The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has emphasized that Ghana’s agricultural future hinges on empowering farmers to take leadership roles across the entire agricultural value chain.
Speaking at the 41st National Farmers Day celebration in Ho on Friday, December 5, the Minister said farmers must not remain passive contributors but should be positioned at the forefront of innovation, value-chain expansion and national food security strategies.
Hon. Eric Opoku praised the resilience, creativity and hard work of farmers and fishers, describing their contributions as central to Ghana’s economic transformation.
He highlighted the strides made under the Feed Ghana programme—including expanded irrigation, mechanisation support, reforms in seed and fertilizer distribution, livestock improvement, and strengthened value-chain development.
He credited the Ministry’s collaboration with research institutions for ensuring that agricultural policies remain science-driven and impactful.
The Minister also thanked key private-sector partners such as ADB, Glico, Stanbic Bank and Sino Machinery, as well as AgriHouse Foundation for organising the National Agricultural Fair at no cost to the state.
According to him, the introduction of the Innovation, Research and Development Session at the fair showcased the scientific capabilities of Ghana’s universities and research bodies.
Mr. Opoku noted that within 11 months, the Ministry has built a strong foundation for agricultural transformation, ensuring that interventions translate into real improvements in rural livelihoods, productivity and opportunities—especially for women and youth in agriculture.
He expressed optimism that with sustained investment and the establishment of the government’s research fund, innovations would move from laboratory testing to practical field application, accelerating Ghana’s agricultural transformation and positioning the country as the “food nation of Africa.
”The Minister encourage1d Corporate Ghana to deepen collaboration with the Ministry to1 scale innovations, strengthen v⅕alue ch¹ains and further empower farmers.
He concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring that farmers and fishers remain leaders of the country’s agricultural space, acknowledging their contribution to sustaining the nation and driving shared progress.
The Government of Canada, through the Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, H.E Myriam Montrat, has strengthened its support for agricultural development in Ghana with the handover of a tractor, three power tillers, and five transplanters to the Michel Camp Women Farmers’ Cooperative.
The gesture, presented at a ceremony held at Michel Camp, is aimed at boosting mechanization, empowering women farmers, and enhancing food production capacity.
H.E Myriam Montrat, the Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana expressing her joy in supporting women farmers cooperatives.
The event brought together officials from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the Kpone Katamanso Municipal Assembly, the Military High Command at Michel Camp, representatives from Global Affairs Canada, and development partners, including the Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) Canada.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Canadian High Commissioner praised the women farmers for their resilience and consistent advocacy for mechanized support.
She recalled that their plea for improved tools was first highlighted during the June 2025 visit of Canada’s Secretary of State for International Development, Honourable Randeep Sarai, an engagement she said deeply influenced Canada’s decision to respond swiftly.“
The President of the women farmers cooperative on the tractor that was donated by the Canadian High Commission
Today is your day,” she told the women. “These machines are not just equipment; they are tools of empowerment that will expand your production, reduce your physical burden, strengthen your leadership in agribusiness, and secure better livelihoods for your families and community.”
She commended MEDA Canada for supporting the procurement of the equipment and praised the Michel Camp Military Command and local authorities for creating a disciplined and supportive environment that enables the cooperative to thrive.
Global Affairs Canada emphasized that the intervention aligns with Canada’s Africa Strategy, which prioritizes women’s empowerment, climate resilience, sustainable development, and inclusive growth. They stressed that empowering women farmers is a direct investment in stronger households and resilient communities.
At the engagement, Ghana’s Minister for Food and Agriculture reiterated the government’s commitment to transforming agriculture and reducing the country’s heavy dependence on food imports, which currently exceeds US$3 billion annually.
He described agriculture as the foundation of national development, noting, “When agriculture goes wrong, nothing else will have the chance to go right.”
The Minister explained that the Feed Ghana Program, launched earlier this year, is designed to boost food production for both consumption and agro-processing. Canada, he said, has been a strong partner in this initiative.
The Agric Minister, Hon. Eric Opoku assuring the women farmers cooperatives the government’s support to strengthen Ghana’s agrifood systems
He highlighted Canada’s recent donation of 25 solar-powered boreholes to support irrigation, ten completed and fifteen nearing completion and emphasized the importance of strong cooperatives in enabling farmers to access modern equipment and negotiate better prices.
The Minister expressed delight that many of the beneficiaries are women-led cooperatives, calling them a model for sustainable agricultural development.
