Closing Date: 30 August 2024
FAO is Recruiting for a Home-based Project Development Specialist
Organizational Setting
FAO Country Office in Sri Lanka is developing a Contribution Agreement (the proposal) with EU for funding as a part of the EU’s response to the continuing economic crisis in Sri Lanka under MIP Priority for Green Recovery which will contribute to strengthening a sustainable and resource efficient agri-food system. The main focus will be on sustainable circular inputs and accompanying skill development and technical support in maize farming and nature based school gardens. The creation of cross-sectoral linkages involving schools, local communities, and relevant stakeholders will ensure cross fertilization of ideas and knowledge from fields to classroom and communities at large. This collaborative approach reinforces the interconnectedness between education and local sustainable practices, contributing to the overall goal of green economic growth.
Reporting Lines
The Project Development Specialist will work closely with two national Consultants on maize and school gardens and will play a crucial role in the preparation of this document. He / She will directly report to the FAO Representative with guidance from the Assistant FAO Representative (Program) and Senior Agriculture Specialist. The Project Development Specialist is expected to engage with relevant stakeholders, including government bodies, private sector players, educational institutions, and other partners, to ensure the Contribution Agreement is effectively designed and aligned with national agricultural and educational strategies.
Technical Focus
The overall objective of the of the proposal is to support the transition to green economic growth where sustainable consumption and production practices and food security are ensured. The specific objective (SO) is to promote sustainable and environmentally-responsible agriculture practices among farmers and school children. At the heart of this integrated approach lies a commitment to environmental stewardship, community empowerment, and intergenerational sustainability. Specifically, the proposal intends to cross-fertilize ideas between the two strategic objectives (SOs) by leveraging the interconnectedness of the initiatives to generate synergies, share knowledge, and maximize impact across multiple sectors.
The establishment of green and sustainable maize-based farming ecosystems (SO1) involves research partnerships and farmer participatory approaches. Insights gained by adopting sustainable practices and innovative technologies will be shared with schools implementing nature-based gardens (SO2). Maize cultivation and value addition will be integrated into school gardens.
The objective of this consultancy is to prepare a detailed Contribution Agreement based on an Action Document prepared on enhancing the productivity and return from the maize ecosystem and promoting nature-based school gardens for submission of the first draft to the EU Head of Cooperation. Subsequently, on suggestion and queries from EU, refining the draft and readying it for final submission and signature
Tasks and responsibilities
• Project Document Review and Enhancement:
o Review the existing Action Document and ensure the strategic objectives proposed for the Contribution Agreement are aligned with the Action Document.
o Identify any gaps or areas that require further elaboration or clarification in the Action Document.
o Refine and enhance the project details based on the latest data, stakeholder input, and best practices to ensure the Contribution Agreement reflects the most current and comprehensive information.
• Stakeholder Consultations:
o Undertake consultations with key stakeholders to validate the project’s approach and objectives outlined in the Action Document.
o Coordinate and collaborate with FAO’s Lead Technical Officer on technical and implementational issues for development of the Contribution Agreement
o Incorporate stakeholder feedback and recommendations into the Contribution Agreement to ensure it adequately reflects the needs and perspectives of all relevant parties, including local communities, schools, and government agencies.
• Contribution Agreement Drafting:
o Prepare the first draft of the detailed Contribution Agreement, ensuring that all project components, including objectives, activities, budget, and monitoring and evaluation framework, are clearly articulated.
o Ensure that the 1st draft of the Contribution Agreement is completed and submitted through FAO to EU
• Finalization of Contribution Agreement:
o Revise the draft Contribution Agreement based on consultations and feedback.
o Coordinate with FAO Legal Team for clearance of the Contribution Agreement and the Special Conditions.
o Ensure the final document is completed and submitted through FAO to EU.
Minimum Requirements
• An advance university degree in International Development, Project Management, Agribusiness, Agriculture Development, Agricultural Sciences, or related field
• At least 7 years of relevant professional experience in project development, particularly in international development contexts, with experience in sectors related to agriculture, education, or environmental sustainability.
• Working knowledge of English.
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
- Experience working with international organizations (such as FAO, UN, or EU) and familiarity with the requirements and processes for drafting and negotiating Contribution Agreements or similar contracts.
- Experience with stakeholder engagement and working with government bodies, educational institutions, and the private sector would be highly advantageous.
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