FAO recrute 01 National Behavioural Science Specialist

 Job Description – National Behavioural Science Specialist (2303311)

Job Description: 2303311

National Behavioural Science Specialist

Job Posting: 31/Oct/2023

Closure Date: 14/Nov/2023, 11:59:00 PM

Organizational Unit: FRZAM – FAO Representation in Zambia

Job Type: Non-staff opportunities

Type of Requisition: NPP (National Project Personnel)

Grade Level: N/A

Primary Location: Zambia-Lusaka

Duration: 12 months

Post Number: N/A

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture

Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply

Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO’s values

FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination

All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and malnutrition. 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 help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

Project brief outline

Within the framework of the country’s effort to support Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB) as part of the larger project consortium led by FAO, the Project GCP/GLO/1069/GER-F: “Facility for Action for Climate Empowerment to achieve the Nationally Determined Contributions” (FACE-NDC) is intended to be implemented from 2023-2027. The objective of the project is to develop a climate education (CE) program for all members of the Zambian society. The project will map institutions and stakeholders, identify country specificities and requirements of vulnerable groups to engage in CE. It will develop and accredit CE curricula for primary and secondary schools, develop supporting materials and train educators to integrate the CE program into existing programs. Specialized courses for university students and professionals will be developed. The capacity of local academic and digital infrastructure will be built for effective implementation. Informal education program will be developed and the capacity of local stakeholders for implementation will be strengthened. It will also be ensured that the results, tools and resources of the project can be “exported”, target groups in Zambia and the region are informed about the project activities and outputs via open communication channels and open-access information platform.

The support is based on the guidelines as provided by the Country Programming Framework (CPF). The current Zambia CPF has five priority areas:

(1) Increased and Gender Responsive Productivity and Production, and enhanced Research and Development (Crops, Livestock, Capture Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Forestry); (2) Inclusive Agri-business Development, Marketing and Trading; (3) Inclusive Green Growth and Environmental Sustainability; (4) Nutrition and Food Systems enhancement, and Social Protection; (5) Inclusive and Gender Responsive Policy Development and Implementation.

The incumbent’s tasks will mainly contribute to the third priority.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAOR, the consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator, leading the PMU, and in collaboration with relevant FAO Zambia personnel, UNESCO and UNITAR Technical Teams.

Technical Focus

•    Behavioral Science

•    Education

•    Curriculum development

•    Capacity building

•    Sustainable transitions

•    Climate change, biodiversity and environment

•    Monitoring and evaluation frameworks

Tasks and responsibilities

•    In consultation with the Consortium members and the evaluation company Syspons, lead the development of the impact evaluation framework for the project.

•    In collaboration with the contracted research institution, support undertaking the baseline studies to establish M&E baselines, identify priority climate change mitigation impact area and determine perceptions, norms, competences and behaviours.

•    Lead the development of the behavioural frameworks to address gender, vulnerable and marginalized groups.

•    Participate in the BeSci Advisory Group meetings providing regular technical support on BeSci aspects to key stages of the project.

•    Lead the development and delivery of the training of selected staff in Ministries on the importance of a behavioural science approaches to achieve climate change objectives.

•    Support the BeSci Advisory Group in creating a research framework for data collection and publications in collaboration between international and national experts.

•     In collaboration with the National media trainer on social / media techniques, develop and deliver the training for project staff and consortium partners on behavioural science related communications methods.

•     In collaboration with the National Communications and digital context expert and a non-profit media producer (e.g. university) contracted to develop video content for eLearning, social media and TV related to climate change education, develop video content to support informal and peer-to-peer information exchange and tailored behavioral “nudges”

•    In collaboration with the National Communications and digital context expert, develop campaign materials, brochures, posters and other resources with key messages, nudges and guidance for climate change mitigation action.

•    In collaboration with the National Communications and digital context expert, pre-test communication campaigns in selected project pilot areas and collect behavioral data responses.

•    In collaboration with the National Communications and digital context expert, support development of the public campaigns on climate action, targeting diverse groups, including marginalized, and physically challenged individuals through tailored multimodal delivery channels (TV, radio, newspapers, mobile phones, public announcements, brochures).

•    Conduct sensitization meetings, events and dialogues with key stakeholders (chiefs, traditional leaders, etc.) to create enabling changes in climate change and gender behaviour and social norms.

•    Facilitate the engagement of content producers (both private and public sector actors) including provision of trainings on content and behaviorally oriented messaging.

•    Develop training modules on key messages and content development for maximum uptake, following behavioural science methods.

•    Develop and deliver a pedagogical training to staff for integration of ESD/CCE and behavioral science approaches in courses at all levels.

•    In collaboration with the international consultant to support youth engagement, develop and deliver the training for non-formal climate education actors on effective climate change educational methods and formats, especially for distant learning, and for effectively reaching remote, vulnerable and marginalized groups, such as women, girls, disabled, school dropouts etc.

•    In collaboration with the International consultant leading Output 3 of the project, develop and deliver the training for non-formal climate education actors on developing and implementing behaviourally informed educational programmes and initiatives.

•    In collaboration with the International consultant to support youth engagement, develop and provide training packages for educators on methodologies for youth engagement, activism, advocacy and civic engagement.

•    In collaboration with the International consultant leading Output 3 of the project and the National Agriculture Specialist, support the development of the training for selected non-formal climate education NGOs/CBOs through behaviorally-informed modules on climate smart and sustainable agricultural practices

•    Support the National Agriculture Specialist in developing the training for selected non-formal climate education NGOs/CBOs through behaviourally informed modules on community-based and sustainable forest management.

•    Support the International senior sustainable technologies expert (energy) in developing the training for selected non-formal climate education NGOs/CBOs through behaviourally informed modules on sustainable and efficient energy use.

•    In collaboration with the International consultant leading Output 3 of the project, the International consultant to support youth engagement, as well as the contracted entity to mainstream gender in YUNGA badges in Zambia, strengthen Scouts and Guides empowerment packs and other curriculum, including through linkages with WAGGGS Girl-Led Action on Climate Change initiative in Africa

•    Support the National Agriculture Specialist and the contracted regional farmer field school network in engaging with the regional FFS network, identify key gaps and support the development and integration of the new resources and materials into the programme (to develop BeSci modules for extension services materials).

•    Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    Advanced University degree (PhD preferred) in Behavioral Science, Psychology, Behavioral Economics or related field.

•    At least 5 years of relevant experience in applying behavioural science and insights in educational and capacity building programmes and initiatives, including integrating behavioural science principles into the educational curricula and communications materials and campaigns on climate change, biodiversity loss and other environmental and social issues.

•    Working knowledge of English, French or Spanish and limited knowledge of one of the other two or Arabic, Chinese, Russian.

•    National of Zambia.

FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus

•    Teamwork

•    Communication

•    Building Effective Relationships

•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Understanding of FAO policies and programmes is considered a strong asset; and familiarity with UN administrative, operational and financial procedures is an asset.

•    With strong analytical and report writing skills; experience in undertaking field surveys, including interviews/consultation with multiple stakeholders and with government counterparts. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity and focus on results.

•    Very good knowledge of the MS Office applications, Internet and office technology equipment.

•    Work experience in more than one location or area of work.

•    Extent and relevance of experience in sustainable agriculture, climate smart agriculture, agroecology, or nature-based solutions.

•    Extent and relevance of experience in extension, training and capacity building Programmes and initiatives, on sustainable agriculture, climate smart agriculture, agroecology.

•    Extent and relevance of experience in educational and capacity building initiatives, projects, and Programmes, to address climate change, biodiversity loss and other environmental and social issues to enable sustainable transitions.

•    Experience in educational curriculum development for primary/ secondary/ vocational levels, ensuring equal access to education for different groups, will be considered an advantage.

•    Knowledge of Zambian context and experience of curriculum development for Zambian farmer field schools is a strong advantage.

•    Ability to engage and deal with stakeholders at national, sub-national and regional level.

•    Demonstrated ability to formulate, draft and finalize clear technical documents, guidelines, manuals, and reports, in English.

•    Demonstrated ability to work in multi-cultural and geographically dispersed teams, including through remote work

Selection criteria

•    Understanding of FAO policies and programmes is considered a strong asset; and familiarity with UN administrative, operational and financial procedures is an asset.

•    Extent and relevance of experience in sustainable agriculture, climate smart agriculture, agroecology, or nature-based solutions.

•    Extent and relevance of experience in extension, training and capacity building Programmes and initiatives, on sustainable agriculture, climate smart agriculture, agroecology.

•    Extent and relevance of experience in educational and capacity building initiatives, projects, and Programmes, to address climate change, biodiversity loss and other environmental and social issues to enable sustainable transitions.

•    Experience in educational curriculum development for primary/ secondary/ vocational levels, ensuring equal access to education for different groups, will be considered an advantage.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)

Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted

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 http://www.whed.net/  

For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/ 

 Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills

• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile

• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application

• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications

• Incomplete applications will not be considered

• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application

• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered

• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile

•  We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp

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