“When farmers come together, it becomes easier for government to support them,” he said. “This equipment would not have been given to one person, but because you are a cooperative, the entire group will benefit, and ultimately, the whole country will benefit through increased food production.”
The Agric Minister and the Canadian High Commissioner joining Michel Camp Women Farmers cooperatives.
He revealed that Ghana now has 70,000 registered farmer cooperatives, with plans to expand this number as part of the Feed Ghana Program.
The Minister also assured the community that the ministry is aware of the malfunctioning solar system and the siltation challenges affecting farming operations at Michel Camp.
He pledged that repairs would begin immediately after the Farmers’ Day celebration.“From Monday to next Friday, you will see action,” he assured, directing his team to move to the field to begin rehabilitation works.
He added that Ghana is shifting from rain-fed agriculture to irrigation-supported farming to ensure consistent year-round food production.
The Michel Camp Women Farmers’ Cooperative expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Government of Canada and its partners for the support. They pledged to make effective use of the equipment to increase production and contribute to national food security.
As Ghana prepares to celebrate Farmers’ Day on December 5, both governments reaffirmed their commitment to deepening agricultural cooperation.
“Canada is here for you,” the Canadian official declared. “Your determination inspires us, and your success strengthens the bond between our two nations.”
The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG), has congratulated all Ghanaian farmers, especially smallholder farmers, for their relentless dedication to sustaining the nation’s food supply.
The association also extended special commendation to potential award winners at both national and district levels, urging them to use the recognition as motivation to increase food production and contribute to Ghana’s food and nutrition security.
In a statement issued on December 4, and signed by their National President, Wepia Adugwala A. Addo, PFAG lauded this year’s Farmers Day theme, “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future,” describing it as timely and aligned with the government’s Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA).
The association acknowledged ongoing government interventions, including the enhanced 2026 agriculture budget allocation, the Feed Ghana programme, the “Nkoko Nkitinkiti” initiative, and the vegetable development project.
PFAG noted that while these interventions are commendable and beginning to yield results, long-standing challenges continue to undermine productivity.
The recent glut of staple foods, the association said, exposes deep-seated post-harvest and supply chain limitations that require long-lasting, systemic solutions.The association stressed the need for expanded investment in production infrastructure.
It welcomed the GH¢105 million earmarked for irrigation and GH¢828 million allocated for agricultural roads in the 2026 budget, but described these provisions as inadequate.
PFAG renewed its call for major irrigation infrastructure across all regions, especially underserved areas, alongside agricultural land banks, solar-powered irrigation systems, and improved road networks that link farming communities to markets.
PFAG also emphasized that tackling post-harvest losses and strengthening market linkages must remain a national priority. It acknowledged ongoing efforts to address food gluts through the resourcing of the National Food Buffer Stock Company and directives requiring public schools to procure local food supplies.
However, it urged the government to pass a binding law that expands this directive to institutions such as NADMO and the security services.
The association argued that a transparent, well-funded procurement mechanism backed by accurate data is essential, along with a long-term national food marketing strategy to prevent future gluts.
Reflecting on recent shocks, including COVID-19, the Russia-Ukraine war, prolonged dry spells, and recurring food surpluses, PFAG said these events have revealed the agricultural sector’s vulnerability.
It urged government to establish an Agricultural Development Fund dedicated to minimizing the impact of national and global shocks and safeguarding farmer investments.
On governance, PFAG expressed concern about the limited support for agriculture at the local government level. It noted that the District Assemblies Common Fund currently lacks provisions for agricultural programmes and that local agricultural offices remain under-resourced.
The association called for a comprehensive review of the DACF formula to include agriculture and increase allocations for district-level implementation.
PFAG further raised alarm over the destruction of farmlands through illegal mining and sand winning. The association described the impact of these activities on food production as “damaging and dangerous” to Ghana’s food security agenda.
It urged the government to take firm and decisive action to protect water bodies and farmlands from what it termed “these terrorists,” stressing that farmers’ livelihoods are under severe threat.
PFAG celebrated the indispensable role of Ghana’s farmers and appreciated government efforts to support the sector. The association, however, reiterated that persistent systemic challenges must be confronted head-on.
It called on the government to treat its recommendations with urgency, noting that improved food sufficiency, reduced import bills, and secured investments depend on immediate and coordinated action.
PFAG also appealed to all stakeholders to work collectively to implement the proposed reforms and build a resilient agricultural system worthy of the sacrifices and commitment of Ghanaian farmers.
