IndirizzoOrganizational Setting
The Statistics Division (ESS) develops and advocates for the implementation of methodologies and standards for data collection, validation, processing and analysis of food and agriculture statistics. In these statistical domains, it also plays a vital role in the compilation, processing and dissemination of internationally comparable data and provides essential capacity building support to Member Nations. In addition, the Division disseminates many publications, working papers and statistical yearbooks, that cover agricultural and food security relevant statistics (including prices, investments, production, trade and agri-environmental statistical data).
The 50x2030 initiative was officially launched at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2018 as a result of a coordinated effort of donors and development partners that have engaged, with the active involvement of low and middle-income participating countries, to a long-term commitment to improve agricultural and rural surveys in order to fill the agricultural data gaps in 50 L/LMICs by 2030.
The Initiative is structured in three Implementation Components, each led by one Implementing Agency: Data Production (FAO), Methods and Tools Development (World Bank) and Data Use (the International Fund for Agricultural Development - IFAD). The ESS is the division in charge of implementation of the 50x2030 Data Production component, through its Survey Team.
By strengthening the capacity of national statistical systems to produce high-quality and timely agricultural data, the main objective of the Initiative is to achieve by 2030 sustainable data systems owned and operated by the Initiative's 50 partner countries. In particular, the 50x2030 Initiative aims at scaling up the use of integrated surveys on agriculture and will support countries towards the implementation of an integrated agricultural survey program tailored to the country's needs, wishes, capacity and potential for technical and financial take-over by the respective governments.
The harmonization of the Initiative's activities is ensured through the services of a strong coordination mechanism, the Programme Management Team. Hosted by the World Bank and based in Rome, the team is managed by a Programme Manager. The Programme Management Team is tasked to implement the directives and vision of the Initiative's Partnership Council which provides strategic guidance to ensure the successful achievement of the Initiative's objectives and scope.
The incumbent will be part of the ESS Survey Team and will contribute to the implementation of the 50x2030 Initiative to close the Agricultural Data Gap. S/he will work in close collaboration with the Programme Manager of the Initative, the ESS staff, Government counterparts, donors and other relevant stakeholders.
The post is located in the Statistics Division, ESS at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.
Reporting Lines
The Resource Mobilization Officer reports to the Senior Coordinator of the ESS Survey Team, under the general supervision of the Director, ESS, and in close coordination with the Programme Manager of the 50x2030 Initiative.
Technical Focus
Resource mobilization for the 50x2030 Initiative.
Key Results
Comprehensive management and organization skills to support the efforts for mobilizing financial resources for the implementation of 50x2030 Initiative.
Key Functions
• Lead the design and implementation of a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with the 50x2030 Initiative's goals and objectives and with 50x2030 mobilization approaches with existing donors; lead outreach to new bilateral donors and the private sector.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with donors, sponsors and funding partners; this involves regular communication, updates and stewardship to ensure ongoing support.
• Lead research to identify potential funding sources, grant opportunities and partnerships; stay informed about industry trends and donor interests.
• Work closely with the Programme Management Team of the Initiative to develop relevant budgets to be discussed with donors.
• Collaborate with all Programme Managers and teams to understand project needs and develop funding proposals that align with the Initiative.
• Make leadership decisions on prioritization of key events and guarantee more active involvement into international platforms and events.
• Develop and maintain effective communication strategies to raise awareness about the Initiative's mission and impact, attracting potential donors and supporters.
• Establish systems for monitoring and evaluating the impact of fundraising efforts; use data to make informed decisions and refine strategies for improved outcomes.
Build and maintain a network of contacts within the philanthropic community, government agencies and other relevant sectors to stay informed about funding opportunities and industry trends.
Specific Functions
Fundraising
• Ensure the mobilization of resources in two complementary areas: (i) in priority mobilizing funds from donors to cover the operational expenses of the initiative's coordination structure (PMT) and address the costs of technical assistance and methodological development for partners implementing the initiative; (ii) contributing to existing fundraising efforts of the PMT (primarily through the International Development Association (IDA) mechanisms of the World Bank) to provide beneficiary countries with the means to finance an integrated system of agricultural surveys over a period of 5 to 7 years;
• Ensure the coherence and consolidation of funding technical assistance through the multi-donor trust fund and direct agreements between donors and implementing partners, and any other potential sources of financing.
Liaison and Representation
• Support the Survey Team leader, ESS and the Programme Management Team of the 50x2030 Initiative in liaising with all 50x2030 stakeholders.
• Represent FAO and the Initiative at international/inter-governmental meetings and conferences.
• Advocate strategic partnerships and good practices and negotiate effective working relationships/consensus and agreements with international and national partners.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree in economics, political science, finances, international relations, development management, or a related field.
• Seven years of relevant experience in fundraising activities at national and/or international level.
• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
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, particularly in field positions, is desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to design a funding strategy with multiple donors and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in negotiating complex funding agreements with bilateral and multilateral institutions.
• Demonstrated skills and experience in managing relations and outreach with partners.
• Experience in conducting research to identify potential funding sources, grant opportunities and partnerships.
