FAO recruits 01 Junior Specialist

FAO’s Early Warning Early Action (EWEA) translates warnings into anticipatory – or early – actions to reduce the impact of disasters on vulnerable and food insecure communities. Acting early, before a disaster has actually happened, or reached its peak is critical: it can save lives and protect livelihoods from the immediate shocks and increasing the resilience of local communities over time. FAO EWEA is key element of FAO’s Strategic Programme 5: ‘Increase the resilience of livelihoods to threats and crises’. FAO EWEA work includes global level (risk analysis, advocacy and partnerships) as well as country activities (setting up country level EWEA systems and early action implementation).

Job description

Reporting Lines

Under the direct supervision of the Coordinator of the sub regional team for resilience in West Africa / Sahel (REOWA), and the overall technical back-up and guidance of the EWEA Focal Point for REOWA and the Early Warning Early Action Technical Officer, in collaboration with the FAO’s Office for Africa (RAF), the country Offices, the Early Warning Early Action consultant will :

The Early Warning Early Action (EWEA) Junior Specialist will support the implementation of FAO’s EWEA Initiative in West Africa and the Sahel. He/She will focus on ensuring consistent risk monitoring and analysis for the Region, , developing technical notes on forthcoming risks and recommended early actions, supporting the implementation of EWEA pilot projects, supporting coordination and communication activities related to the EWEA program. [PL(1] . His/her expected outputs are the following:

• Risk analysis on regional issues is integrated in at least two Global EWEA reports
• The risks in the region are continuously monitored and communicated to regional and national focal points
• An overview of regional information sources and gap analysis is carried out
• The DOs are supported in developing the EWEA pilot projects
• Regional Early Action best practices are captured in the global Early Action repository.

• Carry out regular integrated risk analysis of natural disasters, socio economic risks, conflict, food insecurity and animal health;
• Regularly produce notes on multi-sector risks in the REOWA region;
• Inform decision making by regularly communicating risk findings to relevant DOs, REOWA management and the Global EWEA team, in particular contributing to the quarterly global EWEA reporting process;
• Assist the EWEA Focal Point of REOWA in closely liaising with regional working groups and technical experts in order to ensure an in depth understanding of the risk context, as well as participate to regional level for a such as PREGEC-PRESASS, etc. ;
• Collaborate with the EWEA Focal point of REOWA in ensuring the diffusion and visibility of FAO’s EWEA analysis through the organization of technical meetings and presentations;
• Assist the EWEA Focal point of REOWA in co-leading the regional EWEA thematic sub-group, carrying out specific analysis and supporting the coordination and management of the group;
• Strengthen the available network of information sources and maintain an up-to-date mapping of key institutions and partners;
• In close liaison with relevant operational focal points and Dos, contribute to the further development of the Early Action repository with best practices from West Africa and Sahel region;
• Support the EWEA REOWA Focal point in the provision of technical assistance to DOs for the implementation of EWEA pilot projects, by carrying out risk analysis, identification of key EW indicators and triggers, development of EWEA plans;
• Liaise with operational focal points at REOWA, RAF and HQ level to support timely implementation of EWEA projects;
• Support the EWEA REOWA focal point in the adaptation of EWEA training materials and the organization of trainings at regional and national level;
• Maintain an overview of the EWEA initiatives and opportunities in the West Africa and Sahel, mapping out key opportunities for FAO’s involvement;
• Support the EWEA REOWA Focal point in maintaining and further building partnerships with key agencies, regional entities and scientific/research institutions;
• Support FAO participation in relevant key coordination mechanisms and the organization of specific meetings on EWEA (Regional FbF Dialogue Platforms, etc.)
• Contribute to ensure the visibility of EWEA initiatives in the region by developing key notes and communication products, in collaboration with REOWA’s communication officer

Job requirements

• Advanced degree in one or more of the following: Agriculture, Early Warning and Risk analysis, Climatology, Disaster Risk Management, Agriculture Economics, Social/Political Science, Food security analysis, International Relations, Development Studies or a closely related field.
• At least 1 year of experience in analysis on early warning, food security, disaster risks and vulnerability.
• Working knowledge of English and French is required.

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

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, writing ability, and oral presentation skills.
• Ability to produce clear reports and written products
• Ability to plan and organize own work, deliver results and meet deadlines.
• Ability to perform well in cross-disciplinary teams.

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