Field Implementation Specialist

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency dedicated to achieving food security for all and leading international efforts to defeat hunger. Working in over 130 countries, FAO supports the transformation to efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. In the Philippines, FAO has partnered with the government and civil society for over four decades. This specific role is funded by the EU4Mindanao Action, a European Union initiative focused on building lasting peace and inclusive development in Mindanao, particularly in vulnerable communities.

Job Purpose

The Field Implementation Specialist is crucial for the effective execution of project interventions at the local level. This role provides essential technical, operational, and coordination support, ensuring that project activities are implemented in a timely and results-oriented manner. The specialist will work to achieve planned outputs and outcomes by monitoring progress, identifying challenges, and proposing solutions. This position contributes directly to the project's overall objective of fostering an enabling environment for sustainable peace and development in Mindanao, aligning with the EU4Mindanao Action's goals.

Responsibilities

Ensure the results-based implementation of field activities, aligning with project logframes, work plans, and performance indicators. Monitor progress, analyze implementation, and report on activities, identifying and addressing risks and bottlenecks. Provide technical expertise and advisory support to local government units, community-based organizations, and partners, ensuring interventions are context-appropriate and evidence-based. Contribute to the design and operationalization of project interventions, adapting guidelines and strategies based on field realities. Facilitate capacity development through training and workshops, promoting knowledge transfer and sustainability. Strengthen coordination and partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including UN agencies, NGOs, and the private sector, for integrated implementation. Lead field-level stakeholder engagement and communication, ensuring inclusive participation and transparency. Represent the project in relevant forums and working groups. Ensure compliance with UN and FAO standards, including gender equality, social inclusion, conflict sensitivity, and accountability to affected populations. Support data management, monitoring, and reporting systems. Document good practices and lessons learned for continuous improvement. Ensure compliance with donor visibility requirements and communication activities.

Work Experience

At least five years of relevant experience in field-level project implementation and technical support for agriculture or rural development programs. Demonstrated working knowledge of agricultural value chains in Mindanao, including familiarity with at least one priority value chain (soybean, coffee, cattle, cacao, coconut, durian).

Skills

Proficiency in programme implementation and field coordination, with expertise in results-based management, monitoring and evaluation, capacity development, and stakeholder engagement. Ability to collaborate effectively with government agencies, community organizations, and development partners. Strong communication, teamwork, and relationship-building skills. Capacity for knowledge sharing and continuous improvement. Ability to work under pressure in complex humanitarian contexts and within multidisciplinary, multicultural teams.

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