UG Nkabom Collaborative, a strategic initiative aimed at transforming Ghana’s agrifood system by empowering youth to take opportunities in the food and nutrition value chain has called for effective partnership to thrive Ghana’s agrifood system.
This call was made when UG Nkabom Collaborative as part of its broader effort to create awareness, and enhance visibility converged the media professionals to share its knowledge to improving Ghana’s agrifood systems.
“We are not only thinking about classroom knowledge, but we are also thinking especially about hands on practical knowledge”, Prof. Richard Aryetey, UG Nkabom team Lead said when explaining the vision, mission and what make UG NKabom different from other programmes.
Prof. Richard Aryetey, the UG Nkabom Collaborative Team Lead, explaining to the media professionals the aims, mission and the vision.
According to Prof, one of the key interventions of UG Nkabom Collaborative is to bring young people together, build their capacity to be able to produce enough and the kind of food that addresses health issues in the system and to address ecosystem problems.
To achieve this, Education, Entrepreneurship and Access and Success are the three main pillars that UG Nkabom Collaborative operate with to change the mind set of the young individuals to improve agrifood systems.
In terms of education, he explained, the beneficiaries, especially those who are already working in agrifood system are trained in short courses that are practical to improve upon their existing ventures. New PhD programmes in sustainable food systems are developed for the frontiers in the agrifood systems to integrate to their already existing knowledge to understand the mixtures of culture to address the agrifood issues holistically.
Entrepreneurship, he said, one of the keyways to alleviate unemployment among the skilled individuals is to create pathways that enable skilled individuals to create their own jobs.
So far, 100 young individuals with rich ideas have been given seed funding to improve on the ideas to prototype level to develop them further.
Women constitute greater percentage working force of the agrifood systems. Women are the main players in the agrifood systems; thus, from production till the food get to the table of the consumer, therefore, the programme prioritises women inclusion.
He added that the programme prioritises persons with disabilities and those who are displaced either politically or any other reason.
“Our unique selling preposition is the systems we are developing and putting in place to make sure we succeed. Our founder is not interested in how many people we have trained or seminars we have organised, our founder is interested in how many descent jobs we have created, how many enterprises we have established. So, from the word go, we are mindful of sustainability.”
Dr. Hayford Mensah Ayerakwa, UG Nkabom Collaborative Education Lead explains the uniqueness of UG Nkabom Collaborative’s programme to other programmes that geared towards achieving food security.
To this, he highlighted, the UG Nkabom Collaborative programme is to train twenty-one thousand young (21000) individuals on the short course and twenty-five (25) at PhD level for the 10 years of the programme’s duration.
Dr. Hayford Mensah Ayerakwa, UG Nkabom Collaborative Education Lead,
Moreover, entrepreneurship is to create fifty-five thousand (55000) jobs and three thousand (3000) enterprises at the end of the 10-year duration.
So far, Dr. said the education has train one hundred and forty-four (144) young individuals on short courses, and hundred (100) young individuals which out of ninety-two (92) have received seed funding of Ninety-two thousand dollars ($92,000).
He called on the general public and the agrifood system enthusiast to partner with UG Nkabom Collaborative thrive Ghana’s agrifood system.
About UG Nkabom Collaborative.
The UG Nkabom Collaborative is a decade-long project led by the University of Ghana to transform Ghana’s agri-food sector by empowering youth.
It is a collaborative effort with key partners like McGill University and the Mastercard Foundation and other institutions, focusing on three pillars: education, entrepreneurship, and access and success.
The project aims to address youth unemployment by creating new academic programs, supporting young entrepreneurs, and offering training and scholarships to underserved youth, with a goal of creating a more inclusive and sustainable agri-food system.Key goals and pillars.
Education: Develop a new generation of professionals for the agri-food sector through academic programs and short courses.
Entrepreneurship: Support young people in starting and scaling their own businesses within the agri-food system through mentorship, incubation, and funding opportunities.
Access & Success: Provide educational scholarships and grants to underserved youth, including internally displaced persons, girls, and people with disabilities, to ensure inclusive participation.
The Volta Region has become the centre of national attention as it hosts the 41st National Farmers’ Day Celebration and Agricultural Exhibition at the Ho Stadium.
The event, opened by the Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, together with the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, highlights Ghana’s commitment to strengthening food security, promoting agribusiness innovation, and honouring the nation’s hardworking farmers.
