Value Chain Development Specialist at Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO-UN) - An intergovernmental organization, FAO has 194 Member Nations, two associate members and one member organization, the European Union. Its employees come from various cultural backgrounds and are experts in the multiple fields of activity FAO engages in. FAO’s staff capacity allows it to support improved governance inter alia, generate, develop and adapt existing tools and guidelines and provide targeted governance support as a resource to country and regional level FAO offices. Headquartered in Rome, Italy, FAO is present in over 130 countries.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Value Chain Development Specialist

Location: Abuja
Employment Type: Full-time

Tasks and Responsibilities

• In collaboration with the Team Leader, prepare and present a communication on the contribution of wild foods and forests to healthy diets, and nutrition for the most vulnerable, as well as on bioeconomy for sustainable food and agriculture, based on AAD/GGW publications (socio-economic baselines) and published materials on northern Nigeria.
• Prepare and deliver appropriate learning needs and tools for the target audience and provide on-demand technical and advisory support requested by ACReSAL for the development, implementation and reporting on project activities.
• Review all the task and activities contained in the project document and produce a comprehensive matrix to clearly indicate the training needs and modules for the promotion of NTFP’s and reporting modalities.
• Carry out a comprehensive base line assessment on NTFP’s.
• Facilitate trainings at community level to explain in depth the restoration process from both a technical (development of proposals of sub-projects on landscape restoration investments and of NTFP value chain strengthening) and organizational standpoint.
• Train the communities on how to establish the NTFP nursery and to oversee and participate in all steps of the restoration.
• Technical Lead to produce handouts and reports on strengthening ACReSAL/country capacities to enable forest-base contributions to healthy and sustainable agrifood systems in Nigeria and backstopping as required.
• Oversee assessments on capturing consumption of wild/forest foods in dietary and on a global methodology for assessing ecological sustainability of NTFP harvest and production in ACReSAL States and capacity strengthening for improved data on NTFPs.
• Provide technical guidance/guidelines for ACReSAL project on wild food/NTFP in collaboration with implementing States and national partners.
• Participate in Technical Meetings Workshops related to the project and or other Environment projects in the representation.
• Support the Representation in any other technical area as delegated by the FAOR.
• Preparation and submission of all progress reports linked to the deliverables.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced University Degree in Environmental Studies or other related discipline.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in Forestry/Community mobilization
• Working knowledge of English and any main Nigerian language (Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Pidgin).

FAO Core Competencies:

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

Technical / Functional Skills:

• Strong stakeholder engagement and fieldwork skills.
• Previous experience in Nigerian coastal areas, specifically in mangrove ecosystems.
• Familiarity with international donors' projects is preferred.
• Proficient computer skills (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet).
• Fluent in English and intermediate proficiency in any main Nigerian language (Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Pidgin).

Selection Criteria:

• Extensive and relevant experience in data analysis to support Biodiversity and Climate Research,
• Experience in facilitating workshops, and training courses in improvement of knowledge and returns for climate smart traditional crops (e.g., millet, sorghum, cowpeas, etc) often planted between the restored rows,
• Excellent skill on training to enhance the effectiveness and equity in the distribution of NTFP value chain benefits.

Additional Information:

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For additional employment opportunities 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.

Application Closing Date
22nd April, 2024.