Job Opportunities at Food and Agriculture Organization Of the United Nations

Technical Focus 

• The Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Specialist will play a crucial role in the UK PACT project aiming to rehabilitate coastal ecosystems and enhance climate resilience in mangrove ecosystems and their dependent forest and fisheries communities.
• The specialist will be responsible for leading gender-focused aspects and ensuring the successful delivery of project objectives.
• This role involves spearheading the implementation of the gender action plan developed for the project, aligning with FAO's efforts to promote gender equality and social inclusion. 

Tasks and responsibilities

• Propose gender-sensitive awareness-raising activities to facilitate a gender-transformative approach throughout project implementation. Quantify targets for reaching various community groups and genders to address root causes of gender imbalances.
• Lead the implementation and integration of the gender action plan across all project interventions.
• Execute the project's gender strategy to prioritize women's involvement in training, sustainable ecosystem management, nutrition, income generation, and value-added activities within their communities and families.
• Conduct gender-sensitive analyses to identify and address distinct needs, roles, responsibilities, constraints, capacities, and priorities of women and men targeted by the project.
• Review and enhance gender indicators in the project to facilitate effective gender monitoring and reporting.
• Integrate gender mainstreaming into project activities and management tools, including gender-sensitive analysis of collected data and tracking gender-related outcomes.
• Utilize consultations with women's groups and community stakeholders to provide recommendations for promoting community acceptance of project initiatives and incorporating best practices into women's economic empowerment.
• Develop a training curriculum that addresses gender and age-specific aspects and provide training to community members on sustainable income-generating fishery activities and value chain development within and around mangrove ecosystems.
• Collaborate with other project experts to conduct comprehensive assessments of poverty, vulnerability, and social protection needs within identified communities.
• Assess gender and age-specific needs, challenges, capacities, and priorities through engagement with diverse stakeholders within the community, with a focus on vulnerable groups.
• Collaborate with the Ecosystem Management Expert to formulate and promote gender and youth-sensitive guidelines for mangrove-friendly aquaculture, sustainable small-scale fisheries, and the co-management of mangrove ecosystems.
• Devise a framework of interventions and activities aimed at enhancing the access of women and youth to financial opportunities. Propose an approach for scaling up income-generating interventions to other project sites.
• Deliver capacity-building interventions for youth and women, focusing on institutional strengthening to ensure the sustainability of proposed income-generating activities. Define targets and estimated costs for these interventions.
• Collaborate with the project team to conduct awareness campaigns on gender empowerment, sustainable ecosystem management, and related subjects.
• Collaborate with the project team to document project impacts, publish success stories, and communicate expected results of the project.
• Provide an analysis of the current gender equality situation in the state, including policy frameworks, household-level task distribution, access to qualified work, financial resources, and vulnerabilities. Describe the specific circumstances of women and youth in the targeted coastal area.
• Ensure continuous reflection of the gender action plan throughout project implementation.
• Perform other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in Agriculture or relevant socio-economic-political sciences, including socio-economic development, knowledge management, and communication.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in promoting gender equality, participatory decision-making, local development, vulnerability assessments, and value chain/socio-economic development. Specific experience in assessing and coastal/mangrove landscapes within the country, enhancing community resilience is desired.
• Working knowledge of English (C1) Nigerian nationality 

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

• Proven ability to build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government institutions, NGOs, private sector, research institutions, and local communities. Fieldwork experience is essential.
• Excellent communication skills, including addressing sensitive topics and presenting positions effectively.
• Demonstrated knowledge and practical experience in gender and social inclusion related issues.
• Strong interpersonal skills, fostering effective relationships in a multicultural setting with respect for diversity.
• Previous engagement with international donors' projects is highly desirable.
• Experience in participatory decision-making and planning processes within communities is preferred.
• Prior experience working in Nigeria's coastal areas, particularly mangrove regions, is desired.
• Proficiency in computer skills (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet).