Agric Minister, Hon Eric Opoku and Ho Minister at the exhibition
Hon. Gunu, in his address, emphasized that this year’s theme, “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future,” aligns with the country’s long-term vision of expanding agro-based industries and ensuring sustainable livelihoods.
He noted that the Volta Region has emerged as a national leader in rice production, aquaculture, cassava processing, vegetable cultivation, and animal husbandry, making it a fitting host for the 2025 celebration.
Hon. Eric Opoku extended deep appreciation to the Government and people of the Volta Region for their exceptional support and readiness to host the national event.
Hon. Agric Minister, Eric Opoku inspecting the display of the livestock at the opening day of the 41st Farmers’ Day exhibition
He commended the Regional Coordinating Council, traditional authorities, and residents of Ho for their cooperation and enthusiasm, which contributed to the success of the celebration.
The Minister also acknowledged universities, research institutions, public sector partners, and exhibitors whose contributions continue to enhance agricultural knowledge, innovation, and public engagement.
The Amasaman Circuit Court has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of a herdsman accused of stealing five sheep, valued at GH¢15,000.
The suspect, Alhassan Yunus, 17, allegedly failed to appear before the Court after being instructed by the Police to do so.
Upon arrest, he is expected to be arraigned together with Mariwan Amadu, who is alleged to have bought the stolen animals.
The Court, presided over by Mrs Akosua Anokyewaa Adjepong, adjourned the matter to December 11, 2025.
Police Chief Inspector Frederick Awuah-Ansah told the Court that the complainant, Mohammed Seidu, a mechanic residing at Obeyeyie near Amasaman, was a neighbour to Yunus. He said Amadu, the alleged receiver, was a trader living at Achiaman.
Chief Inspector Awuah-Ansah said the complainant returned home on July 18, 2025, to discover that his five sheep were missing.
A search led to Yunus, who was found with the animals.
Yunus is said to have admitted the offence and claimed he handed over the animals to Amadu, to whom he owed money.
The prosecution said Amadu was arrested on July 24 and also admitted to receiving the five sheep from Yunus.
He claimed the animals later went out to graze and did not return.
After investigations, Yunus was charged with unlawful entry and theft, while Amadu was charged with dishonestly receiving.
WAAF Agro Ltd, an importer, distributor, and retailer of agricultural inputs including fertilizers has donated inputs to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to support the 41st National Farmers’ Day that would place at Ho in the Volta Region on 5th December 2026.
WAAF exists to provide crop and soil-specific Agro-Inputs to farmers and make them easily accessible and timely available to the farmers in West Africa has donated items worth Forty thousand Ghana Cedis (GHs40,000) to support the national level of the Farmers’ Day.
According to the representative from WAAF, every year, WAAF has been supporting the Farmers’ Day at all the levels, been the district level, regional level and the national level.
As an input dealers, he assured farmers of providing them with quality soil-specific inputs to strengthen Ghana’s agrifood systems and enhance farmers’ livelihoods.
He commended the farmers for their hard work and called on their fellow stakeholders to follow suite to ensure fruitful farmers’ day celebration.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the Minister, Hon. Eric Opoku, the Chief Director of the Ministry, Mr. Paul Siameh expressed his gratitude to WAAF for the kind gesture demonstrated to the farmers.
He mentioned that the farmers will receive the items on the day of celebration and the company’s name would be extoled.
He urged the rest of the stakeholders to come on board to support the gallant farmers to appreciate their efforts for strengthening Ghana’s food security.
Food Preparation & Cooking • Prepare, cook, and present dishes according to restaurant standards and recipes. • Ensure all dishes are delivered with consistent quality, taste, and presentation. • Oversee daily food production and maintain efficiency during service hours. • Adjust recipes and portion sizes as needed while maintaining consistency.
Menu Development • Assist the Head Chef in creating and refining menus, including seasonal specials. • Provide input on new dishes, flavor profiles, and presentation ideas. • Stay updated with culinary trends and integrate innovative techniques where appropriate.
Kitchen Operations & Safety • Ensure all food is prepared in compliance with hygiene, safety, and sanitation standards. • Monitor food storage and rotation to maintain freshness and minimize waste. • Adhere strictly to food safety regulations (HACCP or equivalent). • Maintain a clean and organized workstation at all times.
Inventory & Cost Control • Assist in managing food inventory, including monitoring stock levels and reporting shortages. • Help track food costs and minimize waste through efficient preparation and portion control. • Coordinate with suppliers to ensure timely and quality delivery of ingredients.
