The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is dedicated to achieving global food security and ensuring sustainable agricultural development. FAO’s Subregional Office for Eastern Africa (SFE) plays a pivotal role in addressing food security, agriculture, and rural development priorities across the region. We are currently seeking a highly qualified Project Officer (Project Manager) to be based in Nairobi, Kenya to support the implementation of the Pastoralism and Livestock Adaptation to Climate Change in Eastern Africa Programme (PLACE).
This role provides an exciting opportunity to work on a EUR 47 million initiative designed to enhance resilience, food security, and pastoral livelihoods across multiple cross-border clusters in Eastern Africa.
Job Details
- Position: Project Officer (Project Manager)
- Job Type: Staff position
- Type of Requisition: Professional Project
- Grade Level: P-3
- Primary Location: Nairobi, Kenya
- Organizational Unit: FAO Representation in Kenya, FRKEN
- Duration: Fixed-term: 1 year with the possibility of extension
- Post Number: 2010569
- CCOG Code: 1A11
- Application Deadline: 22 February 2025, 1:59 AM (Based on the device’s local time settings)
Why Join FAO?
FAO offers a collaborative and diverse working environment where all employees contribute to the organization’s strategic objectives of fostering efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. FAO promotes gender equality, diversity, and inclusion, encouraging applications from qualified female candidates, nationals of under-represented members, and persons with disabilities.
The organization adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards and upholds zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse, or harassment in any form.
Position Overview
The Project Officer (Project Manager) will play a crucial role in coordinating the PLACE programme across multiple Eastern African countries. The role requires strategic leadership, technical expertise, and strong project management capabilities.
Reporting Lines
The selected candidate will report to the SFE Subregional Coordinator under the direct supervision of the Resilience Team Leader (RTEA) in Nairobi, Kenya.
Technical Focus
The role involves supporting FAO’s efforts in building resilience in Eastern Africa through the implementation of the EU-funded PLACE programme.
Key Responsibilities
General Functions:
- Conduct research and technical analysis to support programme implementation.
- Provide technical input for reports, documents, and web pages.
- Support the development of policies and frameworks that enhance food security and resilience.
- Oversee the update of databases and web pages.
- Participate in cross-disciplinary teams, collaborating with stakeholders and partners.
- Promote knowledge sharing and best practices at international forums.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of capacity-building activities for Member Nations.
- Ensure effective monitoring and evaluation of programme activities.
Specific Functions:
- Lead the regional coordination and implementation of the PLACE programme.
- Foster collaboration with regional partners, donors, and country teams.
- Guide the design and execution of climate adaptation policies for pastoral and livestock systems.
- Support governments in developing inclusive and effective regulatory frameworks.
- Provide strategic input to ensure evidence-based decision-making using early warning systems.
- Strengthen public and private sector investments in climate-resilient agriculture.
- Empower vulnerable groups such as women, youth, and rural communities through capacity-building initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with regional and international standards in livestock and pastoral resilience strategies.
- Enhance resource mobilization efforts for resilience-building initiatives.
Who We Are Looking For
Minimum Requirements:
- Advanced degree in political science, business administration, agricultural economics, development economics, rural sociology, food security, nutrition, or sustainable agriculture.
- At least five years of relevant experience in technical cooperation, policy analysis, and programme monitoring in agriculture and rural development.
- Proficiency in English (Level C) and intermediate knowledge (Level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish).
Core Competencies:
- Results Focus – Ability to deliver high-quality results under tight deadlines.
- Teamwork – Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills.
- Communication – Ability to convey technical knowledge to diverse audiences.
- Building Effective Relationships – Ability to engage and maintain partnerships.
- Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement – Commitment to innovation and best practices.
Technical/Functional Skills:
- Experience working in multiple locations or field positions is an asset.
- Strong background in policy advice, food security, and programme evaluation.
- Experience working with intergovernmental bodies and multidisciplinary teams.
Why Work with FAO?
FAO provides a highly competitive compensation and benefits package, including:
- Dependency allowances
- Rental subsidy
- Education grants for children
- 30 days of annual leave
- Home leave travel
- International health insurance
- Pension fund entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund
- Disability and life insurance
- Flexible working arrangements and family-friendly policies
FAO fosters a positive work culture that supports diversity, inclusivity, and work-life balance.
General Information
- FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment.
- The extension of contracts is based on performance and availability of funds.
- Appointments are subject to medical clearance, security checks, and visa requirements.
- FAO only recognizes degrees from institutions accredited by UNESCO/IAU.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by following these steps:
- Visit FAO’s recruitment website: Jobs at FAO
- Create an online profile ensuring it is complete and up-to-date.
- Attach a letter of motivation to your profile.
- Submit your application before the deadline: 22 February 2025, 1:59 AM.
For assistance with the application process, visit: FAO Client Support.
FAO strongly encourages early application submission to avoid technical issues.
FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT
