National Specialist–Climate Resilient Cocoa Value Chain Development job at Food and Agriculture Organization

About the Organization

FAO and Uganda have a long history of cooperation. The Organization’s technical assistance in the country began as early as 1959 in the areas of aquaculture development and livestock disease control. Cooperation has increased since the opening of FAO’s representation in 1981, with interventions comprising national policy and programme formulation, agricultural and rural development projects, and emergency and rehabilitation assistance. More recently, emphasis has been given to building resilience to the effects of climate change.

FAO’s cooperation with Uganda Government is shaped by the Country Programming Framework (CPF) 2015-2019, jointly developed with the Government and other partners.

The CPF is a joint framework which forms the basis for strategic cooperation over the next five years between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Government of the Republic of Uganda. The CPF is fully aligned with national and regional development priorities as well as the UN Development Assistance Framework for Uganda.

Over the years, the stature and influence of FAO in Uganda has grown considerably. Currently, the country programme comprises well over 20 projects with a combined budget of close to 80 million USD, which makes FAO one of Uganda’s significant development partners. FAO projects are mainly field-based, addressing on-ground pertinent issues.

Until 2010, FAO’s support programme emphasized emergency and rehabilitation following two decades of insurgency in Northern and North Eastern Uganda. The current CPF however, focuses more on long-term development objectives aimed at revitalizing agricultural production and productivity and spurring economic development for the country.

FAO Uganda therefore falls under the Development Programme. FAO’s development interventions aim to support and build resilient agriculture-based livelihoods. Our interventions focus on crops, livestock, fisheries, forestry and their interaction with the environment, Climate change and building resilience. Further, FAO gives guidance in drafting effective legislation and creating national strategies to achieve transformational development and alleviate hunger.

Job Description

The FAO Representation in Uganda provides technical assistance to the Government of Uganda in the agriculture, livestock, forestry, fisheries and related sectors. The National Consultant will provide support to FAO efforts towards supporting the government of Uganda – the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) in developing Climate Resilient Cocoa Value Chain Strategy.

The Output from the work of the National Consultant will contribute to TCP/UGA/3904 – Strengthening Uganda’s Capacity for Climate Resilient Cocoa Value Chain Development with the following Goal/Impact: Uganda achieves sustainable and consistent annual cocoa production (at least 100,000 metric tons) through climate-resilient agriculture approaches by year 2030.

Reporting Lines
The National Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the Technical Advisor – Climate Resilient Cocoa Value Chain Development and in close collaboration with the FAO Uganda Technical Teams, MAAIF National Project Coordinator and NaCORI.

Technical Focus
The National Specialist will support FAO's efforts to strengthen the capacities of National and District Local government institutions, as well as farmer organizations in; planning, developing, and implementing actions to build climate-resilient cocoa value chain for Uganda. This includes supporting the Technical Teams in coordinating the FAO's collaborative efforts with relevant government agencies, private sector actors, national research institutions, and farming communities.

Duties and Responsibilities

Work with FAO Technical Team in drafting a climate resilient cocoa value chain strategy for Uganda.
Support FAO Technical Team in ensuring that all relevant stakeholders from the public, private and civil society sectors actively engage in the review and validation of climate-resilient cocoa value chain strategy and strategy submitted and approved by MAAIF.
Work with FAO Technical Team in reviewing the legislative and policy environment that govern cocoa to identify needs for modification and strengthening,

leading to the development of a National Cocoa Policy and Action Plan for Uganda.

Support consultations with stakeholders including research institutions to review various cocoa production and training manuals, harmonize standards and support the dissemination of relevant data and information related to cocoa value chain development.
Perform any other duties as assigned.

Qualification, Experiences and Competencies

University degree MSc. in Economics, or Agricultural Economics or Policy Management or Agricultural Development or relevant degree.
Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience and working knowledge in national policies and action plans related to Agricultural Commodities or Cocoa industry for Uganda; Monitoring and Evaluation of projects, good understanding of the cocoa growing and business environment.
Working knowledge of English.
National of Uganda or resident in the country with a valid work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

Work experience in developing agricultural commodity policies and particularly cocoa policy.
Ability to present information in a clear, precise, and well-articulated manner.
Demonstrated knowledge in policy matters and dialogues.
Proven ability to build good relationships with a variety of stakeholders, including government institutions, NGOs, and local communities, and conduct field work.
Proven ability in drafting clearly and precisely in English.
Proven ability to work independently under minimum supervision.
Demonstrated capacity to anticipate workload, to make judgement and take initiative to carry out strategic activities.
Working knowledge of MS Office (word, excel, PowerPoint) and relevant IT tools and software.
Previous experience working on cocoa development related assignments.
Good communication and social skills
Excellent writing skills and ability to present information in a range of visual ways to increase its impact.