National Stakeholder Engagement Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is dedicated to achieving the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework, which aims to transform agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. Established in 1945, FAO operates globally, with a significant presence in the Pacific Islands through its Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands (SAP), which was founded in 1996 in Samoa. The organization works across 14 countries in the Pacific, including Cook Islands, Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Tokelau. FAO's mission encompasses addressing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, nutrition, agriculture, natural resource management, and rural development, with a focus on gender, climate change adaptation, and anticipatory action as cross-cutting issues. SAP is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing programs and projects that align with these priorities, while also maintaining relationships with various institutions and entities across the subregion.

Job Overview:
The National Stakeholder Engagement Specialist will play a crucial role in the successful execution of the Samoa Readiness Project by leading the development and implementation of a comprehensive stakeholder engagement plan. This position requires a proactive approach to engage with various stakeholders, including government entities, industry partners, and community members, to foster awareness and support for project activities. The Specialist will work closely with the FAO, the Samoa Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry to ensure that stakeholder engagement aligns with project objectives. The role also involves collaborating with the SAP Communications Specialist to ensure that all messaging and outreach efforts are consistent and effective. The Specialist will be responsible for tracking stakeholder engagement performance and making necessary adjustments to strategies to enhance participation and support for the project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the National Stakeholder Engagement Specialist include planning, developing, editing, and reviewing the stakeholder engagement plan for the Samoa Readiness Project. The Specialist will collaborate with various stakeholders, including the FAO, Samoa Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, to address project engagement needs. They will work with the SAP Communications Specialist to ensure that all communications align with stakeholder interests and project messaging. The Specialist will provide advice on community relations, manage stakeholder outreach, and track performance against the engagement plan. They will also coordinate stakeholder engagement activities, develop surveys for stakeholder feedback, and analyze results to inform project strategies. Establishing relationships with communication focal points and supporting the development of informational materials are also key responsibilities. The Specialist will ensure timely responses to stakeholder inquiries and support the Liaison Assistant in coordinating communication between stakeholders and relevant ministries.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in fields such as Agronomy, Horticulture, Agriculture Engineering, or closely related areas. A minimum of three years of proven experience in designing, building, and managing commercial hydroponic systems is required. Candidates should have strong knowledge of water chemistry, plant nutrition, greenhouse climate control, and agribusiness modeling. Additionally, experience in environmental health, particularly related to climate change and its health implications, is essential. A working knowledge of English is mandatory, and candidates must be nationals of Samoa.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in Agronomy, Horticulture, Agriculture Engineering, or a closely related field. The degree must be from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO, ensuring that the educational qualifications meet international standards.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of three years of relevant experience in the field, particularly in designing and managing hydroponic systems. Experience should also include a significant focus on climate change and its implications for health. Familiarity with the Pacific region and experience working with international organizations on climate change and health projects will be advantageous.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the Pacific region may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
FAO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates must have their educational qualifications verified by the World Higher Education Database (WHED). The appointment will be subject to medical fitness certification, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. This position may involve full-time engagement, and candidates are encouraged to visit the FAO employment website for additional opportunities.