technical Focus

Given its European Union (EU) member candidate status, Montenegro is still in the process of developing the necessary conditions for effectively implementing key EU rural development policies, including related to the LEADER approach (Liaison Entre Actions de Développement de l’Économie Rurale acronym stands for “links between actions for the development of the rural economy”). Some past initiatives have been implemented for the benefit of raising awareness about community-led local development and five Local Actions Groups (LAGs) have even been initiated by local actors in diverse forms, but without full LEADER related legislation adopted in the country. In order to make the country ready for the implementation of the LEADER approach in accordance with the EU policy and legislation, it is necessary to strengthen capacity and knowledge on national and local levels.

The incumbent will support this process through the implementation of the project Support to creating preconditions for implementation of the LEADER approach (TCP/MNE/4002) which has the overall objectives to strengthen the capacities of the national authorities in Montenegro and to create an enabling environment for implementing the LEADER approach both at national and at local level.

The incumbent’s work impacts the timely and efficient delivery of EU LEADER approach in Montenegro and will contribute to develop capacities and skills of national authorities for the implementation of the LEADER approach; provide technical and administrative guidance on the harmonization of national policy and legal frameworks with the relevant EU legislation; and contribute to the development of Local Development Strategies of selected Local Action Groups (LAG).

Tasks and responsibilities

The incumbent shall possess the expertise to conduct some of the following tasks:

•    Provide technical advice on the implementation of the EU LEADER approach in Montenegro, including the harmonization of national policy in the context of IPARD III;
•    Design and conduct training needs assessment and a capacity development programme to support national authorities and facilitate the future implementation of the LEADER approach in Montenegro;
•    Participate with physical presence and online in relevant national level meetings, workshops and events;
•    Undertake field visit to the two pilot LAG areas to feed the capacity development programme for national authorities with local level project experiences;
•    Support the preparation process of Baseline Assessments and Local Development Strategies (LDSs) for the two pilot LAGs, reflecting the baseline assessments;
•    Technically contribute to the preparation of the Operational Manual on the implementation of the LEADER approach in Montenegro;
•    Undertake missions to the country and prepare the missions reports.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    A master’s degree or higher in fields such Rural Development, Economics, Public Administration, Development studies or similar related fields
•    Minimum of 5 years of experience in technical assistance related to LEADER approach
•    Working knowledge of English

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Extensive experience with introducing and implementing the LEADER approach outside the EU
•    Experience with introducing and implementing the LEADER approach within the EU is an asset
•    Experience working with government bodies, local communities, private sector, and NGOs in rural development
•    Excellent oral and written skills in English language
•    Knowledge of the local language is an asset
•    Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements