Job Location: | (Badghis, Bamian, Ghazni, )+ (Kunar, Paktia) |
Nationality: | Afghan |
Category: | Agriculture, Natural Resources Management |
Employment Type: | Full Time |
Salary: | USD 1,214 |
Vacancy Number: | (National Rangeland Technician/Community Mobilizer)+(FAO/KNR&PKT/PRJ/SC/30-2019) |
No. Of Jobs: | (3)+(2) |
City: | Qala-e-Now, Bamian & Ghazni |
Organization: | FAO |
Years of Experience: | § At least five (5) years of professional experien |
Contract Duration: | 12 Months (Extendable) |
Gender: | Male/Female |
Education: | § University degree in Rangeland or Livestock Management, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Ma |
Close date: | 12 Aug, 2019 |
About FAO:
The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.
Job Description:
Organization Settings:
Through its Country Offices, or FAO Representations, FAO assists governments to develop policies, Programmes and projects to address hunger, food security and malnutrition, and provides technical support for the sustainable development of their agricultural, livestock, animal health, and irrigation and forestry sectors as well as emergency preparedness and response. The activities of the FAO Representation include design and implementation of country-tailored field Programmes, liaison with local donor representatives and active public awareness raising and outreach activities related to the mandate of FAO.
FAO assistance in Afghanistan achieves its objectives through capacity development and direct project implementation in four specific areas of FAO’s technical expertise:
Better governance through improved capacity for policy planning, land reform, decentralization, and management of common natural resources;
Fostering expansion of irrigation and field water management;
Intensive agriculture for surplus commercialization, value chains development, and job creation;
Supporting vulnerable farmers for improved food & nutrition security, resilience, and emergency response to natural and man-made disasters and climate change.
Project Background:
The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (MAIL)’s mandate is to restore Afghanistan’s licit (non-opioid) agricultural economy by helping farmers increase production and productivity; by managing and protecting Afghanistan’s natural resource base for sustainable growth; by improving rural agricultural infrastructure and irrigation systems; and by expanding agricultural markets and developing human resource capacity. The goal is to reduce poverty throughout Afghanistan and assure food security for all. Thus, agricultural growth initiatives and policies are increasingly focused on enhancing the productivity of agricultural products that have a comparative advantage over opioids through improving value chains for these products.
The General Directorate of Natural Resources Management (GD-NRM) of MAIL offers services in Natural Resource Management (NRM) and they promote community-based NRM initiatives so that local communities can benefit from natural resources in a fair and equitable way. The mission of the General Directorate of NRM is restoration, protection, and conservation of forests, rangelands, natural vegetation and ecological areas. They are doing this by introducing prudent use approaches and mechanisms, by training communities in watershed management and soil conservation, by combatting desertification and improve ecological balance. Ideally, this will all result in reduced natural disasters, healthy environments, agriculture and livestock sector development and food security.
Climate Change, Gender and Capacity Development are crosscutting issues across FAO Afghanistan’s Country Programme Framework, and several projects in the CPF focus specifically on these issues. Women, for example, are empowered to have access to productive resources especially through specific projects aimed at transferring technology to female-friendly agricultural businesses. Similarly, climate change adaptation is tackled through Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) projects, improved governance of common resources, or the promotion of renewable energy.
The main objective of the project, “Community Based Sustainable Land and Forest Management in Afghanistan” is to support the GD-NRM of MAIL in integrating community-based approaches to Sustainable Land Management/Sustainable Forest Management (SLM/SFM) in Afghanistan in order to promote biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation and rangeland productivity.
The key outputs of the project are: i) enhanced capacity of national and sub-national government institutions for SLM/SFM; ii) enhanced capacity of local communities in Badghis, Bamyan, Ghazni, Kunar and Paktya Provinces for developing and implementing community based SLM/SFM plans; iii) improved management of 10,000 ha of High Conservation Value Forests (HCVF) and 20,000 ha of other forest types to increase biodiversity conservation; iv) improved management of 200,000 ha of degraded rangelands in order to reduce land degradation, increase biodiversity conservation; and, v) improved knowledge to inform planning and implementation of SLM/SFM practices.
FAO holds the ultimate responsibility for the implementation of the project, the delivery of the planned outputs and the achievement of the expected outcomes. The project will be managed and implemented by FAO and directly executed by MAIL and its partners. MAIL/GD-NRM is the lead-implementing agency for the project and other line ministries such as MRRD, NEPA, IGDK and Kabul university will be part of the project steering committee and will be closely involved in the project implementation cycle as per the Project Document and Government Cooperation Project Agreement signed with MAIL.
Main Purpose:
FAO is looking for qualified national staff to support the work of the FAO – GEF-funded “Community-Based Sustainable Land and Forest Management in Afghanistan” project. The post is located in Badghis, Bamyan & Ghazni provinces with frequent travel to other project locations and Kabul.
The National Rangeland Technician/Community Mobilizer will be responsible for support and carrying out of nation-wide inventory of forest and rangeland resources, contribution to technical reports, support and carrying out of biodiversity assessments for HCVFs, coordination of SFM/SLM interventions, mobilization of communities for CBNRM planning and alternative livelihoods, support of participatory M&E systems, by providing in-depth country knowledge in their field, as well as service in the field. They will provide technical inputs specifically in rangeland interventions, and contribution to best practices and lessons learned by providing in-depth country knowledge in his/her field, as well as service in the field. He/she will provide technical inputs for Outcome 3.1 of the project – community-based rangeland management.
The National Rangeland Technicians/Community Mobilizers will contribute to joint technical reports, stakeholder analyses, biodiversity assessments and the development of methodologies to meet project objectives. The required technical documents will be formulated based on consultations with project proponents and stakeholders in Afghanistan, virtual communication with international experts and the FAO Country Office in Afghanistan, as well as literature reviews and analyses as needed.
Key Results:
The project activities are implemented successfully, timely and effectively and conform to the objectives of the project. The incumbent is responsible for developing her/his work plan upon joining. The plan must be and based on SMART planning standards and according to project objectives.
Reporting Lines / Supervision Received/Exercised:
Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative /Country Director, direct supervision of the Senior Technical Advisor (STA) and National Project Manager (NPM), in close collaboration with counterpart authorities and other national and international staff, the incumbent will closely collaborate with the other Project Task Force (PTF) members, FAO staff and national project government counterparts;
Key Functions/Results:
Ø Work with the National Rangeland/Sustainable Land Management/Livestock Management Specialist to:
Ø Assist in to developing a methodology for climate-resilient SLM interventions in degraded rangelands of target provinces;
Ø Support the National Specialists in implementation of the methodologies over 200,000 ha of degraded rangelands, including: i) the application of rotational grazing systems; ii) the establishment of seed banks; iii) the establishment of fodder banks; iv) the rehabilitation of rangelands; and v) the implementation of soil and water conservation measures.
Ø Support and input provision in the implementation of a reporting system and help in identification of relevant stakeholders to form a ‘pasture network’ to disseminate information on inter alia: i) livestock owners; ii) veterinary services; iii) livestock health; iv) disease-prevention experts and services providers; v) available markets; and vi) products.
Ø Understanding of the applied traditional roles & regulation for the management of natural resources.
Ø Participate in the capacity building and ToT training sessions to transfer the acquired technical knowledge to target community members and RMC.
Ø Inform and provide technical support to communities to regulate the management of rangeland areas in a manner that provides sustainable socio-economic benefits through conservation techniques;
Ø Identify areas to establish ‘seed banks and fodder banks’ through community participation in the target areas;
Ø Facilitate of community-based SLM/SFM planning and community-based, participatory M&E to conserve rangeland and biodiversity to avoid soil erosion.
Ø Establish grazing schedule/plan in target areas using rotational grazing system techniques and the implementation of soil & water conservation measures to reduce pressure on rangelands;
Ø Manage and oversee the rehabilitation and restoration of 200,000 ha of degraded rangelands in selected areas through the proposed methodologies of rangeland management & conservations;
Ø Conduct regular consultation meetings with the community elders/RMC members around the target rangeland areas.
Ø Work with the local/target communities on rising their awareness in relation to natural resources management / SFM&SLM.
Ø Motivate community members for the conservation of Natural Resources (SFM/SLM).
Ø Provide recommendation in addressing the existing challenges in the field of Natural resources in target provinces.
Other Activities:
Perform any other duty as required by STA and National Project Manager.
Expected outputs:
Number of biodiversity assessments conducted in Badghis, Bamyan and Ghazni provinces.
Number of communities engaged with/supported.
Existence of an SLM implementation mechanism/methodology.
Development and delivery of technical reports.
Number of hectares with SLM interventions implemented.
Number of households benefiting from strengthened value chains for livestock husbandry.
Any further deliverable, if required;
Job Description:
Education:
University degree in Rangeland or Livestock Management, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, forestry or closely related field.
