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Job Summary

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Issued Date: 25 October 2018
Closing Date: 08 November 2018
VA No. FAO/HRT/PRJ/SC/33-2018
Functional Title: National Social Mobilization Specialist
Type of Contract: National Project Personnel / Service Contract (NPP/SC)
Grade / Level: SB-4
Number of Post (s) : 01 (One)
Gender / Sex: Male & Female
Duration : 12 Months
Extendable / Renewable: Yes (Extendable, Based on Satisfactory Performance & Budget Availability)
Probationary Period: Initial 3 Months
Project / Programme / Unit: Improving Economic Growth in the Western Region of Afghanistan through Community Irrigation and Livelihood Enhancement (GCP/AFG/097/JPN)
Duty Station: Herat - With Possible Field Missions to Other Project Sites/Location
Sub – Station: N/A

REMUNERATION:
 The remuneration for the post of National Social Mobilization Specialist is USD 1,947 (SB-4 Step 1) monthly based on the qualification and experience of the candidate.
 The selected candidate will also receive an additional 8.33% monthly salary as pension benefit/coverage on a monthly basis.

Duties & Responsibilities

Organization Settings:
Through its Country Offices, or FAO Representations, FAO assists governments to develop policies, Programmes and projects to address hunger, food security and malnutrition, and provides technical support for the sustainable development of their agricultural, livestock, animal health, and irrigation and forestry sectors as well as emergency preparedness and response. The activities of the FAO Representation include design and implementation of country-tailored field Programmes, liaison with local donor representatives and active public awareness raising and outreach activities related to the mandate of FAO.

The position is located in FAO project in Herat – Afghanistan with frequent travels to other project locations in the country.

Project Background:
The livelihood of the project area (Koshk District of Herat Province) is primarily based on agricultural. From the prevailing land cover map, it is quite evident that the area is predominantly covered with rainfed crop and only small patches of irrigated land. Out of the total land area available rangeland accounts for about 33 percent, rain-fed area accounts for about 56 percent while potential irrigated area is only about 1 percent, and the actual irrigated area is far less than the potential due to poor condition of irrigation canals.

Four small rivers originate from Kushk Kohna District and pass along Kushk Rabat Sangi District within a distance of 70 km and end in Turkmenistan. These rivers have not been utilized properly and the existing traditional irrigation system (intakes and catchments) every year is damaged or destroyed during the flood. Therefore, community in the area is in dire need of improved irrigation system.

Majority of people are involved in agriculture and raising of livestock. Major crops are: wheat, barley, pea and melon. Every year thousands of livestock (sheep, goat, cattle and camel) are imported and sold in the market of Herat City. Communities use irrigation water for multiple purposes such as: irrigation, domestic water use and kitchen gardening.


Working Relationship:
The project has envisaged improving the economic growth in the Western Region of Afghanistan through community irrigation and livelihood enhancement activities. It is expected to result in the sustainable development of water resources in HariRud-Murghab River Basin and livelihood enhancement of the marginalized farmers in the area.

The project will support demand management-based efforts for soil and water conservation (e.g. increase of irrigation efficiency) through effective on-farm management practices. Capacity building and institutional strengthening of the farmers’ institutions and government entities is also an area of focus.
The proposed project will be implemented with the broad and integrated approach of water resources management for sustainable water resources development in tune with the master plan for the HariRud-Murghab River Basin Development.

Another area needing attention is the enhancement of livelihood of the residents of the area. This can be achieved through a combination of programmes like rainwater harvesting/water conservation targeting the upland areas, micro-irrigation (sprinkler and drip system) for orchard farming and expansion of grazing land for raising the livestock.

Impact of Work:
Successful implementation of the project as outlined in the project document and in line with FAO rules, regulation and procedure and as per demand of the Recipient Government and Resource Partners.

Reporting Lines / Supervision Received/Exercised:
Under the general supervision of the FAO Representative in Afghanistan and direct supervision of the International Project Technical Adviser (PTA) and International Community Development Specialist and National Project Manager (Senior Engineer), in close cooperation with the counterpart MAIL authorities/staff, other project staff, the incumbent will be responsible for implementation of the relevant objectives/activities of the “Project for Improving Economic Growth in the Western Region of Afghanistan through Community Irrigation and Livelihood Enhancement”.

