Field Project Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that aims to defeat hunger and improve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and nutrition globally. Established in 1945, FAO has grown to include 195 members, comprising 194 countries and the European Union. The organization operates in over 130 countries worldwide, providing policy advice and technical support to enhance agricultural productivity and food security. FAO's mission is to ensure that all people have regular access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food, contributing to better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, while leaving no one behind. FAO Country Offices work closely with national governments and partners to deliver technical assistance, strengthen capacities, and ensure effective operations aligned with international standards and national priorities.

Job Overview:
The Field Project Specialist will play a crucial role in the implementation and coordination of agricultural livelihoods, food security, and resilience activities under the country-level Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) projects. This position involves supporting agricultural planning and policy processes, seed systems, community mobilization, and stakeholder coordination. The specialist will work closely with government counterparts and partners to ensure that project activities are executed according to established work plans and deliverables. The role requires a commitment to gender equity and social inclusion, as well as the ability to engage effectively with various stakeholders involved in agricultural resilience and livelihoods operations. The specialist will also facilitate community sensitization and mobilization efforts, ensuring that project activities align with provincial and district plans for sustainability.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Field Project Specialist will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: supporting the implementation of project activities in collaboration with subnational government counterparts; coordinating stakeholder consultations for policy development; establishing seed banks and multiplication sites; facilitating germplasm capacity building workshops; providing technical support during field missions, workshops, and feasibility studies; engaging with stakeholders involved in agricultural resilience; liaising with provincial and district administrations to align project activities with local plans; assisting with procurement actions at the community level; and working closely with FAO team members to monitor activities under Letters of Agreement. The specialist will also demonstrate a commitment to gender equity and social inclusion and perform other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in agriculture, agronomy, livestock, natural resource management, rural development, or a closely related field. Additionally, a minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in field implementation of agricultural livelihoods, food security, or resilience projects is required. Proficiency in English and knowledge of the official languages of Papua New Guinea are essential. Candidates must be nationals of Papua New Guinea.

Educational Background:
The position requires a university degree in a relevant field such as agriculture, agronomy, livestock, natural resource management, or rural development. The educational qualifications must be obtained from an institution accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
Candidates should have at least three years of progressively responsible experience in the field implementation of agricultural livelihoods, food security, or resilience projects. Experience in coordinating field activities, community mobilization, and supporting trainings and stakeholder consultations is highly relevant. Familiarity with working in rural or field-based development contexts is also important.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at a proficient level (Level C) is mandatory. Additionally, knowledge of the official languages of Papua New Guinea is required, which may include Tok Pisin, Hiri Motu, or other local languages, depending on the region of work.

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 further employment opportunities, candidates can visit the FAO employment website.