National Stakeholder Engagement and Liaison Specialist

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supports the transformation to sustainable agrifood systems for better production, nutrition, environment, and life. The FAO Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands (SAP), established in Samoa in 1996, coordinates FAO's work across 14 Pacific island nations. SAP implements programmes addressing food security, nutrition, agriculture, natural resources management, and rural development, with cross-cutting themes of gender, climate change adaptation, and anticipatory action. SAP also cultivates relationships with regional institutions.

Job Purpose

The Stakeholder Engagement Specialist will be responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive stakeholder engagement map and plan to ensure the successful execution of all project activities. This role involves providing crucial support and fostering engagement with project stakeholders, partners, and participants. A key aspect of the position is to actively engage with industry and government stakeholders to enhance awareness, support, and participation in project initiatives. The specialist will also collaborate with professional service providers to leverage specific expertise beneficial to the project.

Responsibilities

The National Stakeholder Engagement and Liaison Specialist will plan, develop, and support the stakeholder engagement plan for the Samoa Readiness Project, collaborating with FAO, the Samoa Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and the Samoa Readiness Team. The role involves working with the SAP Communications Specialist to align messaging, outreach, and materials with stakeholder interests and project activities, ensuring consistency in media inquiries and press releases. Advice will be provided to the Technical Advisor on community relations. The specialist will source strategic stakeholder engagement expertise from third-party providers, track and report on engagement plan performance, and lead the development of various engagement strategies. Responsibilities include operating stakeholder outreach tools, managing the stakeholder community, ensuring timely responses to inquiries, and executing stakeholder surveys. Analysis of survey results will inform recommendations and action plans. The role also involves identifying follow-on project opportunities, coordinating engagement activities with a focus on youth participation, and establishing relationships with communication focal points. Support will be provided for coordinating communication between stakeholders and relevant ministries, developing communication materials, and documenting/disseminating project results, success stories, and lessons learned from a gender perspective. Other related duties as required.

Work Experience

Minimum of three years of proven experience in designing, building, and managing commercial hydroponic systems. Strong knowledge of water chemistry, plant nutrition, greenhouse climate control, and agribusiness modelling. Experience in environmental health, with at least three years focused on climate change and its health implications.

Skills

Core competencies include Results Focus, Teamwork, Communication, Building Effective Relationships, and Knowledge Sharing. Technical skills encompass extensive experience in nutrient management, system design and engineering, environmental control, crop and substrate management, and facility operation. Experience working with international organizations on climate change and health projects, including proposal writing and reporting, is essential. Familiarity with the situation in Nauru and Pacific Small Island Developing States is beneficial. Experience engaging with diverse stakeholders, including senior government officials in SIDS and LDCs, is required. Strong writing skills and language proficiency are necessary. Experience in the Pacific region is an advantage.

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