Work Experience:
At least five (5) years of professional experience in rangeland and livestock management, community based NRM or development and sustainable forest management with multi-country projects;
Demonstrated ability to work with minimum supervision;
Previous work experience with UN and GEF funded project is an advantage;
Technical/Functional Skills
Ø Ability to effectively coordinate a large, multi-stakeholder project with results-based management;
Ø Ability to deal with political, technical, and people management challenges, administer budgets and work effectively with all staff and with groups involved in the project;
Ø Work experience with the ministries, national institutions and communities in Afghanistan;
Ø Experience organizing stakeholder meetings or workshops;
Ø Ability to identify and resolve problems expeditiously and pragmatically; tact, initiative and sound judgment;
Ø Ability to establish and maintain good working relations with other staff / colleagues from different cultural backgrounds as well as with line ministries, counterparts, and other stakeholders.
Ø Extent and relevance of experience in coordinating and liaising with the international organizations, non-government organizations, national authorities and stakeholders;
Ø Strong computer skills, in especially all MS Office applications and basic internet search engines or other relevant online tools;
Ø Excellent report writing skills;
Ø Excellent interpersonal communications and coordination skills, and proven ability to work constructively with a variety of stake holders to achieve common goals;
Other Desirable Skills:
Ø Good understanding and familiarity with UN development/ humanitarian program and working methods, particularly with FAO policies, financial and budget, administration and programming procedures, is considered a strong asset;
Ø Excellent data collection skills;
Ø Excellent analytical skills;
Ø Excellent presentation skills.
Ø Good knowledge of corporate information systems
Ø Good knowledge of communication and documentation standards
Language Skills:
Excellent knowledge of English and local languages, both spoken and written skills.
Core competencies:
FAO core competencies include: Understanding FAO’s mandate & its global context; planning, organizing, and delivering quality results; communicating to build understanding & support; working together in teams and partnerships; engaging in continuous learning.
Operational Effectiveness: Working independently, structuring tasks, establishing priorities and adhering to deadlines. Show a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail. Contribute ideas and suggestions for process improvement.
Client Orientation: Focus on results for the client. Attend to inquiries from internal and external clients in an effective, timely and courteous manner. Treat clients with courtesy and respect even when working under pressure. Express a high level of professionalism.
Interpersonal Communications and Teamwork: Work effectively and efficiently with staff at all levels, listen to others and openly share own ideas. Express sensitivity, cultural empathy and respect for diversity. Productively handle differing views and opinions and strive for achievement of shared goals. Respond positively to feedback.
Knowledge Exchange and Learning: Share own knowledge and promote a learning culture within the work environment. Actively work towards professional development, including personal learning. Apply newly acquired skills and support flexibility within the work environment.
Submission Guideline:
Interested Afghan nationals should complete the FAO Personal History Form (PHF) and submit it along with their application letter and CV to the email address below, clearly mentioning the vacancy number and post title (National Rangeland Technician/Community Mobilizer – FAO/BDG-BAM-GHA/PRJ/SC/31-2019) in the subject line of the email, otherwise your email will not be considering for further process.
Please submit your application to below email address:
FAOAF-vacancies@fao.org
NOTE: Applicant who failed to attach the FAO Personal History Form (PHF) their Application will not be considered for further process.
The above required documents can also be submitted in writing (marked “Confidential” and clearly indicating on the sealed envelope the Vacancy Announcement Number, Postal Title, Your Name and Date of Submission) to: the Assistant FAO Representative (Administration), FAO Representation, Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, Jamal Mina, Opposite Kabul University, Kabul, Afghanistan.
The FAO PH Form can be downloaded using the following internet link:
http://www.jobs.af/jobsMediaFiles/1342949805.doc
http://www.acbar.org/applicationform
The last date for receiving applications is 12 August 2019. Please note that applications received after closing date will not be given consideration. Only short listed candidates whose applications respond to the above criteria will be contacted for written test/interview.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
Only Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the interview/test.
Candidate who applies for the positons must mentioned their desired or preferred location/province while applying for the position in their email or application letter.
Application received after closing date will not be given consideration.
Please make sure to sign the first page of your PHF while applying for the vacant post.
Do not forget to write the post title, VA number and preferred location/duty station on subject of your email.
Regret letter will only be sent to interviewed candidates.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Candidates endorsed in the selection process for this vacancy announcement will be considered for the FAO NSHR Roster for a period of two years. The Roster is used to fill other similar positions at the same or lower grade, and in the same or another duty station inside the country;
FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description.
Submission Email:
FAOAF-vacancies@fao.org