Team Leadership & Collaboration • Work closely with kitchen staff to ensure smooth daily operations. • Train junior staff on preparation techniques, recipes, and kitchen protocols. • Communicate effectively with front-of-house teams to ensure timely service. • Support the Head Chef in supervising and motivating kitchen staff.
Quality Assurance • Conduct regular tasting and quality checks during meal preparation. • Address any customer feedback related to food quality in a professional manner. • Uphold the restaurant’s brand and culinary standards at all times.
Qualifications & Requirements • 3–5 years of experience as a Chef, Line Cook, or similar culinary role. • Formal culinary training or certification is an advantage. • Strong knowledge of kitchen equipment, cooking techniques, and diverse cuisines. • Ability to thrive in a high-pressure, fast-paced kitchen environment. • Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills. • Strong communication and teamwork abilities. • Passion for food, creativity, and continuous improvement. • Ability to stand for long periods. • Comfortable working in hot, fast-moving kitchen conditions. • Competitive salary based on experience
Production Planning & Execution • Plan, organize, and manage daily food production activities to meet demand and delivery schedules. • Develop production timelines, allocate tasks, and ensure efficient workflow in the kitchen. • Ensure recipes, portion sizes, and production quantities comply with company standards.
Culinary Quality & Innovation • Oversee food preparation to ensure taste, presentation, and quality meet brand standards. • Develop new recipes, improve menu items, and assist with product development. • Conduct regular tastings and quality checks to maintain consistency.
Staff Management & Training • Supervise chefs, cooks, and production staff; assign duties and monitor performance. • Train and mentor staff on culinary techniques, hygiene, and production procedures. • Manage rostering, shift schedules, and ensure adequate staffing levels.
Inventory & Cost Control • Oversee inventory of raw materials, ingredients, and supplies. • Monitor and control food cost, wastage, and portioning. • Work with procurement to ensure timely and cost-effective purchasing.
Food Safety & Compliance • Enforce compliance with health, safety, and food hygiene regulations (FDA). • Ensure proper storage, labeling, and handling of food items. • Maintain high sanitation standards across all production areas.
Equipment & Facility Management • Ensure kitchen and production equipment are well maintained and functioning properly. • Report faults, schedule repairs, and recommend equipment upgrades when needed.
Reporting & Documentation • Prepare daily/weekly production reports, cost analyses, and inventory records. • Document recipe changes, production issues, and quality control findings. • Track KPIs such as production efficiency, waste levels, and output quality.
Coordination & Communication • Collaborate with procurement, sales, quality control, logistics, and management teams. • Communicate production timelines, challenges, and key updates to relevant stakeholders. • Liaise with management on strategic planning and operational improvements.
Qualifications & Requirements • Degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, Food Production, or related field. • Minimum of 3–7 years experience as a Chef, Sous Chef, or in a managerial position. • Previous experience in high-volume kitchens, catering, or food manufacturing is an added advantage. • Strong knowledge of food production processes, culinary techniques, and kitchen management. • Excellent leadership, communication, and team-management skills. • Strong understanding of food safety regulations and quality standards. • Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities. • Good organizational skills with attention to detail and problem-solving ability.
Key Competencies • Culinary Expertise • Production & Process Management • Leadership & People Management • Time Management • Cost Control & Budgeting • Quality Assurance • Creativity & Menu Development • Strong Work Ethic • Adaptability and Flexibility
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• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture • Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply • Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO’s values • FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination • All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks • All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality • FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.
FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting 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.
Organizational Setting
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Our goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With members ( countries and the European Union), FAO works in more than countries worldwide.
To this end, FAO implements a wide portfolio of projects, programmes, and initiatives across multiple sectors. These include animal production and health, fisheries, food and nutrition, food systems and safety, forestry, social protection, inclusive rural development, information management systems / data systems for monitoring and decision making, land and water, plant production and protection, and others. FAO has a growing portfolio of work in the development and humanitarian (emergency and resilience) sectors.
FAO evaluates the strategic alignment, implementation, efficacy, and efficiency of its portfolio of work through its independent Office of Evaluation (OED), which is led by a Director who reports to the FAO Governing Bodies and to the Director-General.
