Job Title: Climate Resilient Cocoa Value Chain Development Advisor
Organisation: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda
About US:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has a global mandate to improve nutrition, increase agricultural productivity, raise the standard of living in rural populations and contribute to global economic’ growth. Achieving food security for all is at the heart of FAO’s efforts – to make sure people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives.
Job Summary: The Climate Resilient Cocoa Value Chain Development Advisor will work under the direct supervision of the FAO Representative in Uganda and in close collaboration with the Deputy FAO Representative, Assistant FAO Representative for Program, MAAIF Commissioner for Crop Production and FAO Uganda Technical Officers.
The Technical Adviser will lead FAO efforts in strengthening capacities of National, District Local government institutions and Farmer Organizations in the planning, development and implementation of climate resilient cocoa value chain, including coordination of FAO collaboration efforts with relevant International Agencies, Government Agencies, the Private Sector Actors, National and International Research Institutions, the Global Cocoa and Chocolate Industry and the farming communities
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Ensure that all relevant stakeholders from the public, private and civil society sectors are represented and actively engaged in the review and validation of climate resilient cocoa value chain strategy.
- Provide technical support in the development of a full project proposal to execute the strategy with focus on strengthening Climate Resilient Cocoa Value Chain Development in Uganda – that leads towards the goal of achieving sustainable 100,000 Metric Tons of annual cocoa production in Uganda from 2027 through climate-resilient agriculture approaches.
- Work closely with FAO team in development of GCF Readiness Concept Note/ Proposal on private sector engagement on cocoa value chain
- Provide technical support to promote the establishment of the National Multi-Stakeholder (Cocoa) Platform or Innovation Platform (IP) for Cocoa.
- Support FAO resource mobilization efforts for climate resilient cocoa value chain development
- Provide technical support to FAO Team in developing strategies and concrete interventions for scaling up adoption of climate resilient cocoa value chain practices among 500,000 small-holder farmers in the eight agro-ecological zones;
- Serve as Focal Point for coordinating both national and international stakeholders to promote climate resilient cocoa value chain development in Uganda.
- Lead reviews of 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
- Develop collaboration with National and International Research Institutions, including National Coffee (and Cocoa) Research Institute (NaCORI); Cocoa Research Centre of the University of West Indies; Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG and COCOBOD), and University of Reading in the UK, CIRAD in France and key private sector companies engaged in research and development to strengthen national cocoa research efforts and build capacities for young cocoa researchers.
- Work closely with public and private sector actors along with cocoa value chain to develop innovative approaches to extend and scale-out smallholder’s access to new technologies and management practices
- Represent FAO in national cocoa symposiums and chocolate industry events, and develop collaboration with relevant national and international private sector actors.
- Assist in identifying diversified cocoa market actors, and conduct rapid market assessment, and identifies constraints, market‐based solutions, and incentives to integrate small‐scale cocoa producers into diversified supply chains and commercial distribution networks
- Understand and analyse farm productivity and business models to enhance cocoa farmers’ access to the markets;
- Contribute to the collection and dissemination of relevant data and information related to cocoa value chain, farmers’ income and livelihoods
- Perform any other duties as assigned.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
- The applicant for the FAO Climate Resilient Cocoa Value Chain Development Advisor job placement must hold a University degree in Agricultural Economics, or related field.
- At least seven years of experience and working knowledge in agriculture, particularly the Cocoa Value Chain, in developing of a cocoa program along the value chain; Good understanding of the cocoa growing environment.
- Working knowledge (level C) of English and limited knowledge (level B) of another FAO language. For PSA, working knowledge of English. Knowledge of French or Spanish would be an advantage.
FAO Core Competencies
- Results Focus
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Building Effective Relationships
- Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
- Experience in international best practices in agriculture sector
- Ability to present information in a clear, precise and well articulated manner
- Proven ability to build good relationships with a variety of stakeholders, including government institutions, NGOs, and local communities, and conduct fieldwork.
- 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
- Understand gender and community engagement approaches.
- Working knowledge of MS office (word, excel, PowerPoint) and relevant IT tools and software
- Previous experience working as international consultant is highly preferred.
- Demonstrate knowledge in policy matters and dialogues
- Experience working in FAO Long-term experience in working with farming households, value addition, and international cocoa markets and cocoa production, processing and marketing business.
- Good communication and social skills.
- Excellent writing skills and the ability to present information in a range of visual ways to increase its impact
How to Apply:
All suitably qualified candidates who wish to join the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) should apply online at the link below
Deadline: 24th June 2023