National Emergency and Resilience Specialist
Organizational Context
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supports agrifood systems transformation for better production, nutrition, environment, and life. As a UN specialized agency, FAO leads global efforts to achieve food security for all. Operating in over 130 countries, FAO Country Offices provide policy advice, technical assistance, and capacity development, aligning with national priorities and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. The FAO Representation in Bangladesh leads the country's response to food security and rural development challenges, working closely with the government and partners to build resilience against climate and disaster risks.
Job Purpose
The National Emergency and Resilience Specialist will provide technical leadership for FAO's Emergency and Resilience Unit in Bangladesh, focusing on food security, emergency livelihoods, food-system resilience, disaster risk reduction, and anticipatory action. This role supports the International Team Leader in coordinating the US Macro Grant project, ensuring alignment with FAO's strategic priorities, national needs, and humanitarian coordination mechanisms. The incumbent will offer strategic direction, foster collaboration with internal and external partners, and contribute to the development of the country's programme and portfolio in emergency and resilience programming.
Responsibilities
Lead and coordinate FAO’s Emergency and Resilience Unit (ERU) at the national level, providing technical and operational direction for its preparedness, response, anticipatory action, and resilience portfolio. Provide technical leadership on food security assessments, emergency assistance, livelihood needs, response planning, and resilience-building. Develop and coordinate emergency preparedness and response strategies, including anticipatory action and disaster risk reduction. Manage the implementation of the US Macro Grant project, ensuring adherence to the results framework, workplan, budget, and donor commitments. Collaborate with support functions (Operations, Procurement, Finance, M&E) to ensure timely project delivery and escalate bottlenecks. Coordinate with the Cox’s Bazar Emergency Team and other FAO units for complementary interventions and knowledge sharing. Represent FAO in interagency coordination meetings and provide technical advice to management, project teams, and partners. Ensure interventions are evidence-based and appropriately targeted, supporting proposal development and reporting. Promote integration of cross-cutting issues like gender and protection. Strengthen capacity of staff, counterparts, and partners. Conduct field missions for oversight and facilitate corrective actions. Contribute to resource mobilization and portfolio development.
Work Experience
Requires at least 9 years of progressively responsible professional experience in food security, emergency response, humanitarian programming, livelihoods, disaster risk reduction, resilience, or anticipatory action. Significant experience in programme coordination and management is essential. A Master's degree in a relevant field such as Agricultural Economics, Agriculture, Agronomy, Development Studies, Disaster Risk Reduction, or Climate Change/Resilience is also required.
Skills
Key skills include results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing. Technical expertise in food security analysis and programming, humanitarian/emergency response and resilience programming, emergency preparedness, anticipatory action, and livelihood protection/recovery is crucial. Proficiency in programme/project coordination, strategic planning, and working with government, UN, and humanitarian coordination bodies is necessary. Strong analytical, communication, and report-writing skills, along with team leadership, coordination, and mentoring abilities, are required. Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office, email, and internet are essential, alongside good diagnostic, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.