Expert on Stakeholder Engagement & Facilitation

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Position Title: Expert on Stakeholder Engagement & Facilitation
Location: Remote
Country: Remote
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations 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. FAO's mission is to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, promote sustainable agriculture, and manage natural resources sustainably. The Subregional Office for West Africa plays a crucial role in developing and implementing strategies for transforming food, agriculture, and rural development in the region, collaborating with various regional institutions and stakeholders.

Job Overview:
The Expert on Stakeholder Engagement & Facilitation will play a pivotal role in the design and preparation of a Green Climate Fund (GCF) multi-country project proposal aimed at enhancing the resilience of livestock systems to climate change in West Africa. This position requires a proactive approach to stakeholder engagement, ensuring that all relevant parties, including farmers, herders, government officials, and NGOs, are actively involved in the project lifecycle. The expert will be responsible for developing a comprehensive stakeholder engagement strategy, facilitating consultations, and ensuring that the project aligns with the needs and interests of all stakeholders. The role demands strong communication and interpersonal skills to foster collaboration and consensus-building among diverse groups, ultimately contributing to the project's success and sustainability.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Expert on Stakeholder Engagement & Facilitation will undertake a variety of tasks, including: supporting the identification and formulation of the project in collaboration with FAO country offices and technical officers; identifying key stakeholders in the ECOWAS region related to livestock production; developing a stakeholder engagement strategy; building partnerships with local organizations; preparing detailed reports on stakeholder feedback; assisting in training and capacity-building sessions; assessing stakeholders' interests and contributions; organizing consultations and workshops; ensuring balanced participation of marginalized groups; documenting stakeholder inputs; participating in dialogues between FAO teams and stakeholders; developing tailored communication materials; empowering stakeholders in decision-making processes; ensuring quality control of project proposals; and contributing to the organization of meetings and workshops to validate the proposal. The expert will also maintain compliance with FAO standards and guidelines throughout the project.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field. A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in stakeholder engagement, facilitation, or participatory project design is required, preferably within the livestock or agricultural sector. Full proficiency in French is essential, as is a demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholder groups, including governments, private sectors, and local communities. Familiarity with participatory approaches to project design and implementation is highly desirable, along with strong knowledge of ECOWAS regional dynamics and the GCF framework.

Educational Background:
The position requires a university degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of stakeholder engagement and the socio-economic factors influencing agricultural practices in the West African context.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of relevant experience in stakeholder engagement, facilitation, or participatory project design. Experience working in multiple locations or areas within ECOWAS countries is preferred, as is familiarity with GCF or other climate funds. The ability to demonstrate successful engagement with diverse stakeholder groups is essential for this role.

Languages:
Full proficiency in French is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication in the ECOWAS region. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the region would be considered an asset, enhancing the ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work location. The role is expected to be full-time, with a focus on collaboration and engagement with stakeholders across various ECOWAS countries. Candidates will be assessed based on their qualifications, professional experience, and the relevance of their previous work to the mission of FAO and the specific needs of the project.