National OCOP Specialist

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 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. The organization operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 12,000 employees. FAO's work is guided by the principles of sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience, focusing on improving agricultural productivity, enhancing food security, and promoting sustainable management of natural resources. In Egypt, FAO's country program is aligned with national priorities and strategies, including Vision 2030 and various agricultural and environmental initiatives, and is supported by international donors to implement a diverse portfolio of projects.

Job Overview:
The National OCOP Specialist will play a critical role in supporting the implementation of the project aimed at enhancing sustainable agricultural practices and improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Egypt. This position requires a proactive approach to coordination, technical input, and capacity building, ensuring that project objectives are met effectively. The specialist will work closely with various stakeholders, including government ministries and local communities, to facilitate training and workshops, develop strategic plans, and contribute to the overall success of the project. The role demands a strong understanding of sustainable agricultural practices, project management, and the ability to engage with diverse groups to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National OCOP Specialist will be responsible for a wide range of tasks, including but not limited to: organizing and participating in project inception workshops to raise awareness and validate training areas; developing detailed workplans for project activities; establishing the OCOP Coordination Mechanism through a National Task Force; liaising with international consultants for value chain analysis; preparing training materials and conducting capacity-building activities; assisting in the development of national strategies and guidelines for sustainable agricultural practices; formulating concept notes for resource mobilization; undertaking field missions as required; participating in workshops and policy dialogues; preparing monthly reports on project activities; contributing to the organization of final workshops; and drafting terminal reports for project evaluation. The specialist will also be expected to carry out any other relevant activities as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Agriculture or a related field. A minimum of three years of experience in training, sustainable plant production, and project coordination is required. Additionally, candidates must have a working knowledge of English and Arabic at level C, and must be nationals of Egypt. The role also requires competencies in results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in Agriculture or a related field from an accredited institution recognized by the IAU/UNESCO. Candidates must ensure that their qualifications are listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
The position requires at least three years of relevant experience in training, sustainable agricultural practices, project coordination, and related fields. Experience with green production of selected sustainable agricultural practices (SAP) in the project country would be considered an asset, indicating a preference for candidates who have practical knowledge and hands-on experience in the agricultural sector.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge of both English and Arabic, with proficiency at level C in both languages being mandatory. This bilingual requirement is essential for effective communication and collaboration with local stakeholders and international partners.

Additional Notes:
The 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 should note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from accredited institutions recognized in the WHED. The appointment will be subject to certification of medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. For additional employment opportunities, candidates can visit the FAO employment website.