Key Functions/Results:
 Raise awareness regarding the purpose of the project at community level by disseminating information through locally relevant communication channels such as mosques, village meetings, NGOs and women’s CDCs, as well as broadcast and print media.
 Identify primary and secondary stakeholders at local level in consultation with village leadership and conduct meetings with the stakeholders’ representatives.
 Seek the opinions of the beneficiaries on proposed activities; and involve them in planning, design, implementation, supervision and monitoring of the proposed activities jointly with the DAIL personnel.
 Provide priority to seek the views of the most disadvantaged and marginalized groups. Encourage an enhanced participation of women (especially female-headed households), landless, disabled and elderly people.
 Contribute in the preparation of the technical, social and agriculture inventory for the initial bench marking in tune with the project output indicators.
 Use socio-environmental findings to determine whether land acquisition including voluntary donation is required to enable the sub project to proceed.
 Carry out joint diagnostic walkthrough with the Mirabs, community and the technical staff both from the project and from the DAIL for the identification of the maintenance need as well as institutional and agricultural problems associated with the proposed sub-project at the farm, tertiary, branch and the main canal levels.
 Facilitate negotiations between the community and projects regarding the cost sharing (cash/kind/labour) as well as roles and responsibilities in the part of both the entities and prepare the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between them.
 Initiate the formation of the Irrigation Associations (IAs) in the sub-project areas conducting the general assembly meetings with the wider participation of the sub-project beneficiaries.
 Conduct a training need assessment and train government staff to deliver specific trainings for relevant local government officers, Mirabs, members of IAs and other key stakeholders on the subjects such as canal O&M, Irrigation management, resource mobilization etc.
 Help in identifying alternative livelihood options for the landless and marginalized farmers and oversee the implementation of such livelihood enhancement programmes.
 Mediate for the dispute resolution among the community as well as between the community and the contractor during the sub-project implementation.
 Contribute to the periodic reports to be submitted by the project to the resource partner.
 Any other duties requested and instructed by the Project Technical Advisor (PTA) and the International Community Development Specialist and FAO Representative.

Expected Outputs:
 Timely production of outputs considered satisfactory by the Project Technical Adviser, International Community management Specialist and National project Manager/Senior Engineer. Prepare end of assignment report after completion of the assignment.

Job Requirements

Education:
 University degree in Social Science, Agriculture, development studies or equivalent qualification, Civil/ Agriculture Engineering and Irrigation, or closely related fields;

Work Experience:
 At least seven (07) years of professional experience in irrigation schemes, on civil works contracts; preferably experience with UN and/or NGOs in the western region of Afghanistan;
 Computer literacy and skills to use word-processing equipment is necessary;
 Excellent report writing skills;
 Experience of working with UN, government entities and western region is highly desirable.

Other Desirable Skills:
 Excellent interpersonal communication and coordination skills, and proven ability to work constructively with a variety of stake holders to achieve common goals;
 The candidate should have the proven records of organizing and managing the rehabilitation of irrigation projects and watershed management;
 Similarly, the candidate should possess the ability to other water sector experiences;
 Good knowledge of protocol, good judgment and initiative;

Language Skills:
Excellent knowledge of English and local languages, both spoken and written skills.


COMPTENCIES:
 Core competencies: FAO core competencies include: Understanding FAO’s mandate & its global context; planning, organizing, and delivering quality results; communicating to build understanding & support; working together in teams and partnerships; engaging in continuous learning.
 Operational Effectiveness: Working independently, structuring tasks, establishing priorities and adhering to deadlines. Show a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail. Contribute ideas and suggestions for process improvement.
 Client Orientation: Focus on results for the client. Attend to inquiries from internal and external clients in an effective, timely and courteous manner. Treat clients with courtesy and respect even when working under pressure. Express a high level of professionalism.
 Interpersonal Communications and Teamwork: Work effectively and efficiently with staff at all levels, listen to others and openly share own ideas. Express sensitivity, cultural empathy and respect for diversity. Productively handle differing views and opinions and strive for achievement of shared goals. Respond positively to feedback.
 Knowledge Exchange and Learning: Share own knowledge and promote a learning culture within the work environment. Actively work towards professional development, including personal learning. Apply newly acquired skills and support flexibility within the work environment.

Submission Guideline

Interested Afghan nationals should complete the FAO Personal History Form (PHF) and submit it along with their application letter and CV to the email address below, clearly mentioning the post title and vacancy announcement number (National Social Mobilization Specialist - FAO/HRT/PRJ/SC/33-2018) in the subject line of the email, otherwise your email will not be considered for further process.

Please submit your application to below email address:

NOTE: Applicant who failed to attach the FAO Personal History Form (PHF) their Application will not be considered for further process.

The above required documents can also be submitted in writing (marked “Confidential” and clearly indicating on the sealed envelope the Vacancy Announcement Number, Postal Title, Your Name and Date of Submission) to: the Assistant FAO Representative (Administration), FAO Representation, Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, Jamal Mina, Opposite Kabul University, Kabul, Afghanistan.

The FAO PH Form can be downloaded using the following internet link:

The last date for receiving applications is 08 November 2018. Please note that applications received after closing date will not be given consideration. Only short-listed candidates whose applications respond to the above criteria will be contacted for test/interview.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:
 Only Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the interview/test.
 Application received after closing date will not be given consideration.
 Please make sure to sign the first page of your PHF (Personal History Form) while applying for the position.
 Do not forget to write the post title and VA number on subject of your email.
 Regret letter/email will only be sent to interviewed candidates.

Functional Area

Social Science

Countries

Submission Email

FAOAF-vacancies@fao.org

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