FAO recruits 01 National Consultant-Agricultural Mechanization Policy
FAO
Monrovia, Liberia
Humanitaire (ONG, Associations, …), Projet/programme de développement
Job Description: 2002464 National Consultant-Agricultural Mechanization Policy
Closure Date: 06/Nov/2020, 11:59:00 PMOrganizational Unit: FRLIRJob Type: Non-staff opportunitiesType of Requisition: PSA (Personal Services Agreement)Grade Level: N/APrimary Location: Liberia-MonroviaDuration: 1.5 month (35 working days on a When Actually Employed basis)Post Number: N/A
FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.
Qualified female applicants and qualified nationals of non-and under-represented member countries are encouraged to apply.
Persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.
All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
Organizational Setting:The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.
Background:The current pandemic continues to have appalling effects on every sphere of life, affecting global demand and changing the supply patterns of many industries, including the agricultural sector and sub-sectors.
When fully developed and operationalized, agricultural mechanization can be vital for economic development and social progress. Notwithstanding, using agricultural machinery to mechanize agricultural activities for increasing farm worker productivity in Liberia remains persistently low and underdeveloped. As a result, improving production efficiency and large-scale production is generally small; this situation continues to adversely affect farmers, the private sector and economic progress. Therefore, there is pressing need to institutionalize new technologies that are environmentally friendly to enable farmers produce more crops efficiently. More importantly, agriculture accounts for an estimated 70% of the total labor force with women accounting for an estimated 75 percent of that workforce. In rural areas, women are traditionally given ownership of the crops they cultivate but with limited or no technology access to enhance their productivity. As a result, production remains persistently low with high poverty levels (79.6%) in households where the head is self-employed in agriculture as primary source of livelihood. Henceforth, developing a functional and realistic agricultural mechanization policy is critical for driving economic growth, wealth creation and reducing poverty, most especially for the rural poor.
Understanding the critical role of agricultural mechanization plays in boosting trade, creating jobs, ensuring food and nutrition security, poverty reduction and economic growth, FAO in collaboration with MOA sees the urgent need to develop an agricultural mechanization policy that is consistent with national priorities considering historical and perennial gaps.
Reporting LinesUnder the overall guidance of the FAO Representative the incumbent will work under the supervision of MOA, Policy Officer -FIRST Programme and close collaboration with the Assistant FAO Representative for Programmes, FAO’s sub Regional Office for West Africa (SFW), and the EU Delegation in Liberia.
Technical FocusThe overall objective of the consultancy is to support the government of Liberia through the Ministry of Agriculture in the development of an Agricultural Mechanization Policy that reflects current realities and proposes workable and sustainable alternatives to address current gaps in a sustainable way. The services shall include but not necessarily limited to the duties and in close collaboration with the FAO, MOA and other stakeholders.
The consultant shall endeavour to ensure the following within the specified timeframe;
To design the national vision for the development the Agricultural mechanization policy;Provide and outline investment potential for agricultural mechanization that promotes farmers’ access to affordable farm inputs, accessible mechanization services and capacity development;To build strong collaboration and partnership with key actors including agro dealers to ensure that policy reflects national realities.
Task and ResponsibilitiesUse the most appropriate means (desk review, structured interview, phone interview, online survey, emails, skype etc.) to engage stakeholders in sourcing the right information to inform the policy development;
Develop a comprehensive agricultural mechanization policy using policy development process with the involvement of all actors;Propose recommendations and policy options for creating an enabling policy framework, as well as an institutional and market environment in which farmers can have a wide choice of farm power and equipment as per their needs;Propose range of policy and institutional recommendations in compliance with on-going and upcoming projects and programmes designed for its implementation;Lead and organize meetings / workshops jointly by MOA and FAO and facilitate inclusive consultation process with government actors taking the key lead;Provide an inception report within the first two weeks of service and share copies with all partners for feedback;Select the appropriate stakeholders to ensure that data and information collected reflects national outlook;Analyze data/information in collaboration FAO, MOA and other actors and ensure full validity;Work closely with full stakeholders to organize and lead a validation workshop and present findings;Perform any other duties to ensure successful completion after the validation and policy submission for onward publication.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING:
Minimum RequirementsAdvanced university degree in Economics, Agri-business, Agricultural Economics, Business Administration, international Development, Public Policy and related fields.At least 5 years of relevant experience in developing policies or similar activity, conducting socioeconomics, national assessments or related fields (including development, humanitarian, resilience programmes).Good understanding of Liberia, regional and global agriculture sectorFluent in English and working knowledge of other UN languagesCandidates must be Liberian nationals
FAO Core Competencies Results FocusTeamworkCommunicationBuilding Effective RelationshipsKnowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills Experience in the development the Agricultural mechanization policy related issues.Experience in building strong collaboration and partnership with key actors including agro dealers to ensure that policy reflects national realities.Ability to work in teams within a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural environment.Contribution to humanitarian appeals processes.Ability to work under stress and ensure work life balance
Selection CriteriaVery high skills/knowledge of background related to the ToR’s Requirements.
Extend of experience in Economics, Agri-business, Agricultural Economics, Business Administration, international Development, Public Policy and related fields.Independent worker and excellent skills working as part of a team.Experience with FAO other UN agencies’ systems and administration procedures for technical cooperation activities is desirable.
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 a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing).• Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help, or have queries, please contact: Careers@fao.org
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.• Only language proficiency certificates from UN accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT) will be accepted as proof of the level of knowledge of languages indicated in the online applications.• For other issues, visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
HOW TO APPLYTo apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. Only applications received through the recruitment portal will be considered.Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile.
If you need help, or have queries, please contact: Careers@fao.org
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