Partnership and Program Quality 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 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 key mission of the FAO Representation in Nigeria is to assist and support the national government in developing policies, strategies, and programmes aimed at accelerating the implementation and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in alignment with FAO's global mandate and Strategic Objectives. The portfolio of activities includes technical support interventions spanning policy support, livestock and crop production, natural resource management, nutrition, value chain development, food security analysis, and water and land information management. The FAO Representation in Nigeria implements emergency, resilience-building, and development interventions in partnership with federal and state line ministries. The incumbent will work in the FAO Representation in Nigeria and will support the implementation of FAO Nigeria Country Programme Framework. 

Reporting Lines

The Partnership and Program Quality Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative and in close collaboration with the Head of the FAO North East Sub-Office.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will focus on preparing briefing notes, concept notes, project documents, and donor briefing materials, along with ensuring timely reporting to donors and contributing to the development of country strategy and appeal documents, coordinating technical specialist.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Guide and coordinate the redaction of concept notes and project documents in collaboration with technical teams and relevant units.
• Identify potential resource mobilization opportunities and strategic partnerships. 
• Keep up to date with main partners development and humanitarian strategies and priorities.
• Maintain and update unit databases, planning matrix, and reporting schedules for the portfolio.
• Facilitate drafting of project/programme reports and conduct quality review prior to submission.
• Formulate donor briefing materials, briefing notes, presentations and/or talking points and content ahead of meetings and missions.
• Support the development of country strategy and appeal documents.
• Map resource partner strategies against FAO Nigeria priorities and needs.
• Prepare briefing materials to showcase programme results in collaboration with the country teams.
• Liaise with resource mobilization, reporting, monitoring & evaluation teams to document learning and make recommendations for programming.
• Perform other related duties and travel as required. 

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements  

• University degree in strategic communications, social sciences, political sciences, economics, international relations, rural development, project planning/management, or related field.
• At least 5 years (category B) or 12 years (COF category A)/15 years (PSA category A) of relevant experience in reporting and resource mobilization.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English, and limited knowledge (level B) of another UN language. For PSA, working knowledge (level C) of English. 

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

• Experience in resource mobilization, donor negotiations, and proposal formulation.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, data processing, analysis, and report writing.
• Experience in programme analysis and reporting in humanitarian and development settings. 
• Proficient in formulating strategies and comfortable with concepts.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish effective working relationships/partnerships.
• Extent of experience in emergency relief and rehabilitation operations, particularly in the food security and agriculture sector and in interagency coordination.
• Demonstrated experience working in complex environments and/or field level in developing countries.
• Familiarity with the UN system in general, and FAO in particular.
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work in a team.

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing)

Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list

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 more information, 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.