Stakeholder Engagement and Liaison 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 over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization 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. In Vietnam, FAO's Country Programming Framework (CPF) for the period of 2022-2026 focuses on strategic priorities such as Climate Change Response, Disaster Resilience, and Environmental Sustainability, mobilizing resources to address critical issues in water resource management, fisheries, aquaculture, and biodiversity.

Job Overview:
The Stakeholder Engagement and Liaison Specialist will play a crucial role in the formulation of the Project Document for the GEF-8 project, which aims to support sustainable fisheries development in Vietnam. This position involves collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure effective project implementation and compliance with government regulations. The specialist will be responsible for generating and collating information that informs the technical content and structure of the project, ensuring that stakeholder engagement is effectively planned and executed. The role requires a deep understanding of the aquaculture and fisheries sector in Vietnam, as well as the ability to navigate complex institutional frameworks and stakeholder dynamics.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Stakeholder Engagement and Liaison Specialist will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Mapping stakeholders relevant to project deliverables and their expected roles during project implementation.
• Contributing to the Stakeholder Engagement Plan by researching and listing relevant stakeholders, mapping them with appropriate engagement modalities, and supporting the team in building a timeline for engagement activities.
• Collaborating with the PPG team to map current institutional arrangements and community architecture in target landscapes.
• Supporting FAO and Operational Partners in establishing optimal implementation arrangements and addressing feedback from relevant departments and ministries.
• Reviewing the draft GEF project document and developing the ProDoc in Vietnamese, ensuring compliance with government regulations.
• Participating in field visits and workshops as required throughout the PPG process.
• Undertaking other tasks as agreed upon with the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Fisheries, Aquaculture, State management, or related fields. They should have at least 5 years of professional experience in the aquaculture and fisheries sector or ODA project management in Vietnam. A working knowledge of both English and Vietnamese is essential, and candidates must be nationals of Vietnam or residents with a valid permit.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in relevant fields such as Fisheries, Aquaculture, or State management. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of the aquaculture and fisheries sectors and for effectively engaging with stakeholders.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in the aquaculture and fisheries sector or in managing ODA projects. This experience should include demonstrated capabilities in organizing multi-stakeholder consultations and workshops, as well as familiarity with Vietnam's project approval processes under relevant decrees.

Languages:
Proficiency in both English and Vietnamese is mandatory for this position. This bilingual capability is crucial for effective communication with stakeholders and for the successful implementation of project activities. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is likely to be full-time and may involve working under tight deadlines. The role requires a strong ability to deliver quality outputs while managing multiple tasks and engaging with various stakeholders at different levels, including ministries, provinces, and the private sector. The position may also involve international collaboration, given FAO's global mandate.