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Technical Focus 

• Contribute to FAO Nigeria’s efforts in the technical implementation of a UK PACT funded project: focusing on Providing technical support in the area of Monitoring Evaluation and Accountability and Learning in line with the project interventions and the implementation of technical activities to achieve the project outcomes.
• The incumbent will be responsible for the below tasks; 

Tasks and responsibilities

• Assist in the development of programme/project log frames, particularly in the areas of the results monitoring, objective hierarchy, indicators and monitoring mechanisms, tools, and procedures, and assist in the development of the activity work plans,
• Develop the overall framework for Monitoring Evaluation Accountability and Learning (MEAL) of programme in line with the FAO Nigeria programme framework as defined in FAO Nigeria Programme Documents and project log frames;
• In cooperation with other project team members, provide support to project coordinator in preparing project reports especially quarterly and bi-annual reports as well as other project reports as required;
• With implementing partners, FAO Programme team and MEAL Specialist, set out the framework and procedures for the monitoring and evaluation of project activities.
• Design the framework for the physical and process monitoring of project activities.
• Support field staff and implementing partners in developing/review of data collection tools and reports.
• Follow-up monitoring of project activities in Cross River State and assist in data collection and analysis. 
• Prepare consolidated progress reports on MEAL activities for project management to submit to MEAL Specialist, in accordance with approved reporting formats and timing.
• Review monitoring reports; analyse them for impact evaluation and to identify the causes of potential bottlenecks in project implementation.
• Organize (and provide) refresher training in M&E  skills including Accountability to Affected population aspects to FAO implementing partners,  local organizations and primary stakeholders.
• Utilize the MEAL information system, updating the projects, activities, and indicators on a routine basis.
• Undertake regular visits to the field to support implementation of MEAL and to identify where adaptations might be needed.
• Guide the regular sharing of the outputs of M&E findings with project staff, implementing partners and primary stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• A Bachelor's Degree in Natural Resources Management, Agricultural Economics, Economics or Statistics, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or other related fields.
• At least 5 years of professional experience related to project MEAL, planning and implementation of M&E systems, M&E methods and approaches, data analysis, and knowledge of statistical data.
• Working knowledge of English.
• National of Nigeria.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Proven capacity to create good relationships with a diversity of stakeholders including government institutions, NGOs, private sector, research institutions and local communities, and conduct fieldwork;
• Previous experience working on international donors’ projects highly preferable;
• Systematic and efficient approach to work assignments, good judgment and analytical ability. Ability to manipulate large data sets, and Excellent attention to details. 
• Good contextual knowledge of local issues in Cross River State, community priorities, social and cultural constraints and realities.
• Previous knowledge on information analysis and report writing is an advantage. 
• Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills in English.
• Ability to effectively use standard MS Office software, especially experience with Excel, MS Access, database and SPSS. 
• Experience in working with mobile phone/tablet enabled data collection platforms.
• Working knowledge of English, fluency in Efik, Bekwarra, and Ejagham- both verbal and written is highly desirable
• Good command of computer skills (MS Word, Excel, Power point, Internet); and
• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of any of the Nigeria main languages (Hausa, Yoruba or Igbo, Pidgin).

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Technical Focus 

• Provide operational and administrative support to the day to day implementation of the UK Pack funded project in the field

