Technical Specialist - Gender Equality and Social Inclusion

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is a specialized agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. The FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) specifically supports member countries in the development of knowledge products, capacity development, and implementation of programs and projects in food security, agriculture, rural development, natural resources management, and agro-processing. FAO's mission includes promoting sustainable agriculture, reducing rural poverty, and enhancing food value chains while addressing climate change adaptation and mitigation. The organization is also committed to gender equality and women's empowerment, aligning its work with the FAO Regional Gender Strategy and Action Plan (2022-25).

Job Overview:
The Technical Specialist position at the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific is designed to provide technical advice and expertise in gender equality and social inclusion (GEDSI) related work. The role encompasses a variety of responsibilities, including project support to member countries, designing and formulating investment operations, and implementing capacity development programs. The Technical Specialist will work closely with the FAO Regional Representative and the RAP Gender Officer, collaborating with technical colleagues in RAP and country offices. The position requires a strong focus on integrating gender considerations into agricultural and rural development projects, ensuring that policies and strategies are gender-sensitive and responsive. The role also involves conducting gender analyses, preparing reports, and developing communication products related to gender equality and women's empowerment. The Technical Specialist will be expected to lead and participate in multidisciplinary teams to promote GEDSI aspects across various thematic areas relevant to FAO's mandate.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Technical Specialist will vary based on the specific profile assigned. For the Gender Specialist in Gender Mainstreaming, tasks include participating in multidisciplinary teams to assist in project formulation and implementation, conducting gender analyses, providing technical input for integrating gender aspects into projects, and preparing relevant reports. The Gender Specialist in Communication and Visibility will lead communication activities, document lessons learned, and organize events to raise awareness on gender issues. The Gender Specialist in Capacity Development will develop and deliver training sessions on gender/GEDSI for FAO personnel and stakeholders. The GEDSI Specialist in Project Support will engage with partners to strengthen stakeholder engagement, provide technical input for integrating GEDSI aspects into projects, and develop training sessions. All roles require a commitment to promoting gender equality and social inclusion in FAO's work.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in relevant fields such as Sociology, Social Sciences, Economics, Development Studies, International Development, Agriculture, or Gender Studies. Those with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. The position requires at least one year of relevant experience for category C, five years for category B, and ten years for category A in analytical studies on gender equality/GEDSI and/or gender mainstreaming in agricultural and rural projects. A working knowledge of English is mandatory, and familiarity with FAO's approaches to gender/GEDSI mainstreaming is preferred.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in fields related to gender studies, social sciences, or development. Candidates with a bachelor's degree must have additional professional experience to qualify. The educational qualifications should be from institutions recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO, ensuring that the candidates have a solid foundation in the relevant disciplines necessary for the role.

Experience:
The level of experience required varies by category. For category C, at least one year of relevant experience is needed, while category B requires five years, and category A necessitates ten years of experience in gender equality/GEDSI analytical studies and mainstreaming in agricultural and rural projects. Candidates should have experience working in developing countries or countries in transition, demonstrating their ability to navigate complex socio-economic environments and contribute effectively to FAO's mission.

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

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Bangkok, Thailand, and is part of the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific. The job may involve collaboration with various stakeholders, including government officials, development partners, and the private sector. The specific contract duration and seniority level are not mentioned in the job posting, but candidates should be prepared for a full-time commitment. Compensation and benefits details are typically provided during the recruitment process.