Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is an intergovernmental organization comprising over 194 member nations. Since its establishment, FAO has been dedicated to alleviating poverty and hunger by promoting agricultural development, enhancing nutrition, and pursuing food security. Food security is defined as the availability of sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to meet the dietary needs of all people at all times for an active and healthy life. To achieve its objectives, FAO collaborates with a vast network of partners worldwide, including farmers’ groups, traders, non-governmental organizations, other UN agencies, development banks, and agribusiness firms. For more comprehensive information about FAO, please visit FAO Website.

The primary purpose of FAO country offices, led by an FAO Representative, is to support governments in formulating policies, programs, and projects aimed at achieving food security and reducing hunger and malnutrition. These offices work to enhance the agricultural, fisheries, and forestry sectors while ensuring the sustainable use of environmental and natural resources.
Background

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations plays a pivotal role in advancing agricultural development and food security in Eritrea. Through strategic collaborations with various line ministries, including the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), Ministry of Marine Resources (MMR), Ministry of Land, Water and Environment (MoLWE), and the Ministry of Local Government, FAO aims to create a cohesive and integrated approach to natural resource management.
FAO’s technical support focuses on enhancing the resilience of agriculture-based rural livelihoods, which encompass a diverse range of stakeholders, including farmers, herders, and fishing communities. Recognizing the unique challenges these groups face, FAO tailors its interventions to improve productivity, sustainability, and food security. This support is critical in a country where agriculture is a primary source of income and sustenance for many households.
In alignment with the Government of the State of Eritrea’s Agriculture Sector Development Plan 2022-2026, FAO’s initiatives are designed to protect community livelihoods while promoting sustainable practices that support local ecosystems. This alignment ensures that FAO’s efforts are not only relevant but also complementary to national development goals. Key objectives include:

•    Enhancing Food Security, Promoting Sustainable Practices, Strengthening Resilience, Supporting Ecosystem Conservation, and Fostering Community Participation
To enhance the capacity of the country office in development and implementation of natural resources management and environmental protection projects, FAO Eritrea is seeking a Natural Resources Management Expert (Local Consultant) to provide technical assistance and take a lead role in FAO’s land, water, forestry and environmental management and development projects.

Reporting Lines

Under the general supervision of the FAOER Representative, and direct supervision of the Assistant FAOR (Program), Environment and Climate Change Specialist, Technical Officers in FAO Eritrea and in liaison with the relevant Technical Officers in SFE, RTEA and OER, the incumbent will provide direct support to the implementation of field projects related to the development of Natural Resources Management

Technical Focus 

•    Sustainable Land Management.
•    Integrated Water Resources Management:
•    Forestry Management.
•    Ecosystem Services.
•    Climate Resilience and Adaptation.
•    Stakeholder Engagement

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    An advanced degree in environmental science, natural resource management, forestry, or a related field.
•    A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in natural resource management, particularly in the context of agricultural and forestry development.
•    Working knowledge of English
•    National of Eritrea

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.
•    Relevance and extent of experience in technical cooperation’s related activities, policy advice and analysis relating to program design and implementation, food and nutrition security, agriculture and rural development, monitoring and evaluation.
•    Relevance and extent of experience in working on UN agencies partnership and joint programming.
•    Candidate should be Eritrean and had to provide evidence of completion/exemption from National Service.

Selection Criteria

•    Proven experience in programme implementation, project design, and stakeholder engagement.
•    Ability to develop annual work plans & reporting.
•    Ability to carry-out needs assessments, prepare technical feasibilities and able to supervise/implement interventions accordingly.
•    Strong analytical, communication, and facilitation skills.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION