FFF Coordinating Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and malnutrition. Established in 1945, FAO 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 organization operates in over 130 countries and has a mission to support the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. FAO's work is aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, focusing on better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind. In Zambia, the FAO country office assists the government in developing policies, programs, and projects to achieve food security and reduce hunger and malnutrition, while also promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Job Overview:
The FFF Coordinating Consultant will be responsible for managing the Forest and Farm Facility (FFF) program in Zambia, which aims to support forest and farm producers and their organizations to enable climate-resilient landscapes and improved livelihoods. This position involves the overall technical implementation and reporting of the project, including the development and operationalization of annual work plans, facilitating the provision and management of small grants to smallholder Forest and Farm Producer Organizations (FFPOs), and capacity development in governance, financial management, and enterprise development. The consultant will also monitor the quality of program implementation and ensure alignment with FAO regulations and standards. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government and private sector organizations, to foster partnerships and synergies with ongoing national and regional programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the FFF Coordinating Consultant include facilitating national program management, leading capacity building initiatives for Apex and local FFPOs, preparing and monitoring the FFF country budget, overseeing FFF phase II processes, and fostering linkages with national and regional programs. The consultant will prepare annual reports for the FFF management team and national stakeholders, identify potential implementation partners, develop Letters of Agreements (LoAs) and Direct Beneficiary Grants, and ensure compliance with FAO guidelines. Additionally, the consultant will lead the documentation of impact stories, facilitate the development of communication materials, support the implementation of a participatory monitoring and learning framework, and conduct annual multi-stakeholder workshops to review program performance.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Agriculture, Natural Resources Management, Forestry, Community Development, social sciences, or a related field. A minimum of 8 years of experience in agroforestry, natural resources management, program management, community mobilization, and grant management is desirable. Proficiency in English (level C) is required, and candidates must be nationals of Zambia. The FAO core competencies include results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing and continuous improvement. Technical skills required for this position include experience in capacity building programs targeting smallholder producers, working with government and private sector organizations, and managing technical projects.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as Agriculture, Natural Resources Management, Forestry, Community Development, or social sciences. Candidates must have their qualifications recognized by institutions accredited in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in agroforestry, natural resources management, program management, community mobilization, and grant management. Candidates should have proven coordination skills and experience managing technical projects, as well as the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position, with proficiency at level C. Knowledge of local languages in the targeted project areas in Zambia would be considered an advantage, enhancing communication and engagement with local communities.

Additional Notes:
FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or processing. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates must be medically fit for appointment and meet any residency or visa requirements. The appointment is subject to security clearances. For additional employment opportunities, candidates can visit the FAO employment website.