Emergency and Resilience Unit Lead

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission 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 transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, contributing to the 2030 Agenda and the FAO Strategic Framework. FAO Country Offices provide policy advice and support to countries, ensuring effective operations and resource management while adhering to international accountability standards.

Job Overview:
The Emergency and Resilience Unit Lead will be responsible for leading the design and implementation of project activities related to emergency and resilience in Bangladesh. This role involves providing strategic guidance and leadership for FAO’s work in emergency preparedness, needs assessment, early response, recovery, and rehabilitation. The incumbent will coordinate FAO’s response to disasters and crises, including cyclones, floods, and other natural hazards, and will work closely with various stakeholders, including government partners, UN agencies, NGOs, and donors. The position requires a proactive approach to resource mobilization and effective communication to ensure that FAO's emergency and resilience agenda is prioritized and effectively managed.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Emergency and Resilience Unit Lead include:

• Providing strategic guidance and leadership for FAO’s emergency and resilience work in Bangladesh.
• Coordinating FAO’s preparedness and response to disasters, ensuring effective management and reporting.
• Leading the identification, formulation, and implementation of emergency and resilience projects, including the preparation of concept notes and project documents.
• Representing FAO in interagency coordination meetings and providing technical expertise.
• Supporting resource mobilization activities, including donor engagement and proposal preparation.
• Establishing and maintaining effective communication with government institutions, UN agencies, NGOs, and other humanitarian actors.
• Identifying strategic priorities for FAO's emergency and resilience agenda.
• Developing and delivering advocacy strategies and timely dissemination of information.
• Managing ERU staff and resources, ensuring linkages with FAO’s Office of Emergency and Resilience. 1
• Ensuring timely delivery of approved emergency projects and providing advisory support to build disaster management capacity.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Agriculture with an emphasis on agronomy, crop and food security, and nutrition. Additionally, a minimum of 9 years of relevant experience is required. Candidates must also have a working knowledge of English at level C and must be nationals of Bangladesh. FAO core competencies include results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing. Technical skills required include a good background in crops and food security, proficiency in Microsoft Office, good diagnostic and decision-making skills, and experience in staff management and capacity development.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in Agriculture, specifically focusing on agronomy, crop and food security, and nutrition. This advanced degree is essential for understanding the complexities of food systems and the challenges faced in emergency and resilience contexts.

Experience:
The position requires at least 9 years of demonstrated relevant experience in emergency and resilience programming, particularly in the context of food security and nutrition. This experience should include working in disaster-prone areas and engaging with various stakeholders in humanitarian response efforts.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at level C is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local context or the stakeholders involved in the emergency and resilience efforts.

Additional Notes:
FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates must have higher educational qualifications recognized by the World Higher Education Database (WHED). Appointment is subject to medical fitness certification, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.