Tasks and responsibilities

• Finance and Budget Monitoring: 
• Assist in the establishment of the financial and administrative procedures in close collaboration with the Emergency Operations Specialist and the Assistant FAOR (Administration);
• Retrieve, enter, select and analyse data from a wide variety of sources, including FAO’s corporate system and data bases (i.e. GRMS, FIMIS, COIN); verify accuracy of data documents; make necessary adjustments when required;
• Ensure accuracy of coding in line with FAO regulation/chart of accounts, clear supporting documentation, report any admin or financial discrepancies and prepare necessary adjustments as required;
• Assist in the management of appropriate book-keeping of office expenditures, general administration, set up of filling and archive system;
• Examine and process a variety of payment/reimbursement/disbursement of various vendor payments;
• Operate and report on the out posted petty cash (OPC) expenses (USD5,000) in a regular basis to support day-to-day operation activities;
• Review financial reports from implementing partners and Process payment status against FAO’s commitments, i.e. Letter of Agreement (LOA), Contracts etc.
• Assist with the organization of workshops, meetings and training courses including booking of hosting facilities/venues, travel, transportation, translation, etc. 
• Arrange for timely repairs/servicing of office vehicles and office generators in the field-office
• Check and record daily log and fuel consumption for project and rented vehicles and generators used for the field-office
• Supervisor the day to day running and housekeeping activities, including supervising/monitoring cleaners, security services and other essential services providers contracted by FAO to support the premises management.
• Maintain the document filing system both in hard and electronic copy, type correspondence and documents, receive and screen correspondence, attach necessary background information and maintain records of the communications; 
• Prepare administrative and financial documentation related to project activities and carry out initial review for RM/ROO briefing;
• Ensure that assets procured through on the project are properly registered, insured, used, maintained and safeguarded and appropriate inventory reports are timely and regularly forwarded to the Operations officer;
• Make necessary arrangements for incoming and outgoing missions, including elaboration of the mission Agenda, security clearances, entry visas, flights and hotel bookings; 
• Prepare Travel Authorizations (TA) & Travel Expense Claims (TEC) for incoming and outgoing missions as required and assist the programme staff with security clearance requests and hotel bookings;
• Administrative Support and Management of Assets, furniture, and other office stationary:
• Assist in the raising of purchase requisition in support of project procurement
• Collating and submission of payment requests to Abuja finance unit.
• Assist submission of monthly timecards of the project personnel;
• Assist in submission of Travel Authorizations in the system for FAOR approval;
• Maintenance of the filling system ensuring safekeeping of all the project related documents;
• Maintain local inventory records with responsibility for proper recording of assets, their maintenance and safeguard; 
• Ensure that all the equipment procured under the projects are recorded in FAO system (COIN);
• Update local asset records based on the outcomes of regular physical inventory and should identify obsolete/un-usable properties/items for disposal; 
• Act as custodian for management of office stationary supplies including maintenance of stock list of stationary, distribution of stationary as required by staff and keeping a log of distribution.
• Perform any other related duties as required.
• Perform other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a relevant field preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of practical experience in general project/office operational activities, and progressively responsible experience in administration and operations works.
• Working knowledge of English.
• National of Nigeria.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work 
• Familiarity and proven experience in providing operations and administrative support to projects
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.
• Excellent computer skills, communication, writing and presentation skills.
• Readiness to carry out visits to project sites and duty travel as required.
• Excellent team-building and cross-cultural skills.
• Good computer skills and proficiency in English language is required.
• Ability to work efficiently and accurately
• Good communication skills to maintain good working relationships with people from different nationality and cultural background. 

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Technical Focus 

• The incumbent will play a critical role in the project aimed at rehabilitating coastal ecosystems and enhancing the climate resilience of mangrove ecosystems and their dependent forest and fisheries communities.
• The specialist will be responsible for engaging with stakeholders, conducting assessments, identifying gaps, proposing interventions, and fostering effective knowledge sharing throughout the project's lifecycle.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Organize state and local level consultations and focus groups involving government institutions, NGOs, CBOs, traditional leaders, local communities, private sector companies, and research institutions, with support from the FAO country office as needed.
• Identify and liaise with relevant government stakeholders for assessments, capacity-building, and training initiatives.
• Establish collaborative relationships with community groups, Community-based Organisations (CBOs), and NGOs active in the targeted sites. Describe their current activities, experience, and expertise.
• Identify capacity gaps within relevant government stakeholders, research institutions, and local communities to undertake assessments.
• Define training targets based on capacity gaps identified.
• Evaluate the existing awareness-raising platforms, programs, decision-making processes, and planning activities at the local level, and identify gaps.
• Identify existing development and management plans, policy documents, and evaluate their integration of mangrove ecosystems' conservation.
• Assess local government, traditional leaders, and community capacity for integrated management planning, sustainable mangrove management, and adoption of sustainable practices.
• Identify existing local monitoring systems and gaps, proposing solutions for monitoring efficiency using participatory methods.
• Analyse existing national and decentralised institutional frameworks, identifying barriers to cross-sectoral coordination for natural resource management.
• Assess the consideration of mangrove ecosystem services in planning efforts and identify gaps.
• Identify gaps and weaknesses in existing national and decentralised policy documents related to natural resource management and climate change concerns.
• Propose interventions to address priority gaps/weaknesses in the institutional and policy frameworks for sustainable, integrated, and climate-resilient mangrove management.
• Develop and revise necessary frameworks and policy documents.
• Identify opportunities to scale up project interventions for resilient coastal ecosystem management at the national level.
• Develop strategies for efficient sharing of project progress, results, and lessons learned from the PACT project and other relevant initiatives.
• Maintain continuous communication with other experts and provide inputs for their deliverables as required.
• Identify and map relevant stakeholders, including governmental institutions, private sector entities, civil society organizations, research institutions, and donors.
• Perform other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Resource Economics, and or other related fields 
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in participatory decision-making and local development, knowledge management and awareness, institutional capacity building, policy strengthening, communities’ vulnerability assessments value chain / socio-economic development. Specific experience in assessing and building communities’ resilience is an added advantage.
• Working knowledge of English.
• National of Nigeria, with working experience in mangrove/coastal landscapes within the country

