Cash and Voucher Based Interventions Programme Specialist

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• 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 member nations, 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 our values. FAO has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and FAO, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination
• All selected candidates, therefore, will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
• The incumbent may be re-assigned to different activities and/or duty stations depending on the evolving needs of the Organization

Organizational Setting

The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO representatives, is to assistant governments to develop policies , programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

The FAO Representation in South Sudan is organizes in three main units: programme, Operations and administration. The current portfolio of projects in South Sudan includes activities related to agriculture (crop), livestock, Fisheries, Natural Resource management, food information systems is implemented with humanitarian, transitional and development funding. The incumbent will contribute to the country’s programme and portfolio as foreseen in the project he/she will coordinate and be assigned.

Since 2015, FAO South Sudan Program launched Cash Transfer Interventions as part of its long-term strategy to increase the community resilience by supporting the local producers in meeting the local needs of nutritious food and agricultural inputs. FAO South Sudan plans to institutionalize and scale up the Cash based transfers throughout its operations. CBTs will be embedded in FAOSS programs and appropriate response modalities will be designed to address basic needs, promote communal assets, stimulate local markets and create access to nutritious food, agricultural and livestock inputs and servicers to vulnerable households.

Reporting Lines

Under the general supervision of the FAO Representative and direct Supervision of the Head of Emergency and in close collaboration with the relevant FAO technical units in Country and RAF office, the incumbent will take overall responsibility for the implementation of the Cash and voucher based implementation component of the FAO South Sudan Programme.

Technical Focus

• Carry out the timely completion of technical evaluation procedures for tenders / Invitations to Bid (ITBs), for the selection of IPs involved in cash-based interventions; and ensure the most appropriate delivery mechanism and payment modalities to support financial inclusion, transparency and traceability of FAO assistance;
• Facilitate development of CBI mechanisms applicable to the country monetary and financial policies.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Establish, Lead and manage the CBI unit and represent FAO South Sudan in relevant coordination for a cash-based interventions, at both national and regional level, as applicable;
• Develop new modalities for the piloting/implementation of cash-based interventions and payment modalities for South Sudan, including: research of background literature, liaison with national and regional actors as required including travel;
• Advise FAO South Sudan on the appropriate CBI modalities and delivery mechanisms according to context and program objectives;
• Identify and map constraints in rural agricultural markets (for crops, livestock, fisheries, agro-vet input supply etc.) that curtail the implementation of cash based interventions in South Sudan and recommend relevant interventions to foster market functionality thereof ;
• Coordinate the conducting of regular market assessments to understand the market dynamics in lieu of cash based interventions and recommend relevant response actions;
• Ensure a timely and effective coordination among FAOSS Unit for cash-based interventions with FAOSS Procurement Unit, others as applicable;
• Continue to revise and update existing SOPs in collaboration with the team and implementing partners;
• In collaboration with FAOSS Communication officer, contribute to a comprehensive communication strategy for all FAOSS cash-based interventions;
• Assist in preparing/ monitoring the work plans of the relevant staff within the Unit for cash-based interventions;
• Organize regular orientation meetings between FAOSS and FAO IPs engaged in cash-based interventions in South Sudan;
• Coordinate feasibility assessments, cost effectiveness and risk analysis to inform programming for cash based interventions.
• Undertake field mission to ensure program’ compliance with FAO rules and regulations, practice of FAO accountability commitments including information and meaningful communication with communities and partners, ensuring their participation and feedback throughout the implementation cycle.
• Participate in Cash Working Group meetings and identify areas of collaboration with other stakeholders
• Participate in the design, of the monitoring, evaluation, learning and accountability system for CBIs
• Perform any other related duties as demanded by the project manage or FSTS director or the European Union.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in programming, design and management of cash-based assistance for agricultural programs in humanitarian settings.
• University degree in Economics, Agriculture, International Affairs, Rural development, Development studies or a field relevant to development assistance.
• Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of the other FAO languages (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian).

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• A broad understanding of community-based approaches and capacity development in cash and voucher programming and market analysis;
• Demonstrated work experience in project/program planning, design of emergency and resilience projects/programs
• Good judgment, initiative, high sense of responsibility, organization and analytical skills;
• Capacity to work independently and establish good relationships with staff and external partners;
• Creativity and problem solving skills;
• Flexibility and ability to work under stress;
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment;
• Knowledge of major humanitarian assistance issues and challenges
• Better understanding of food security and livelihood programs.

Selection Criteria

• All candidates should possess a minimum of years of experience in cash programming
• Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise, which will be followed by a competency-based interview.
• Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognised by the UN.
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments
• Ability to work both independently and as part of the team.
• Experience in working with and influencing a range of stakeholders (e.g. national institutions, international NGOs and UN agencies).
• Good knowledge of UN system, procedures and operation activities is an advantage

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