The development objective of the ten-year Project (Fouta Djallon Highlands Integrated Natural Resources Management Project) is to ensure the conservation and sustainable management of the natural resources of the Fouta Djallon Highlands (FDH) over the medium- to long-term (2025) in order to improve rural livelihoods of the population directly or indirectly related to the FDH. The environmental objective of the Project is to mitigate the causes and negative impacts of land degradation on the structural and functional integrity of the ecosystems of the FDH through establishment of a regional legal and institutional framework and strengthened institutional capacity designed to facilitate regional collaboration in the management of the FDH, assessment of the status of natural resources in the FDH and development of replicable, community-based sustainable land management models.

To achieve these objectives, the Project will support activities through the implementation of the following four components: (i) enhanced regional collaboration; (ii) improved natural resources management and livelihoods in the FDH; (iii) increased stakeholder capacity in integrated natural resources management; and (iv) project management, monitoring and evaluation, and information dissemination. The Project will be implemented through participatory and cross-sectoral approaches over two tranches of four and six years, respectively.

Under the direct supervision of the Chief, FOMC ( Forest Conservation Service of FAO), the administrative supervision of the FAO Representative in Guinea and in close collaboration with and under the authority of the International Coordinator of the Fouta Djallon Highlands Programme, the Chief Technical Adviser will manage the FAO –executed component of the project.

Specifically, to:

• coordinate the day-to-day management and operations of the FAO-executed components of the project;
• provide overall technical advice and assistance to the Regional Project’s Coordination Unit (RPCU) and the National Project Technical Units (NPTUs), both directly, and indirectly from FAO’s Task Force, to ensure sound and smooth implementation of the project from a technical as well as administrative point of view,;
• coordinate and harmonise project activities in the eight countries participating in the project through regular contacts with the National Focal Point (NFP) Officers;
• assist the International Coordinator in the preparation and servicing of meetings related to the project (the Ministerial meetings, the Project Steering Committee (PSC), Scientific and Technical Committee (STC), regional consultations, and workshops, etc.);
• coordinate the local management of the GEF-allocated resources at the level of the RPCU, including the preparation of appropriate requisitions for the procurement of equipment and supplies through FAO/HQ;
• facilitate and ensure the sharing and flow of information and linkages, between the National Focal Points (NFPs) nominated by each of the 8 participating countries, as well as internationally, among and between regions;
• coordinate the assignments of the FAO-recruited consultants providing FAO’s technical backstopping support to the project;
• ensure regular reporting on project activities through the submission of drafts of: overall annual work-plans; Project Inception report; Quarterly Project Implementation Reports (QPIRs); six-monthly Project Progress Reports (PPRs); consolidated annual Summary Progress Reports; consultants’ mission reports; project Technical Reports and Training materials as outlined in the project document.
• prepare a final report;
• perform other related duties as required

 
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Candidates should meet the following:
 
Advanced university degree in a natural resources science, rural development or related field
Ten years of relevant experience in successful natural resources management, including demonstrated experience in management, planning and implementation of projects in developing countries
Working knowledge of French and English
 
SELECTION CRITERIA
Candidates will be assessed against the following:
 
Extent and relevance of experience in planning, implementing and coordinating large complex projects related to natural resources management in developing countries
Knowledge and experience in broad aspects of natural resources management in developing countries and ability to analyse related technical information
Experience and ability to negotiate with international organizations/agencies
Ability to organise and coordinate meetings and training activities
Ability to supervise a team
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and in French
Familiarity with the West African Fouta Djallon region
Familiarity with UN agencies’ field programmes, procedures for project implementation
 
Please note that all candidates should possess computer/word processing skills and should be capable of working with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
* The length of appointment for internal FAO candidates will be established in accordance with applicable policies pertaining to the extension of appointments.
 
ssional Vacancy Announcement No: FOMC-229-08-PRJ
Deadline For Application: 9 May 2008
Position Title Chief Technical Advisor 
Duty Station Conakry, Guinea
Grade Level P5
Duration 1 year (extendable, subject to availability of funds)
CCOG Code: 1A11
Organizational Unit  Forest Conservation Service (FOMC Forest Management Division (FOM) Forestry Department (FO)
 
 
TO APPLY: Carefully read and follow the Guidelines to applicants
 
Send your application to:
 V.A FOMC-229-08-PRJ
Title, Department FOMC
FAO Via delle Terme di Caracalla 00100 Rome ITALY
Fax No: +39 06 57055137
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
 
This vacancy is open to male and female candidates. Applications from qualified women candidates and applications from qualified candidates from non/under-represented member states are encouraged. Please note that FAO staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the Director-General and may be assigned to any activities or office of the organization.
 
FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT
 
Post Number: N/ 2000936

http://www.fao.org/VA/PROF/Project/FO/FOMC_229_08_PRJ.htm