Consultants/PSAs for Capacity Development

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Position Title: Consultants/PSAs for Capacity Development
Location: Multiple locations
Country: Multiple locations
Deadline Date: Not specified

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 combat 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 employs thousands of staff members dedicated to improving agricultural productivity, enhancing food security, and promoting sustainable development. FAO's work is guided by its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 2, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. The Partnerships and UN Collaboration Division (PSU) plays a crucial role in coordinating and strengthening strategic partnerships with various stakeholders, including UN agencies, civil society, and academic institutions, to foster collaboration and enhance the effectiveness of FAO's initiatives.

Job Overview:
The position of Consultants/PSAs for Capacity Development within FAO is designed to support the implementation of a comprehensive capacity development approach that transcends traditional training methods. This role emphasizes the importance of engaging multiple stakeholders and ensuring that FAO's interventions are contextually relevant to the specific needs of countries or regions. The consultants will work closely with FAO staff and national partners to identify capacity needs and develop tailored action plans that address these needs while building on existing capacities. The role also involves integrating the 'Accelerator - Complements' identified in FAO's Strategic Framework into various programs, focusing on enhancing human capital. The consultants will be expected to contribute to the development of capacity development tracking systems, support the delivery of training courses, and facilitate multi-stakeholder processes, all aimed at fostering sustainable results and lasting change at the country level.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultants will have a diverse set of responsibilities that may include: collaborating with FAO staff and regional/national partners to ensure capacity needs are met in project formulation; appraising project documents using FAO's capacity development criteria; conducting technical and organizational capacity assessments at various levels; developing capacity development action plans that address identified gaps; creating and deploying tracking systems for capacity development; producing materials for training and mentoring; supporting the delivery of capacity development courses and awareness-raising events; documenting effective capacity development practices; facilitating multi-stakeholder processes; and assisting FAO units in integrating human capital into their programs and priority areas. Each consultant's specific tasks will be outlined in their Terms of Reference, which may vary based on the needs of the organization and the context of their assignments.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Agricultural Sciences, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Organizational Development, or a related field pertinent to FAO's mandate. Additionally, candidates should have at least 5 years of relevant experience for Level B positions and 1 year for Level C positions in the agriculture and rural development sector or international development sector. A working knowledge of at least one FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish) is mandatory, while knowledge of a second FAO language is considered an asset. Candidates will be assessed based on their qualifications and experience in relation to the specific requirements of the position.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in fields such as Agricultural Sciences, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Organizational Development, or any other discipline that aligns with FAO's mission and objectives. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of agricultural and rural development, as well as the dynamics of capacity development in various contexts.

Experience:
The level of experience required for this position varies based on the level of the role. For Level B positions, candidates must have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in the agriculture and rural development sector or international development sector. For Level C positions, at least 1 year of relevant experience is required. This experience should ideally include involvement in capacity development initiatives, project management, and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge of at least one FAO language, which includes Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish. Proficiency in a second FAO language is advantageous and may enhance a candidate's competitiveness for the position. Language skills are crucial for effective communication and collaboration within the international context of FAO's work.

Additional Notes:
The position may involve working in multiple locations, and candidates should be prepared for potential travel as required by their assignments. The specific terms of employment, including contract duration, seniority level, and whether the position is full-time or part-time, will be detailed in the Terms of Reference for each consultant. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO's policies and may vary based on the consultant's qualifications and experience.