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

• Previous experience working on international donors’ projects highly preferable.
• Experience in comprehensive institutional strengthening including conducting a capacity needs assessment and developing strategies to promote capacity development preferred.
• Experience in participatory approaches and knowledge management.
• Experience in developing knowledge management strategies and communication strategies preferred.
• Strong understanding of policy frameworks, institutional coordination, and governance planning related to natural resource management.
• Previous experience working in the coastal area of Nigeria, particularly in mangrove areas, an advantage.
• Proven capacity to create good relationships with a diversity of stakeholders including government institutions, NGOs, private sector, research institutions and local communities, and conduct fieldwork.
• Good command of computer skills (MS Word, Excel, Power point, Internet)

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Technical Focus 

• The Nature-Based Livelihoods Specialist will play a crucial role in the UK PACT project focused on rehabilitating coastal ecosystems and enhancing the climate resilience of mangrove ecosystems, alongside their associated forest and fisheries communities.
• This specialist will lead initiatives to develop sustainable livelihoods rooted in nature-based practices and value chains, promoting community engagement, gender inclusion, and private sector partnerships.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Formulate and advocate for guidelines supporting mangrove-friendly aquaculture, sustainable small-scale fisheries, and co-management of mangrove ecosystems.
• Develop and implement sustainable income-generating fishery activities and value chains within and around mangrove ecosystems.
• Establish Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to create nature-based value chains that reduce pressure on mangrove ecosystems while generating benefits.
• Facilitate market linkages, access to resources, and value-chain financing through contract farming and partnerships.
• Develop opportunities for PPPs that strengthen agricultural, forestry, fisheries, and ecotourism value chains.
• Implement gender-sensitive interventions for integrated agricultural, forestry, and fishing practices.
• Train communities in sustainable income-generating fishery activities and value chains, focusing on women and youth participation.
• Conduct Train-the-Trainers workshops for state officials, NGOs/CBOs on technical and managerial aspects of nature-based livelihoods.
• Build community capacity for using the Integrated Mangrove Fish Farming System (IMFFS) to enhance resilience.
• Empower vulnerable community members in establishing community-based finance systems.
• Profile and assess vulnerability of households dependent on mangroves and fisheries.
• Collaborate with the Gender and Social Inclusion Specialist to implement GESI activities, including eliminating gender-based violence and child labour.
• Empower women through sensitization, training, and empowerment activities based on the Gender Action Plan.
• Provide capacity building and institutional strengthening to ensure maintenance of proposed income-generating activities.
• Develop bankable business plans for sustainable nature-based economic activities.
• Prepare project reports, documenting lessons learned and best practices.
• Collaborate with other project experts to share project impacts and successes.
• Perform other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree or advanced university degree in relevant natural or social sciences (Fisheries and Aquaculture, Natural Resource Economics, Agroecology, Integrated Production Systems, Climate Change Adaptation).
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in developing climate-resilient mixed production systems, sustainable fisheries, pastoralism systems, and nature-based value chains.
• Working knowledge of English.
• Nigerian nationality.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

• Work experience in diverse locations and areas.
• Familiarity with project management and development.
• Strong command of English and excellent communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and experience working with diverse stakeholders.
• Knowledge of economic and social development, agriculture, and social protection policies.
• Experience working with government counterparts, financial institutions, and private sector entities.
• Previous experience in community development and mobilization.
• Strong team-building and cross-cultural skills.