OED evaluates FAO strategies, initiatives, programmes, and projects at global, regional, and national levels. OED seeks to generate credible and useful evidence and insights to inform decisions, support oversight, and help FAO achieve its mission. In so doing, OED advances knowledge and provides results accountability to both Member nations and the Director-General. OED also participates in system-wide evaluation initiatives, thereby contributing to assessments of development and humanitarian effectiveness by the UN system.
OED values candidates who are highly motivated to excel and want to join OED colleagues in generating transformative knowledge for FAO, its Member nations, and others working in the fields in which FAO operates to achieve its mission of ending hunger!
Reporting Lines.
The Senior Evaluation Officer (Impact Evaluations) reports to the Director of the Office of Evaluation.
Technical Focus.
Leadership in promoting high quality research and evaluations and serving as Senior Liaison Officer with donors and FAO Members.
Key Results
Designs and conducts evaluations of outcomes and impacts; provides quality assurance to enhance the quality of OED research and evaluations; publishes and serves as liaison with donors/Member nations and represents OED in national and international events thereby contributing to enhanced results-accountability to the Director-General, the Governing Bodies, and donors; enriched learning by FAO and others working in the fields in which FAO operates; and mentoring of junior evaluation staff.
Key Functions.
Provide technical leadership in research and evaluations.
Design and lead rigorous evaluations of projects, programmes, and operations, especially impact evaluations.
Apply (and enforce in others) rigorous analytic thinking in leading/conducting analyses (qualitative and quantitative) and
preparing dissemination materials (reports, papers and journal articles, presentations, and so on).
Participate actively and productively in multidisciplinary evaluation teams, often with internal and external partners.
Provide substantive leadership and expertise in at least one area of FAO’s work such as agriculture, agrifood systems,
climate change, nutrition, water, women’s economic empowerment, and other areas in development and emergency settings
and one cross-cutting theme or accelerator of change per FAO’s Strategic Framework, such as private sector engagement,
data and technologies, and innovations.
Serve as liaison officer
Represent the Office of Evaluation before donors and Member Nations
Strengthen relationships with donors and Member Nations through the conduct of the work
Promote use of evaluation findings and response to recommendations
Provide quality assurance across the portfolio of evaluations.
Review evaluation outputs and provide detailed feedback (such as evaluation designs and reports)
Assess evaluation outputs to provide approval (for release or publication, payments to partners, and so on)
Maintain technical leadership
Keep abreast of methodological developments in evaluation
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a social science field (such as economics, sociology, or psychology) or evaluation, with a focus on research and evaluation methods.
Ten years of experience conducting rigorous evaluations, especially impact evaluations.
Three publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Working knowledge (proficiency – level C) of English.
Intermediate knowledge (intermediate – level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
Competencies
Results Focus
Leading, Engaging and Empowering
Strong Communications Skills
Partnering and Advocating
Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Strategic Thinking
Technical/Functional Skills.
Ph.D. is highly desirable
A career focused on conducting evaluations is required
Extent and relevance of technical expertise in leading and conducting rigorous evaluations (that is, using designs that are well aligned with the evaluation questions and, seeking to measure impacts, using designs that establish cause and effect relationships) as demonstrated by at least 3 publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Extent and relevance of work experience conducting evaluations in substantive fields related to FAO’s mission (agriculture, agrifood systems, climate change, nutrition, water, women’s economic empowerment, and other areas in development and emergency settings) and in other key elements of FAO’s Strategic Framework (such as private sector engagement, data and technologies, and innovations), especially considering priorities of FAO donors in the locations of the duty stations and as demonstrated by the publication record.
Proven ability to deliver clear and concise reports and presentations as demonstrated through: a writing sample of an impact evaluation conducted, a presentation based on that writing sample, and a brief justification for the writing sample selected (all to be uploaded and submitted with the application).
Candidates considered qualified may be asked to deliver a presentation on a topic to be provided.
Work experience in more than one location or area of work.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ GENERAL INFORMATION• FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment• Extension of fixed term appointments is based on certification of performance and availability of funds• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ CONDITIONS OF SERVICEA competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click on the following link: Other benefits, subject to eligibility, include: • Dependency allowances • Rental subsidy • Education grant for children • Home leave travel • 30 working days of annual leave per year • Pension fund entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund • International health insurance; optional life insurance • Disability protectionFAO encourages a positive workplace culture to increase inclusivity and diversity within its workforce. FAO applies measures in which all staff members contribute equally and in full to the work and development of the Organization. This includes: • elements of family-friendly policies • flexible working arrangements • standards of conduct
