Technician for the Agroecological Centers (4 Positions)

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FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.
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Qualified female applicants and qualified nationals of non-and under-represented member countries are encouraged to apply.

Persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
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Organizational Setting

Angola’s economy has relied until recently almost solely on the extractive industries. However, contributing to 8 percent of GDP^[1], as the second largest productive sector, among rural communities, agriculture has been the country’s mainstay, according to the National Adaptation Plan of Action (NAPA). With 57.4 million ha of arable land, but only 5 to 8 million ha in use for cultivation, for the past six years – since the collapse in 2014 of global oil prices - the farming, forestry and fisheries rural sectors made considerable gains in economic importance.

In this context, different pressures affect natural resources crucial to maintaining Angola’s rural sector, requiring an adjusted – and improved - natural resources management culture. Among many uncertainties, climate projections reveal that surface temperatures could rise, with the consequent increase in the occurrence of extreme climate events, an expansion of arid and semi-arid regions, a shift in seasonal rainfall, a rise in sea levels, an increase in wildfires and changes in river flow regimes. Available projections point to a decline in the length of the agricultural growing period in southern Angola and along the coast, while areas in the north, which currently benefit from two growing seasons, may experience only one in the future. This scenario could pose serious constraints to smallholder farmers, given the rainfall dependency of most staple crops, combined with unsustainable agricultural practices and prevalent soil erosion.

The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Environment (MCTE), is engaged with the African Development Bank in delivery of the project: Integrating Climate Change into Environment and Sustainable Land Management Practices (ICE- SLM). This project allocates USD 4.2 million from GEF resources (via the Least Developed Countries Fund) for the integration of climate change measures in environmental management and sustainable land use. Its main development goal is to strengthen climate change in national development activities, and promote adaptive measures and practices in Angola. It is structured in three components: Component 1 – Governance, Capacity Building and Institutional Strengthening, Component 2 – Promoting climate adaptation measures into SLM practices in four demonstrations sites and Component 3 – Knowledge management coordination, and monitoring and evaluation.

The ICE- SLM project has sub-contracted the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Angola as its implementing partner for Component 2, and to provide technical support to the Project Coordination Unit (PCU) for a total value of USD 2.3 million to be implemented over the next three years, under the direction of the ICE-SLM Project Coordination Unit, hosted at the MCTA.

The aim of Component 2 is to (a) introduce climate change adaptation techniques into best SLM (sustainable land management) practices (including agroforestry) and to (b) create an enabling environment to improve rural livelihood resilience to climate change. To this end, it is expected to create a climate change adaptation (CCA) platform for large-scale dissemination of technologies and practices. This CCA will be on-site in four pilot sites (Agro-Ecological Centers (AEC)): Namibe, Huambo, Cuando Cubango and Cabinda.

Reporting Lines

The Technician for the Agroecological Centers will report to BH under the direct supervision of the NPC, LTO and in close collaboration with Government Counterpart (MCTA)

Technical Focus

• Project management and in particular results based management.
• Experience working with FFS extension methodology, or similar is an asset.
• Previous experience working with international partners on related issues is an asset.
• Expertise in agro-ecology, conservation agriculture.
• Commitment to participatory natural resource management techniques.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Provide technical, logistics and managerial support and ensure proper implementation of AEC activities.
• Guide and responsible for the implementation of the AEC work plans and oversee day-to-day implementation of activities, in line with AEC work plans.
• Organize regular planning and communication with supervisor.
• Oversee preparation and implementation of M&E framework related to his/her AEC.
• Ensure the project’s effective and efficient work with stakeholders in the pilot areas.
• Carry out field regular field missions to communities’ beneficiaries and project areas.
• Liaise with project local stakeholders and partners.
• Prepare progress reports, as requested by National UTF Project Coordinator
• Provide technical advice and assistance AEC Director.
• Facilitate collaboration with research and training institutions and other organizations or projects.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Technical or University Degree related to natural resources management, agroecology, environmental management, with a specialization in Sustainable Land Management, or related subjects.
• At least 5 years’ experience in the Angola agricultural or environmental sector.
• At least five years’ experience working with local communities in Angola.
• Portuguese language skills preferred, Angola Local Languages and English language skills an asset.
• National of Angola or resident in the country with a regular work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

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Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.