National Project Specialist - Community Development, Climate Smart Agriculture, Disaster Risk Management

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supports the transformation to efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems to improve production, nutrition, the environment, and livelihoods. The Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands (SAP) drives this transformation by developing, promoting, and implementing strategies and projects in food, agriculture, and rural development, while fostering relationships with subregional institutions. SAP is a subsidiary of the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP).

Job Purpose

This role focuses on the daily implementation, management, and technical supervision of project activities in Tonga. It requires a deep understanding of the local context, culture, and communities, with a strong emphasis on community development and stakeholder consultation. The position involves leading climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices and demonstrations, as well as disaster risk management consultation and planning. The objective is to ensure timely project deliveries and effective execution of all assigned tasks within the project framework, contributing to sustainable agrifood systems and community resilience.

Responsibilities

Lead project activity implementation in Tonga, collaborating with national focal points and stakeholders from Agriculture and Fisheries ministries. Conduct gender-sensitive value chain assessments in fisheries to identify needs for supporting women beneficiaries. Organize and lead Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) training, including logistics, resource preparation, and reporting. Distribute agricultural inputs, establish demonstration sites, and conduct capacity-building training on CSA, monitoring field activities and reporting lessons learned. Coordinate with government and non-government stakeholders to develop village disaster risk management plans. Identify capacity-building needs in CSA, value chains, and disaster risk management. Manage Letter of Agreement activities related to gender and land tenure rights, including monitoring and reporting. Map and engage stakeholders, organizing consultations. Participate in meetings with SAP colleagues, national stakeholders, and development partners. Support project activity implementation, including mobilization of inputs and adherence to FAO procedures. Organize procurements for project activities and workshops. Report project progress to the Lead Technical Officer (LTO). Liaise with FAO, government agencies, partners, and NGOs for effective coordination. Support the Natural Resource Officer/LTO and Policy Officer with specific activities and preparations for the Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry. Perform other duties as required.

Work Experience

Requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience in community development, disaster management and emergency response, agriculture, and project/programme management. Experience in capacity development related to climate change and the development of national plans and strategies is essential. A university degree in Science, Agriculture, Environmental Science, or a related field from a recognized institution is necessary. Proficiency in English and Tongan languages is also required.

Skills

Demonstrated project management experience and at least three years of providing technical advice on national agriculture projects. Strong knowledge of stakeholder engagement, Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA), disaster risk management, and emergency response activities. Experience with Country Strategic Frameworks and/or related document development. Proven experience in implementing, monitoring, and reporting on pilot demonstrations. Ability to work effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, including senior government officials, women's organizations, and NGOs in Tonga. Excellent writing and reporting skills, with proficiency in English and Tongan languages.

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