Programme Specialist at Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Kampala, Uganda

Job Description

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.
FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO’s goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level.
The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources.
Specifically, FAO Country Offices:
i.    advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate.
ii.    provide technical assistance and deliver core services.
iii.    assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation.
iv.    position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and
v.    Ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.

The project “Sustainable Wood-based Value Chains in Uganda” aims to promote sustainable management practices of existing wood resources through wood resource planning, timber yield regulation plans, and certification schemes. It also seeks to enhance processing capacity and market development of wood products, strengthening aggregation models and supporting primary and secondary wood processors. To address gaps related to investment and access to finance for SMEs in the wood-based industry, the project will provide capacity development and advisory services to local financing institutions (banks and non-banks) together with facilitating policy dialogues to improve the enabling environment for investors in the wood-based industry.

Reporting Lines

Under the general supervision of the FAO Representative in Uganda and the direct supervision of Team Leader- Forestry at FAO Uganda, and technical advisor on harvesting and wood processing, and the technical backstopping of the regional Lead Technical Officer, the programme specialist on secondary wood processing will work with other programme specialists, and analysts in the implementation of the project.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will support the Technical Advisor on activities related to (i) capacity development of SMEs investing in secondary processing (joinery, furniture and carpentry) and market demand for wood products at regional, national and sub-national levels.

Tasks and responsibilities

Secondary wood processing (manufacture of wood products & product diversification)

•    Conduct capacity assessment for wood manufacturing SMEs to identify main capacity gaps in terms of quality product design and development.
•    Support aggregation of secondary wood processors for efficient production and marketing of finished wood products.
•    Provide technical assistance in identification and drawing specifications of appropriate tools and equipment required  to improve quality of existing products and or develop new and innovative wood products.
•    Organize and conduct training for wood product manufacturers of diverse innovative wood-based products.

Market development of wood products

•    Assess market opportunities for wood products at local, regional and global level
•    Engage local institutions, government agencies to promote domestic market in substation to imported wood furniture
•    Support the development of regional (East Africa) standards for various furniture products to harness opportunities for regional market.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•    Advanced university degree in Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Wood Technology and Science, or any related qualifications
•    At least 7 years of proven experience in commercial forestry, sustainable forest management, and natural resources management in Uganda
•    Working knowledge of English
•    Ugandan National

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Proven experience in carrying out activities related to wood processing and product diversification
•    Relevant experience in developing and promoting forestry standards in wood products
•    Good level of proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
•    Demonstrated experience in supporting SMEs involved in secondary wood processing and marketing
•    Experience in commercial forestry/wood value chains and natural resources management
•    Demonstrated experience in understanding at least one of commercial plantation forestry operations, wood processing or marketing
•    Proven experience in developing guidelines, procedures and standards in the forestry sector
•    In-depth understanding of the certification audits processes and requirements
•    Experience in engaging and networking with forestry consultants, Government, Government agencies, development partners, donors, civil society, private sector, and national, regional and international stakeholder at technical and implementation level

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/
For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.