Capacity Building 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. Operating in over 130 countries, FAO supports the transformation to efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. FAO Country Offices provide policy advice, technical assistance, and capacity development, aligning with national priorities and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. This position is based in the FAO Country Office in Syria.

Job Purpose

The Capacity Building Specialist will support the design and implementation of comprehensive capacity-building programs, foster institutional learning, and drive staff development initiatives. This role is crucial for enhancing the capabilities of the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and its policy-related units. The specialist will contribute to strengthening the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the MoA's operations through targeted training and development activities, ensuring alignment with FAO's strategic objectives and national agricultural development goals in Syria.

Responsibilities

The Capacity Building Specialist will conduct training needs assessments to identify key development areas. They will design and implement effective training and learning programs, developing relevant training materials and knowledge resources. Responsibilities include facilitating workshops, seminars, and peer-learning activities to promote knowledge exchange. The specialist will also support the monitoring and evaluation of training programs to assess their impact and effectiveness. This includes preparing annual training and capacity-building plans, organizing technical workshops, and developing training manuals. Additionally, the role involves supporting mentoring and coaching programs, facilitating knowledge exchange and exposure visits, and continuously monitoring the effectiveness of all training activities.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in training and capacity development is required. Experience in designing and implementing training programs, conducting needs assessments, and developing training materials is essential. Experience working with government ministries or international organizations in a similar capacity is highly desirable.

Skills

Key skills include strong facilitation and training design capabilities, with experience in adult learning methodologies. The ability to develop comprehensive training materials and manuals is crucial. Excellent coordination and communication skills are necessary for effective collaboration and knowledge sharing. Experience in monitoring and evaluating learning programs is important. Familiarity with UN agencies and the FAO system is preferable, along with a results-focused approach, teamwork, and the ability to build effective relationships and share knowledge.

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