National Value Addition Specialist

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FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO’s values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination　　
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
• FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.

Organizational Setting

The Programme Management Unit (PMU) of the FAO-Saudi Technical Cooperation Programme (2019-2025) facilitates, coordinates and manages all technical and advisory services to be provided by FAO to the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MoEWA). The project “UTF/SAU/051/SAU Strengthening MoEWA’s Capacity to Implement the Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Programme” is the first project that has been approved within the framework of FAO-Saudi Technical Cooperation Programme (2019-2025). The project will provide technical and advisory assistance to the MoEWA in implementing its flagship Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development programme that has recently been approved within the context of the National Transformation Programme of the Saudi Vision 2030. The project expected results will be achieved through implementation of nine project components covering the value chain of coffee Arabica; beekeeping and honey; rose; sub-tropical fruits; small-scale fishermen and fish farmers; small-scale livestock; rain-fed cereals; and their value addition; and the sustainable management of natural resources.

Requirements for international technical expertise have been identified. In order to ensure a coordinated, smooth, timely and successful implementation of the project, long-term competent international technical advisors will be appointed as Component Managers to each of the nine components. Each Component Manager will be supported by a team of international consultants and incumbents who are technical specialists in the subject matters of the various outputs and activities.

Reporting Lines

The National Value Addition Specialist reports to the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) of the Project, under the overall guidance of the FAO Programme Coordinator in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in consultation with the Technical Adviser (Value Addition) of the Project.

Technical Focus

Operational support to the Value Addition component activities in SRAD target value chains of Rainfed Cereals, Sub tropical fruits, Honey, Livestock, Fisheries & aquaculture, Coffee and Rose.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Assist and coordinate with the Technical Advisor (Value Addition) to ensure the flow of cooperation and coordination necessary for the appropriate planning and implementation, and monitoring of progress of the project component in accordance with the project document;
• Work in close collaboration with and ensure timely and full coordination with the ‘Project National Focal Points’ to facilitate the implementation of the project, prepare periodical reports and support timely completion of various reports by the direct supervisor.
• Contribute to the identification of important activities to meet the targets, KPIs as well as prepare and assist implementation of local commodities’ value addition project activities;
• Initiate and assist the innovation, design and production of value added products from target commodities.
• Support and assist the improvement of value addition in:
o agro-processing
o physical infrastructure and logistics, including grading facilities,
o establishment and operation of local agro-processing centres
o Postharvest value addition activities
o identification and promotion of access and use of technologies and innovations by small producers and their associations;
• Assist the preparation of quarterly and semi-annual project component progress reports, terminal report and identify lessons learned, constraints and issues that require timely resolution and corrective actions and presents recommendations for improving performance;
• Assist development of demand driven and responsive partnerships to benefit Saudi Arabia from proven innovation and good practices for value addition and marketing;
• Assist in ensuring a close working relations with MoEWA branches and other local- authorities in the implementation of planned activities;

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced University degree in agribusiness, agriculture, value chain analysis, business administration, agricultural economics or any other related field;
• Five years of relevant experience in agriculture, value chain analysis, agri-business development and/or program coordination in sustainable rural agricultural development;
• Working knowledge (Level C) of Arabic and limited knowledge (Level B) of English.
• National of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia or resident of the country with valid work permit (please submit copy with your application).

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;
• Extent and relevance of experience in agriculture, value chain development and agri-business;
• Extent and relevance of experience in stakeholders coordination in relation to agriculture and rural development;
• Extent and relevance of experience in program monitoring, data collection and report writing;
• Extent and relevance of experience in agriculture of Saudi Arabia is considered a strong asset.

Selection Criteria

• Relevant experience in technical areas
• Experience working with small holders rural agriculture value chain actors
• Knowledge of issues, policies and procedures of UN and Saudi government organizations
• Knowledge about Result Based Monitoring and reporting

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing).
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help or have queries, please contact: [email protected]
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
• Only language proficiency certificates from UN accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT) will be accepted as proof of the level of knowledge of languages indicated in the online applications.
• For other issues, visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp

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