OCOP Project Coordinator at FAO

The Regional Office for Africa (RAF) is responsible for leading FAO's response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO's priority activities in the region. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the region and, in collaboration with centres/divisions/offices at headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to regional priorities. RAF also advises on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization's Programme of Work and Budget and implements approved programmes and projects in the region, monitors the level of programme implementation and draws attention to problems and deficiencies. RAF develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions including the Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs). The Regional Office supports regional policy dialogue on food security, agriculture and rural development issues, facilitates the emergence of regional partnerships, and supports capacity development and resource mobilization for food security, agriculture and rural development in the region.



Global Action on Green Development of Special Agricultural Products: One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) is a five-year programme (2021-25) launched by FAO to promote at global, regional and local levels the Special Agricultural Products (SAPs) with unique qualities and special characteristics that can contribute to the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.



OCOP helps countries leverage their potential and identify the SAPs adapted to their agroecological production systems and national or cultural heritage, ensuring improved access to stable markets and acting as a key entry point for reaching their defined priorities.



OCOP was launched in Africa (RAF region) in March 2022, and as of November 2024 there are about 30 countries participating in the initiative. These countries expressed their strong, preliminary interest in promoting the green development of over 18 Special Agricultural Products. These SAPs are from field crops (cassava, cocoa, ground nuts, teff, maize, potato, rice, sorghum and soyabean), horticultural (avocado, baby vegetable, dates, green banana and onion), and forestry (cashew nuts, honey), and livestock (diary and meat).



The post is located in Forestry/NRM Unit of RAF in Accra, Ghana.



Reporting Lines



Under strategic leadership of Deputy Regional Representative and/Regional Programme Leader, and direct supervision of Senior Forestry Officer, RAF. The OCOP Project Coordinator shall work in close collaboration with FAO technical officers (OCOP working team) consisting of the RAF office, Sub regional Focal Points, HQ (NSP Division) and OCOP focal points from all participating countries in Africa region.



Technical Focus



OCOP Project Coordinator will be responsible to ensure the technical quality of activities implemented under the Regional OCOP’s programme, as well as coordinating daily implementation of the initiative.



Tasks And Responsibilities







Update and monitoring of OCOP regional work plan.

Provide day-to-day support on the implementation of the Regional OCOP’s workplan and the preparation of relevant project documents.

Contribute to Country’s OCOP workplan preparation and project implementation (planning, monitoring and reporting).

Contribute to the production of analytical tools, background papers, and prepares related documents/reports.

Support with capacity development activities and concept notes/proposals development for resource mobilization.

Contribute to the production of communication, advocacy materials and outreach activities.

Coordinate and promote collaboration within and across region, sub regions and country offices.

Assist in organization and coordination of internal meetings/workshops, such as Regional Organizing Group meetings (ROGs), project meetings and other events.

Undertake field missions as and when required.

Perform other duties as required by supervisor/office.



CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING



Minimum Requirements







Advanced University degree (M.Sc) in Sustainable Agriculture, Agronomy, Agricultural Economics, Value Chain/Agribusiness, or other related fields.

Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in plant/crop production, agriculture value chain and entrepreneurship, management and operational aspects of delivering programme and projects.

Working knowledge of English (Level C) is required.



FAO Core Competencies







Results Focus

Teamwork

Communication

Building Effective Relationships

Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement



Technical/Functional Skills







Relevant experience in management and operational aspects of delivering programme and projects in large organizations (both technical and managerial experience).

Extent and relevance of experience in participatory strategic planning, managing for results and providing budgetary oversight for programme delivery.

Demonstrated ability to lead teams and collaborate with specialists in other related disciplines (e.g. crops, forestry, livestock, fisheries, entrepreneurship, innovation, policy, etc).

Analytical skills and ability to express clearly technical ideas, both orally and in writing.

Ability to work and act under pressure and with discretion in multicultural environment.

Work experience in more than one location or area of work.

Working knowledge of French (Level C) is considered an asset.



Selection Criteria







Good understanding of agrifood systems and rural development.

Work experience on OCOP thematic areas (production, processing and value addition, storage, markets).

Advanced degree (PhD) will be an asset.

Selection criteria will also adhere with all technical/functional skills.