Project Officer (Building Local Resilience In Syria)

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO's mission is 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. With 195 Members, including 194 countries and the European Union, FAO operates in over 130 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on providing policy advice, technical assistance, and capacity development to support countries in achieving their food and agriculture goals. FAO Country Offices work under corporate guidance to deliver on programmatic priorities aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, ensuring effective operations with adequate resources and accountability.

Job Overview:
The Project Officer (Building Local Resilience In Syria) will be responsible for managing the BLRS project, providing comprehensive programmatic, technical, and policy expertise to support the planning, development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the project. This role requires close collaboration with the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) and the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) to ensure the successful execution of the FAO Syria Emergency and Early Recovery Action Plan 2025 - 202

• The Project Officer will also have human and financial managerial responsibilities, contributing to the overall objectives of the FAO in Syria and ensuring that the project aligns with national priorities and international standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Officer will perform a variety of key functions, including providing technical leadership on project development, implementation, and evaluation. This includes reviewing relevant documents, identifying priorities, and liaising with stakeholders. The officer will coordinate project activities, supervise the preparation of written outputs such as reports and analyses, and contribute to meetings and conferences. Additionally, the Project Officer will lead field missions, provide guidance to external consultants and government officials, and advise on the development of policies and strategies related to FAO's work. Specific responsibilities include managing human and financial resources of the BLRS project team, coordinating with the host government and development partners, and ensuring the integration of project activities into the FAO Representation's operations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political sciences, business administration, agricultural economics, development economics, rural sociology, food security, nutrition, sustainable development, or a related field. A minimum of seven years of relevant experience in technical cooperation activities, policy advice, and analysis related to food and nutrition security, agriculture, and rural development is required. Proficiency in English (level C) and intermediate knowledge of one of the other FAO official languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is also necessary.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as political sciences, business administration, agricultural economics, development economics, rural sociology, food security, nutrition, sustainable development, or related disciplines. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of food security and agricultural development in the context of Syria.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least seven years of relevant experience in technical cooperation activities, policy advice, and analysis related to food and nutrition security, agriculture, and rural development. Experience in project management, particularly in conflict and post-conflict settings, is highly desirable. Additionally, candidates should have a proven track record of establishing and maintaining partnerships with UN agencies, NGOs, and government institutions, as well as experience in rural livelihoods development, including fieldwork and data collection.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is a working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English. Additionally, candidates must have intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of one of the other FAO official languages, which include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. Proficiency in these languages is crucial for effective communication and collaboration within the international context of FAO's work.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Damascus, Syria, and involves full-time engagement with responsibilities that may require travel within the country. The role is critical in supporting the FAO's mission in Syria, particularly in the context of emergency and early recovery efforts. Candidates should be prepared for the challenges associated with working in a complex and dynamic environment, and the position may involve collaboration with various stakeholders, including government entities, NGOs, and international organizations. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO's policies and standards.