Agriculture Inputs Specialist (SC-10)

Organizational Setting 

The key mission of the FAO Representation in Somalia, which is led by FAO Representative (FAOR), is to assist and support the national government to develop policies, strategies and programme aimed at accelerating the Implementation and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in FAO’s global mandate and Strategic Objectives. More specifically, FAO’s response aims to address national needs and priorities in achieving food security, reducing hunger and malnutrition, developing agricultural, fishery and forestry sectors, and ensuring the sustainable use of environmental and natural resources and respond to recurrent emergencies. The current portfolio of activities of the FAO Representation in Somalia includes a wide scope of technical support interventions ranging from policy support through livestock and crop production, to natural resource management, Nutrition, value chain, food security analysis and water and land information management. FAO is also implementing several emergency, resilience-building, and development interventions, with the support of its five field offices and close to 400 staff in partnership with the Federal and State line ministries.

This position’s grade level is SC-10.
Reporting Lines 

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative for Somalia, and the direct supervision of the Emergency Coordination Specialist.
Technical Focus 

The incumbent will support program planning, partner selection, and developing technical specifications, monitor budgets, coordinate with support functions, select service providers, draft agreements, review reports, lead training, conduct capacity building, ensure nutrition integration, identify procurement needs, supervise partners, ensure communication, organize meetings, and develop training materials.

Tasks and responsibilities 

•    Provide support to program planning for input distribution activities, partner selection, and developing technical specifications and ToR.
•    Lead the monitoring of agriculture inputs project budgets and expenditures, and implement corrective measures as needed.
•    Coordinate with key program support functions to ensure smooth implementation of agricultural emergency project activities.
•    Identify and select service providers within the emergency unit.
•    Prepare terms of reference and tendering documentation for agricultural emergency IPs selection.
•    Evaluate and select potential implementing partners/service providers for the Agriculture Emergency Programme.
•    Advise the technical review team on bid analysis in line with FAO’s procurement guidelines.
•    Draft and amend Letters of Agreement, including LOUs for relevant ministries.
•    Monitor the implementation of LoAs/LOUs and commercial contracts, and review field reports.
•    Lead training for input distribution service providers and conduct capacity building for IPs and beneficiaries.
•    Identify procurement needs and compile specifications for materials, agricultural inputs, and services.
•    Ensure effective communication and coordination among FAO staff and service providers and organize consultative meetings and field missions.
•    Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING 
 
 
Minimum Requirements  

•    University degree in Agriculture or related field
•    At least 5 years of relevant experience with Agriculture projects
•    Working knowledge (level C) of English and Somali
•    National of Somalia
FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills  

•    Experience in planning and organizing operational support activities within a unit or department
•    Excellent communication, writing, and reporting skills
•    Familiar with Project Cycle Management
•    Should be able to follow up with contractors, implementing partners and other units in the office
•    Good working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
•    Ability to work effectively with people of different national and cultural backgrounds

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION