Technical Specialist (Land Governance and County Coordination)

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

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through 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.
In the wake of increased demand for digitalization of the agriculture sector and use of data for decision making, FAO Kenya has been at the forefront in supporting the Government of Kenya to fully realize this goal. Consequently, FAO Kenya is seeking to strengthen its internal technical capacity by employing a qualified and competent Technical Specialist in a position located within the FAO Representation in Kenya.

Reporting Lines

The Technical Specialist will work under overall guidance of the FAO Representative in Kenya and direct supervision of the Digital Land Governance Programme Manager.

Technical Focus

The Technical Specialist will support the effective delivery of FAO Kenya programme activities through liaison and technical support to the technical and alignment to the programme’s activities. The role focuses on ensuring liaison with the Council of Governors and other affiliates institutions that are aligned to programmes deliverables. The roles further ensure compliance with FAO rules and procedures.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Support to coordinate programme activities in collaboration with programme manager, Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs), development partners and other land sector non-state actors
• Act as liaison between various stakeholders and especially Counties and FAO to support the programme Manager in the implementation of planned activities
• Support the identification, planning and implementation of programme activities.
• Guide and provide technical advice on the identification of existing policies, institutional and legal gaps/conflicts for effective implementation of the programme activities in line with the National, County and FAO Strategic Frameworks and guidelines
• Participate in the PCU and PAC meetings and provide strategic direction on the programme implementation
• Provide support in monitoring the progress and execution of the programme activities as per the work plan, and perform other duties as required.
• Perform any other task as required during the implementation of the programme in consultation with the Programme Manager.
• Participate in Development Partners Group in Land, environment and natural resources meetings and activities.
• Support to prepare policy briefs relevant to the sector.
• Support on Digitization, digitalization, GIS and technology adoption in the various levels of Government
• Specifically assist the cluster focal persons to enhance technical input in the counties.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advance University degree in agricultural courses, natural resources management, land, environment, forestry or a related field from a recognized university is required
• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressive work experience in natural resources management, land governance and/or agricultural related programmes at national and /or county levels
• Working knowledge (level C) of English and Kiswahili
• National of Kenya

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Good understanding of the Kenya policy context in relation to land and natural resources management.
• Knowledge on and working experience in FAO Kenya projects and programmes
• Excellent written and oral communications skills, including experience in preparing reports, policy briefs or political briefing papers
• Strategic visioning, creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Working knowledge of computer applications (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Power BI and GIS).

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

• 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/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.
• 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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