National Project Support Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide, employing approximately 12,000 staff members. 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. FAO's mission is to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, promote sustainable agriculture, and support rural development. The organization collaborates with various partners, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to implement projects and initiatives that enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.

Job Overview:
The National Project Support Specialist will play a crucial role in the coordination, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of project activities under the SADC Regional Agricultural Policy (RAP) intervention in Mauritius. This position requires a strong focus on project management, stakeholder engagement, and ensuring compliance with the objectives set by FAO, the EU, and the SADC Secretariat. The specialist will be responsible for developing and executing work plans tailored to the specific needs of Mauritius while building on the successes of previous projects. The role demands a comprehensive understanding of agricultural development, market access, and sustainable practices to enhance food security and socio-economic development in the region. The specialist will also engage with various stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and collaboration to achieve project goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the National Project Support Specialist include coordinating the overall planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of project activities in alignment with the SADC Regional Agricultural Policy (RAP) and the requirements of FAO, the EU, and the SADC Secretariat. The specialist will serve as the main focal point among national stakeholders, implementing partners, regional institutions, and donors, facilitating effective coordination, communication, and stakeholder engagement. Key tasks include leading the preparation and implementation of annual and quarterly work plans, ensuring activities are delivered within approved timelines, budgets, and donor requirements. The specialist will also coordinate administrative, logistical, procurement, and operational processes, monitor project progress, identify risks, and ensure timely corrective actions. Additionally, the specialist will prepare technical and progress reports, ensure compliance with donor and national requirements, support monitoring and evaluation activities, and promote sustainability, regional cooperation, market access, and agricultural competitiveness within the SADC region.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Agriculture, Veterinary Science, Plant Health, Environmental Science, Food Security, Natural Resource Management, or a related field. A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in agricultural development projects, project coordination, monitoring and evaluation, or stakeholder engagement is required. Candidates should have a working knowledge of English and French at level C, and must be a national of Mauritius. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate strong organizational and coordination skills, the ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and excellent analytical and report-writing skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in a relevant field such as Agriculture, Veterinary Science, Plant Health, Environmental Science, Food Security, or Natural Resource Management. A postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's profile for this role.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of relevant professional experience in agricultural development projects, project coordination, monitoring and evaluation, or related fields. Experience working with government institutions, regional organizations, development partners, or international organizations would be advantageous. Familiarity with agricultural policies and programs in Mauritius and the Southern African region is also beneficial, as is experience working with FAO or other UN agencies.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge of English and French at level C, which indicates a high level of proficiency in both languages. This is essential for effective communication and collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies, farmers' organizations, and development partners. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered a plus but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or processing. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. It is important to note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED). The appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, as well as meeting any residency or visa requirements and security clearances.