Technical Specialist

Reporting Lines

The incumbent work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR) in Nigeria and under the day-to-day joint technical supervision of the Lead Technical Officer ESF/HQ and the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme), and in direct collaboration with the global ASTA team at ESF /HQ.

Technical Focus

In Nigeria, Lagos State, ASTA will focus on the development of the coconut value chain under the Unilateral Trust Fund project UTF/NIR/ - âAgri-food System Transformation Accelerator (ASTA)-Upgrading of the Coconut Value Chain in Lagos State. The project aims at transforming the coconut value chain by improved technologies that allows for the sustainable production and marketing of high-quality products to substituted imports and increased exports, bringing about increase in incomes, employment, and value-addition along the value chain.

Tasks and responsibilities

⢠Lead and manage the technical implementation of all project activities in close collaboration with Government counterparts and FAO technical and financial partners and assures these are in line with the systems-based approach underpinning the ASTA program.
⢠Supervise preparation of various written outputs, e.g., background papers, analyses, substantial sections of reports as well as studies, and inputs to publications.
⢠Direct substantive support to consultative meetings and conferences, to include the proposition of agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations.
⢠Manage outreach activities; designs and conducts training workshops and seminars; and makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
⢠Lead field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties.
⢠Provide advice to develop policies and strategies as well as national protocols and guidelines related to project work.
⢠Oversee capacity development activities related to project activities (in very close collaboration with LASCODA) to strengthen Government autonomy in Value Chain Development
⢠Ensure technical quality assurance and quality control of the technical outputs of the project 
⢠Ensure smooth project implementation through coordination of regular project task force meetings.
⢠Prepare detailed work plans for the project in collaboration with project staff and stakeholders and make implementation arrangements for the field activities and trainings.
⢠Review and update regularly the projectâs annual implementation plans and budgets, in coordination with the project team.
⢠Supervise the development and execution of the M&E system applied in the project.
⢠Oversee the knowledge management and dissemination of the project outputs.
⢠Draft Terms of Reference (ToR) for consultants and follow up on their recruitments and assignment in a timely manner.
⢠Monitor the work of short-term consultants and review their reports.
⢠Communicate regularly and strengthen the relationships with FAO external technical and financial partners.
⢠Prepare and submit regular periodic and other reports as deemed necessary
⢠Perform any other related tasks as and when requested

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements 

⢠University degree in agribusiness, agricultural economics, or food industries with focus on value chain development, or in agriculture or horticulture with specialization in crop improvement, production systems, integrated crop management, or other related disciplines, is required.
⢠At least 10 years of experience in agricultural development, and implementation of value chain development projects (including agribusiness, market system, processing, and investment/finance aspects) with recognized technical expertise. Experience working on the coconut value chain is highly desirable.
⢠Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of one of the other official FAO languages (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, and Russian)

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

⢠Readiness to carry out visits to project sites and duty travel as required.
⢠Strong management skills including ability to provide strategic guidance, technical oversight, build strong teams, mentor staff, develop workplans, and manage budgets and project expenditures.
⢠Flexibility and adaptability to work in emergency situations with tight deadlines.
⢠Excellent team-building and cross-cultural skills;
⢠Good computer skills 
⢠Ability to work efficiently and accurately.
⢠Communication skills to maintain good working relationships with people from different nationality and cultural background.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing) Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at For more information, visit the FAO employment website Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.