National Localization/DRR Specialist

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

Organizational Setting

The FAO Program in Myanmar has actively been supporting vulnerable farmers and communities since to adopt sustainable agricultural practices and technologies, engaging with partners at all levels to coordinate a common approach to the economic development and empowerment of those engaged in agri-food systems at all stages. FAO works closely with a network of national civil society organizations (CSO) and communities to improve livelihoods through the provision of technical support and agricultural inputs. As Myanmar is a highly disaster-prone country, often exposed to flooding, cyclones, tidal surges and droughts, Disaster Risk Reduction plays a major role in maintaining and improving agricultural production.

In response to this heightened vulnerability to natural disasters, FAO mainstreams a Disaster Risk Reduction throughout its work with civil society organizations (CSOs) and communities, aiming to reduce the impact of floods, cyclones and drought on agricultural production and prevent the loss of agricultural inputs. FAO and CSO technical teams facilitate trainings for civil society partners to build their capacity to undertake Community Disaster Risk Reduction planning, to review and improve the functionality of Early Warning Systems, to identify preparedness and mitigation actions and to develop Anticipatory Action Protocols which help communities to detect threats and prevent losses and protect assets. FAO and its partners assist communities to identify needs and opportunities to generate sustainable income through improved agricultural production, access to markets and cooperative actions.

As part of its Localization Strategy, FAO aims to pass on the capacity to facilitate this community-level work to its CSO partners, simultaneously building their capacity in adopting a Disaster Risk Reduction approach.

Where necessary, FAO also supports CSO partners with organizational capacity in areas such as financial management, procurement and the development of technical specifications for appropriate agricultural inputs and quality assurance protocols. FAO also has adopted a policy of Accountability to Affected Populations which mandates transparency actions at all levels of community and beneficiary engagement.

Reporting Lines

The National Localisation/DRR Specialist will fall under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative to Myanmar and the operational supervision of the Emergency and Rehabilitation Coordinator in Myanmar.

Technical Focus

The role of the National Localization/DRR Specialist in Myanmar, underlines the significance of advancing localization efforts, empowering local partners, and ensuring the effectiveness and sustainability of humanitarian and development initiatives in the country. The position contributes to building independent, hazard-resilient local partners who can effectively re-echo training in disaster risk resilience planning and preparedness to vulnerable communities, enabling independent community action in the face of complex challenges.

Tasks and responsibilities

The National Localization/DRR Specialist will undertake the following key responsibilities:

• Implement and oversee the implementation of FAO Localization Strategy in Myanmar, aligning it with global localization efforts, the international Grand Bargain commitments, and Myanmar's Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) Localization Strategy.

• Develop and execute tailored capacity development plans for local partners, prioritizing areas identified through comprehensive assessments and ongoing capacity-building needs.

• In collaboration with FAO partners and FAO field staff, support the consolidation of available information and analysis on hazard, vulnerability and risks of disaster and climate change for sustainable agriculture training in the community.

• Lead and facilitate the profiling of hazard and vulnerability in disaster-prone areas, which will contribute to the establishment of Anticipatory Actions (AA) planning at community level in line with the national draft Drought AA Protocols developed previously by FAO MM and AA triggers developed at the provincial level.

• In collaboration with FAO partner and FAO field staff, train community-level disaster risk management committees allowing them to design community Anticipatory Action plans.

• Design and lead various capacity strengthening initiatives, as necessary, supporting Community-level committees on DRR and Early Anticipatory Action (also known as Early Warning Early Action (EWEA) and disaster preparedness matters.

• Regularly assess and report on the progress of localization activities including on DRR and AA, ensuring that FAO meets its localization commitments effectively and efficiently.

• Attend national and regional level DRR fora to advocate for and mainstream localization actions into FAO's emergency and resilience proposals and concept notes, ensuring alignment with international best practices.

• Prepare regular progress reports on localization efforts, highlighting notable achievements, challenges encountered, and areas where improvements can be made.

• Establish and maintain a rigorous monitoring mechanism to collect, analyse, and interpret data on FAO Myanmar's progress in fulfilling localization commitments.

• Identify and document good practices and learning from DRR and AA interventions for further quality improvement and coordinate linkages with concerned sectors.

• Ensure mainstreaming localization actions into FAO's project proposals and concept notes, contributing to broader humanitarian goals.

• Advise and support FAO Myanmar and FAO RAP in the formulation of DRR-related programmes and projects for resource mobilization in Myanmar.

• Share country experiences and contribute to FAORAP overall DRR and AA strategy in the region.

• Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in agriculture, livestock, aquaculture, economics, social science, emergency management or related field;

• Five years of relevant experience in management and coordination of DRR, and rural development programs, or related area;

• Working knowledge in written and spoken English;

• National of Myanmar

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus

• Teamwork

• Communication

• Building Effective Relationships

• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Minimum proven knowledge and experience in Disaster Risk Reduction/Management, climate change adaptation preferably in agriculture / livelihood, and other relevant technical experience

• Experience in capacity building (UN agencies, government organisations, civil society organizations, NGOs, etc.);

• Relevant experience in the United Nations system;

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable;

• Full working knowledge of computer programmes - Microsoft Office package.

Selection Criteria

• Relevant experience in the areas of humanitarian aid and or emergency response in advocacy and outreach activities at the country and/or international level in emergency settings.

• Expertise in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in the context of rural development,

• Extensive work experience in local communities and grass-root organizations capacity building,

• Relevant experience in the formulation of DRR and capacity-strengthening projects and programmes,

• Extensive working experience in a complex, geographically dispersed, with interdisciplinary team environment,

• Willingness and ability to travel to remote, rural locations,

• Team player, yet ability to operate independently as required,

• Good communication, analytical and writing skills,

• Extent of knowledge of planning and budgetary processes and associated tools;

• Understanding of FAO policies and programmes is considered a strong asset

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 For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

---