Mission and objectives

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is one of the United Nations institutions. Founded in 1945, FAO is governed by the Conference of Member Nations which meets every two years to review the work carried out by the organization and approve a Programme of Work and Budget for the next two years. With its headquarters in Rome, FAO has 191 Member Nations, two Associate Members and one Member Organization (the European Union). FAO serves its member countries by bringing technical knowledge to the field; developing and introducing agricultural practices, policies and strategies; protecting and helping rebuild rural livelihoods in crises and providing a forum to discuss important issues for building common understanding among member countries. FAO has implemented more than USD 293 million worth of projects (including emergency) in Pakistan, as well as carried out USD 82.41 million worth of regional projects which have benefitted Pakistan. FAO projects are funded by the organization’s own funds, bilateral and multi-lateral aid agencies and governments including the Government of Pakistan.

Context

Pakistan is predominantly an agriculture-based country with a large rural population dependent on the sector for employment and livelihoods. The country faces increasing challenges from climate change, water scarcity and increased demand for food. Women contribute significantly to agriculture but remain underserved in terms of access to resources. FAO Pakistan has an extensive portfolio of over 45 projects, and a total staff of 386 including national and international personnel. However, gender mainstreaming and reporting on gender initiatives and successes is weak. While the provincial FAO offices in Baluchistan and Multan have a gender specialist and an associate, a specialist is required at the Islamabad office is required to provide strategic direction, coordination and support to all projects in provinces.

Task Description

Under the overall supervision of the Food and Agriculture Organization Representative, direct supervision of the Assistant Food and Agriculture Organization Representative (Programme), and in close coordination with provincial leads and project managers, the Gender Expert will be responsible for ensuring timely and effective delivery of all gender-related activities, including: • Support and promotion of key pathways to advance gender equality across Food and Agriculture Organization Pakistan’s project portfolio • Ensure that ongoing programs align with Food and Agriculture Organization’s Strategic Framework, the Country Programming Framework (CPF), and priorities on gender equality and women’s empowerment • Develop and implement a gender strategy and action plan to guide design and effective execution of projects and support high-quality implementation of initiatives that promote women empowerment. • Enhance capacity of project staff through regular trainings on gender mainstreaming. • Contribute to the development and improvements of gender-sensitive training materials and manuals, Farmer Field Schools (FFS) content and curriculum to ensure they address the needs and capacities of both men and women. • Coordinate with reporting officer and the communication specialist to prepare periodic progress reports, success stories and case studies highlighting gender outcomes in through Food and Agriculture Organization Pakistan projects. • Perform other related duties, as assigned by the supervisor

Competencies and values

• Results Focus • Knowledge Sharing • Teamwork • Communication

Living conditions and remarks

As this is a national UNV assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. UNV Field Unit will help you open a Pak rupee bank account with Standard Chartered Bank or any other local bank at your duty station. Assignment remarks: This is a national UNV assignment, and a Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) of PKR 183,920 is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. Life health and permanent disability insurance are included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents), as well as final repatriation (if applicable) and resettlement allowance for satisfactory service.