Capacity Building Specialist

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 position is located in the FAO Country Office in Syria.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Syria Arab Republic (SAR), the Capacity Building Specialist will report directly to the Senior Policy Specialist. The Capacity Building Specialist will also work closely with the FAOR Deputy Representative, Assistant FAOR (Programmes), BLRS Chief Technical Advisor and BLRS Project Officer.

Technical Focus

Supports design and implementation of capacity-building programmes, institutional learning, and staff development activities for MoA and MoA’s policy-related units.

Tasks and responsibilities

• • Conducts training needs assessments.
• • Designs and implements training and learning programmes.
• • Develops training materials and knowledge resources.
• • Facilitates workshops, seminars, and peer-learning activities.
• • Supports monitoring and evaluation of training programmes.
• • Prepare annual training and capacity-building plans.
• • Organize technical workshops and training sessions.
• • Develop training manuals and learning materials.
• • Support mentoring and coaching programmes.
• • Facilitate knowledge exchange and exposure visits.
• • Monitor effectiveness of training activities.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements 

• • University degree in education, organizational development, agricultural extension, human resources development, or related fields.
• • Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in training and capacity development.
• • Working knowledge of English and Arabic
• • National of Syria

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• • Strong facilitation and training design skills.
• • Experience in adult learning methodologies.
• • Ability to develop training materials and manuals.
• • Good coordination and communication skills.
• • Experience in monitoring and evaluation of learning programmes.
• • Working experience with UN Agencies is preferable
• • Familiarity with FAO system and standards is preferable

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.