Programme Analyst (Agribusiness and Value Chain Development) job at Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

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 to achieve sustainable food, nutrition and income security through resilient, sustainable and inclusive agrifood systems. The project aims to contributing to enhanced resilience and gender-responsiveness of food production and livelihood systems for food and nutrition security in Karamoja subregion using a food systems approach.
Reporting Lines
Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative and the direct supervision of (TBC), the incumbent will provide technical support to contribute to economic sustainability through agribusiness and agrifood value chains development under the project “Improving food security and resilience of food production systems in Karamoja” (UNJP/UGA/068/EC).
Technical Focus
The Programme Analyst (Agribusiness and Value Chain Development) will support the planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting agri-business and value chain development under the project UNJP/UGA/068/EC entitled “Improving Food Security and Resilience for Food Production Systems in Karamoja” funded by the European Union. The incumbent in collaboration with relevant technical persons, will support the evaluation and capacity building activities on development of viable micro-enterprises for prioritised crop, livestock, and agroforestry value chains in Karamoja. The PA-ABVD will undertake the following primary duties in close collaboration with all relevant technical personnel:

Duties and Responsibilities

Support the planning, implementation, and monitoring of interventions to develop sustainable Agri-enterprises along priority value chains.
Support preparation and/or review and implementation of value chain assessment/mapping reports developed through previous projects in Karamoja sub-region,
Support development of prioritized sustainable agrifood value chains for crops, livestock, and forest commodities with potential for partnership with CSOs and the private sector.
Support equipping of young people (especially out of school youth) and women with entrepreneurship/business management skills in partnership with relevant actors including MDAs, CSOs and private sector, etc.
Provide advice on agricultural commodities which has the comparative advantage and potential for developing the value chain in the target districts.
Provide support in identification of new and potential business opportunities for farmer groups and organizations, including alternate market channels and agri-business.
Provide technical support to implementing partners and farmer groups in the development of viable business plans to facilitate access to competitive micro-grants from the project and other financial service providers,
Provide support in development of value chain and market linkages for identified agricultural commodities/ products,
Conduct capacity needs assessment among project beneficiaries and support in the development and delivery of appropriate training content.
Support the development of agribusiness financing models (inputs, mechanization, etc) and strengthen farmer linkages with the private sector.
Identify investment opportunities along selected agri-food value chain cycle to create decent work for vulnerable groups especially women and youth.
Support the establishment and proper functioning of village saving and loan schemes among farmers groups!
Support the development of monitoring and evaluation system for micro-grants provided to farmer groups under the project in collaboration with MEAL team and other project technical persons,
Carry out monitoring and technical backstopping of implementing partners and project beneficiaries.
Submit monthly progress briefs and make input to technical reports other ad-hoc reports as and when required.
Perform any other duties as required.

Qualification, Experiences and Competencies

A University Degree in agribusiness Management, Agricultural Economics, Entrepreneurship, Business Administration, or related fields from a recognized University,
A minimum of two years of relevant experience in implementing supporting development of agri-business enterprises among rural communities in Karamoja sub-region or similar contexts,
Knowledge of value chain and other business development approaches and working with the private sector is an added advantage.
Working knowledge of English.
National of Uganda.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

Extent and relevance of experience in project implementation and monitoring using a result-based management approach.
Extent and relevance of experience in managing projects dealing with food security and livelihoods and/or climate change adaptation and mitigation and/or addressing value chain development, and/or natural resource management.
Experience in working with the government partners at different levels.
Extent and relevance of experience in supporting and facilitating multi-stakeholders’ processes including interacting with policy- and decision makers at various levels, communities and private sector.
Proven coordination skills to implement the capacity building projects and activities, including development and organization of training events at the district and local level.
Proven leadership skills.
Demonstrated ability to open up to innovative approaches and new practices.
Ability to deliver project outputs and budgets on timely manner with high standard quality.
Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills within team and with external stakeholders.

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