National Programme Officer

 

	Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
	Vacancy Announcement No: VA-003-2015
Issued on:		25 February 2015
Deadline For Application:		10 March 2015

Position Title:	National Programme Officer	GRADE LEVEL:	SC10
CONTRACT TYPE:	National Project Personnel(NPP)	Duty Station:	Nairobi
Organizational Unit:	FAO Representation Office in Kenya	Duration:	12 months
Eligible Candidates:	KENYAN NATIONALS	Anticipated start date:	March 2015

Background

The Kenyan economy relies heavily on the country’s natural resources both in terms of people’s livelihoods and as a contribution to national income. Forestry alone contributes around 3.6% of GDP excluding provision of ecosystem services. The natural resource base is the foundation of major production systems in Kenya but years of exploitation, population growth, demand for fuel wood resources and other unsustainable land use practices have contributed to the degradation of the natural environment. Sustainable natural resource management is therefore critical to Kenya’s continued economic growth. Climate change is considered one of the most serious threats to sustainable development globally. Studies have shown that about 90% of all natural disasters afflicting the world are related to severe weather and extreme climate change events. The evidence of climate change in Kenya is unmistakable with increase incidences of extreme weather events. In close collaboration with the Government of Kenya, FAO representation in Kenya has developed a Country Programme Framework (CPF) for the period 2014 – 2017 to address some of the natural resource management challenges facing the country. The CPF is aligned with the country priorities as captured in various national policies and strategies related to sustainable natural resource management.

Description of Tasks/Objectives to be achieved

Under the direct supervision of the Sector Head – NRM, technical guidance from the Deputy FAOR (Programme), the National Programme Officer-NR will be responsible for managing the land project/programme, the Global Environment Facility (GEF), Forest and Farm Facility (FFF) and other related programmes. In particular, the Programme Officer – Natural Resource will be expected to provide lead support in the implementation the following key programmes/responsibilities:

·         Provide technical input in the implementation of land governance project on Support for Responsible Land and Natural Resource Governance in Communal Lands of Kenya and support the development of land governance programme framework for Kenya.

·         Co-manages and strategically advices the land governance programme by providing technical backstopping.

·         Facilitate FFF national programme management structure in partnership with KFS, including preparation of work plans and budget.

·         Coordinate the development of all GEF projects and follow up on the technical aspects to current GEF projects.

·         Takes co-responsibility for the sector portfolio of projects and harmonize their impact into the programming framework

·         Supports the sector technical officers (SLM, Water, Forest, CC, CSA) in their delivery and management of projects and in the project writing proposals

·         Represents FAO at meetings and conferences, supports identification of strategic partnerships, advocates best practices for increased policy dialogue and develops and negotiates effective working relationships/consensus and agreements with national stakeholders

·         Supports the sector head towards the achievement of the CPF/NRM outcomes and contribute to programme development.

·         Performs any other technical or administrative duty as requested by the FAOR and the DFAOR.

 

Minimum requirements - candidates will be assessed against the following

·         Advance university degree in Natural Resource Management, Land Management, Agriculture or Climate Change related programme

·         At least 7 years of experience in management of GEF, Climate change or other natural resource management programmes at national level.

·         Excellent understanding of the Kenya policy context in relation to land and natural resource management and climate change

·         Familiarity with FAO modus operandi and other UN programming approaches.

·         Excellent written and oral communications skills.

·         Excellent strategic visioning, creative thinking and problem solving skills.

·         Competence in Result Based Management and Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation tools.

·         Excellent working knowledge of computer applications (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and GIS).

·         High level of integrity and accountability, flexible approaches to work and commitment.

·         Ability to perform multiple tasks and work under pressure with a wide range of individuals and institutions

TO APPLY:

Candidates are requested to submit a covering letter expressing their interest and suitability for the role quoting the position title and vacancy announcement number VA-003-2015 along with their current Curriculum Vitae and FAO Personal Profile Form (PPF) available at http://www.fao.org/employment/irecruitment-access/en/.

E-mail is the preferred means of receipt and your application should be sent to:

FAO Representative in Kenya

United Nations Office at Nairobi

P.O. Box 30470-00100

Email: vacancy-kenya@fao.org