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. The Republic of Congo is actively participating in the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and to promote strong economic growth and sustainable management of its natural resources. As such, the country has committed to the international mechanism for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD ), ratified the Paris Agreement, submitted its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the UNFCCC and signed a Letter of Intent with the Central African Forest Initiative (CAFI). To support the implementation of its NDC, the Republic of Congo intends to reduce its GHG emissions by approximately 54% in 2035 (i.e. 19MtCO2) compared to the reference scenario. This GHG emissions reduction target will be achieved through measures taken in all sectors of the economy, including the land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) sector. Deforestation, through the expansion of agriculture, as well as forest degradation through to the extraction of wood energy and unsustainable logging, generate more than 81% of the country”s GHG emissions. To achieve these commitments, Congo will implement two projects aimed at reducing GHG emissions: the PREFOREST project (Project to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from forests in five departments in the Republic of Congo) planned over 8 years with financial support of Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the PROREP project (Project to strengthen the potential for sustainable wood energy in the Republic of Congo) financed by CAFI over 5 years as co-financing of the first. These two FAO projects aim to establish agroforestry systems, including for energy purpose, in five departments in the center and south part of the country. These projects will generate multiple economic and environmental benefits to ecosystems and local populations, by reducing their vulnerability and increasing their capacity to adapt to climate change. The position is located in the FAO Representation in Congo, Brazzaville.
Reporting Lines The Technical Adviser (Chief) reports to the FAO Representative in Congo.
Technical Focus The Technical Adviser (Chief) will coordinate the implementation of the PREFOREST and the PROREP projects, manage and ensure the projects coherence, and monitor its implementation. The incumbent will also provide technical expertise for effective and efficient delivery of the projects outputs, including the establishment of the agroforestry systems.
Key Results Comprehensive technical and policy expertise to support technical cooperation-related programmes, projects, products and services in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework.
Key Functions • Leads the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned technical cooperation-related programmes/projects; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies priorities, liaises with relevant parties; identifies follow-up actions. • Coordinates technical cooperation activities and programme-related activities and reviews the assessments of issues and trends for their”implementation and leads the preparation of impact evaluation or equivalent studies. • Supervises preparation of various written outputs, e.g. background papers, analyses, substantial sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications. • Contributes to consultative and other meetings, conferences, including proposals for agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations. • Participates in activities such as structuring of training workshops, seminars; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities. • Leads field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties. • Provides advice regarding the development of policies and strategies related to technical cooperation, as well as regional, sub regional and national protocols and guidelines for projects with specific domains related to FAO”s work.
Specific Functions • Leads the overall coordination, management, execution and supervision of the PREFOREST and PROREP projects activities, including the management of financial, budgetary and human resources, and related implementation arrangements (development and monitoring of letters of agreement and the implementation of the procurement process). • Supports and provides advice on some managerial functions of the FAO office under the guidance of the FAO Representative. • Ensures effective management of the Project Management Unit: supervises and assists technical international and national staff, consultants and the support staff in carrying out their duties. • Coordinates the planning, resource allocation, implementation, monitoring and reporting of the technical, operational and financial execution of the project, in close collaboration with the FAO Representative, the Forestry Division, donors and relevant partners. • Develops the annual work plans and budgets, clears them with FAO and the donor and obtains projects” Steering Committees’ approval, ensures the link with the Steering Committees of the projects. • Supports the compilation of a comprehensive M-E matrix and plan. • Leads, coordinates and manages the implementation of field project activities and ensures coordination of all activities according to the proposed schedule and budget planning. • Provides technical assistance for project implementation, including technical supervision of the components and for the establishment of agroforestry systems, of both projects. • Supports real-time monitoring of project progress and the alerting of the Budget Holder and the Lead Technical Office to potential problems that could result in delays in implementation. • Establishes close cooperation with the Government (all relevant technical ministries) and other partners involved in the effective implementation of the projects. • Ensures coherence and synergies in the implementation of the two projects (PREFOREST and PROREP). • Strengthens dialogue with project implementation partners and consistencies with other ongoing projects. • Ensures the production, quality and delivery of high-quality documents to be transmitted to the Steering Committees, to the Government, to GCF and to CAFI. • Supports the production of reports and communication in consultation with the various project stakeholders (partners, beneficiaries and donors). • Represents the projects at national, regional and international meetings, workshops and seminars as required. • Ensures consistency of messages and communications on project objectives and achievements. • Performs any other related duties as required.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements • Advanced university degree in agricultural economics, development economics, rural sociology, food security, sustainable agriculture, forestry or a related field. • Seven years of relevant experience in technical cooperation related activities, policy advice and analysis relating to forestry, agriculture, agroforestry, rural development, natural resource sustainable management. • Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of French and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of English.
Competencies • Results Focus • Team Work • 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. • Relevance and extent of experience in technical cooperation related activities, policy advice and analysis relating to food and nutrition security, agriculture and rural development, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programmes. • Relevance and extent of experience in working with inter-governmental bodies and multidisciplinary teams. • Demonstrated ability to lead a multicultural team. • Extent and relevance of experience in management/strategic leadership skills for large and complex projects. • Work experience in Congo and/or Central Africa. • Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English.