Job Description National Agricultural Cooperatives Specialist
Primary Location
: Saudi Arabia-Riyadh
Organizational Setting
The Programme Management Unit (PMU) of the FAO-Saudi Technical Cooperation Programme (2019-2025) facilitates, coordinates and manages all technical and advisory services to be provided by FAO to the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MoEWA). The project “UTF/SAU/051/SAU Strengthening MoEWA’s Capacity to Implement the Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Programme” is the first project that has been approved within the framework of the FAO-Saudi Technical Cooperation Programme (2019-2025). The project will provide technical and advisory assistance to the MoEWA in implementing its flagship Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development programme that has recently been approved within the context of the National Transformation Programme of the Saudi Vision 2030. The project expected results will be achieved through the implementation of nine project components: 1) Development of coffee Arabica production, processing and marketing; 2) Development of beekeeping and honey production; 3) Development of rose production and trade; 4) Development of sub-tropical fruits production, processing and marketing; 5) Strengthening capacity of small-scale fishermen and fish farmers; 6) Strengthening capacity of small-scale livestock herders; 7) Development of rain-fed cereals production; 8) Enhancing value addition from smallholdings and rural activities; and 9) Strengthening MoEWA’s capacity in sustainable management of rangelands, forests and natural resources to support rural livelihoods.
Under Result Area 8, FAO is strengthening the target agricultural cooperative in the Kingdom. The business organization is one of the critical subcomponents in strengthening the Saudi agricultural cooperatives. To ensure strong agri-cooperative business organisations, the FAO seeks a National Professional Personnel (NPP) - Agricultural Cooperatives Specialist to work in building the capacity of rural agriculture institutions and small producers enhanced for better access to resources, services and markets.
Reporting Lines
The incumbent will work under the overall guidance of the Chief Technical Adviser and in close consultation with the Technical Advisor – Agricultural Cooperatives Development, and other component team members.
Technical Focus
The National Agricultural Cooperatives Specialist will develop the technical capacities of officers in the target agricultural cooperatives, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MoEWA), the Ministry of Human Resource and Social Development (MoHRSD), and the Cooperative Societies Council (CSC).
Tasks and responsibilities
The incumbent will be responsible to:
• Coordinate consultations with MoEWA, CSC, and MoHRSD to identify agricultural cooperatives in the target regions and value chains;
• Continuously map and liaise with potential external stakeholders (especially marketing and financial agencies) supporting the target agricultural cooperatives for enhanced linkages;
• Study the governance and business models concerning the services offered by the target agricultural cooperatives and identify areas of strengths and weaknesses;
• Offer technical advisory support to the individual target agricultural cooperatives concerning strategy, governance, business activities, human resources, financing, and technology.
• Coach the target cooperative board(s) on strong governance and management structure/systems,
• Participate in the facilitation of the target cooperatives leaders and managers on drafting and reviewing by-laws, and internal operational policies.
• Participate in the facilitation of the target cooperatives’ leaders and managers on business models and plans.
• Support the development and sharing of training and awareness materials for leaders and managers of the target agricultural cooperatives .
• Raise awareness among the cooperatives on coherence with and adherence to the existing government laws and development strategies, including Saudi Vision 2030.
• Organize cooperative business learning and engagement forums at national and regional levels.
• Organize training and study tours for target cooperative members, leaders, and managers.
• Link the target cooperatives with other cooperatives, the private sector, and government programs.
• Promote the use of digital platforms and other technology systems in the governance and management of the target cooperatives.
• Provide guidance and support to strengthen members-board and management relationships in target cooperatives.
• Guide the realization of business plans for target agricultural cooperatives, and the identification and mobilization of goods, services and finances needed to implement work plan activities.
• Monitor the capacity and performance of the target cooperatives using the Agricultural Cooperative Business Capacity and Performance Index (ACCPI) tool, Economic Performance Index and Social Performance Index tools.
• Assist in the formation of new agricultural cooperative associations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements • University degree in Business Administration, Agriculture, Public Administration, or related studies .
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, including in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, experience managing or providing advisory services for, cooperatives/civil societies organizations development, conducting organizational development assessments and defining/implementing development plans, defining and/or managing capacity development initiatives in fragile contexts, and developing cooperative business plans
• Working knowledge (level C) in Arabic and limited knowledge (level B) in English
• National of of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Practical demonstrated work experience in smallholder cooperative group formation, education, and training.
• Extent and relevance of experience in agricultural cooperatives development.
• Familiarity with project management skills including familiarity with results frameworks, project work planning and budgeting.
• Demonstrated communication skills.
• Analytical skills and the ability to write clear and concise reports are considered strong assets.
• Strong computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing) Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/ Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
HOW TO APPLY
• To apply, visit the recruitment website at and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Candidates may be requested to pr
