Organizational Setting

Guided by the Country Program Framework 2023 -2027, FAO’s country programme in Egypt is aligned with country priorities as expressed in national strategies such as; Vision 2030, Updated Sustainable Agricultural Development Strategy and Action Plan (SADS-2030), National Water Resources Plan 2017-2037, Egypt National Climate Change Strategy-2050 and First Updated Nationally Determined Contributions (2022), National Food and Nutrition Strategy (2022-2030), Egypt National Action Plan for Antimicrobial Resistance (2018-2022), Programmer (2022), National Strategy for the Empowerment of Egyptian Women, 2030, Haya Karima Initiative (Decent Life – Sustainable Rural Communities) 2019-2030, Nexus of Water, Food and Energy (NWFE) Program, and residential Initiative “Bedaya – A New Beginning for Human Building”.
Through the support of various international donors, FAO Egypt is implementing a growing portfolio of projects covering but not limited to; land and water enhancement, agriculture production, animal health, climate change adaptation, agrifood value chain development, food security and nutrition and support to vulnerable rural and smallholder farmers. Further, a pipeline of projects covering climate change adaptation, natural resources management, biodiversity restoration and risk reduction is expected. FAO Egypt also sits in various coordination mechanisms in the country, in a strategic capacity as well as a technical lead for food systems and agriculture.
To deliver its program, FAO Egypt is working with several line ministries such as Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Health and Population, Ministry of Social Solidarity, Ministry of Water Irrigation, and Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Reporting Lines

The Programme Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the FAO Representative/OiC, and the overall supervision of the ADG/Regional Representative for the Regional Office of the Near East and Nort Africa (RNE), and in close collaboration with the Assistant FAOR (Programme) in FAO Egypt and Programme Team.  

Technical Focus

The Programme Specialist will oversee the implementation of the assigned project(s) and contribute to other FAO Egypt projects as required. The role ensures project(s) alignment with FAO's Strategic Framework, national priorities, and donor requirements. The Specialist will also provide technical and operational support to enhance the efficiency and impact of FAO Egypt’s broader portfolio.

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Lead the planning, implementation, and monitoring of assigned project(s) in agriculture and water management.
•     Ensure the timely high-quality delivery of project outputs, including the scaling of modern irrigation technologies and training of target beneficiaries.
•     Coordinate with all relevant stakeholders, including government counterparts, donors, and implementing partners, to ensure alignment with project goals.
•     Provide strategic technical guidance on innovative irrigation methods, climate-smart water management, and gender-responsive practices.
•     Oversee the integration of water-energy-food nexus concepts and sustainability principles into project activities.
•     Provide technical expertise and guidance for the development of technical manuals, training materials, and policy briefs related to sustainable water resource management.
•     Oversee the design and implementation of training programs for farmers, government officials, and extension workers.
•     Oversee the organization and operation of Farmer Field Schools (FFSs) and community-based training sessions.
•     Strengthen institutional capacity for sustainable agriculture and water resource management.
•     Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, private sector actors, NGOs, and donor representatives.
•     Facilitate multi-stakeholder platforms to discuss policy, technical, and operational issues related to the project.
•     In close collaboration with the budget holder, manage the project budget, ensuring efficient use of resources and compliance with FAO financial rules and regulations.
•     Develop and implement a robust M&E framework to track project performance and impact.
•     Lead the preparation and timely submission of high-quality progress and financial reports to FAO Egypt, donors, and stakeholders.
•     Lead or contribute substantively to mid-term reviews and contribute to terminal evaluations.
•     Provide specialized technical and operational support to other water and agriculture projects managed by FAO Egypt.
•     Contribute to the FAO Egypt country programme and advise management on programming opportunities, resource mobilization and partnerships or other upcoming areas of convergence with government priorities.
•     Develop communication materials to disseminate project results and best practices to stakeholders and the wider public.
•     Represent FAO in meetings, workshops, and conferences to advocate for sustainable water and agricultural practices.
•     Identify, assess and monitor potential risks to project implementation and develop and implement appropriate mitigation strategies.
•     Ensure adherence to environmental and social safeguards in all project activities.
•     Mainstream gender equality, climate change adaptation, and environmental sustainability across all activities.
•     Promote nutrition-sensitive agricultural practices and enhance water productivity.
•     Participate in interview panels for the recruitment of other affiliate personnel (but not staff members).
•     Exercise supervisory functions over other affiliate personnel (but not staff members).
•     Perform any other tasks as requested by the FAO Representative.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Engineering, Water Resources Management, Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Natural Resources Management, or a related field; Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
•     At least 5 years of relevant experience in project formulation, implementation, and management, preferably within water management, water governance, irrigation, or natural resources–related projects.
•     Working knowledge (level C) of English and Arabic.

FAO Core Competencies

•     Results Focus
•     Teamwork
•     Communication
•     Building Effective Relationships
•     Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills  

•     Work experience in more than one location or area of work;
•     Extent and relevance of experience in planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of projects.
•     Extent and relevance of experience in coordination with government counterparts, stakeholders and partners.