Expression of Interest for a Local Project Formulation Specialist (Digitalization) in Kosovo

	 	 
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
FOR
A LOCAL PROJECT FORMULATION SPECIALIST (DIGITALIZATION) IN KOSOVO
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations leads international efforts to defeat hunger and to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives.
The Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU) 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 departments and divisions at Headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to regional priorities. REU 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. 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.
In 2022, FAO through the Initiative for the Development of Agriculture of Kosovo (IADK) carried out an assessment of the digitalization of agriculture in Kosovo, which was complemented by a study on gender conducted by the Kosovo Women Network (KWN). Based on the findings of this research, as well as additional research and consultations to be conducted.
In this framework, FAO is looking for a local project formulation specialist that will develop project proposals for resource mobilization in the field of digitalization in agriculture and rural areas in Kosovo.

Review research studies, existing reports, past programmes, projects, strategies and initiatives in the field of digitalization in agriculture and rural areas in Kosovo* to identify entry points for FAO's intervention;
Liaise with stakeholders to identify priorities for the digitalization of the sector that require FAO’s support, as well as with other potentially relevant stakeholders (academia, NGOs, FAO, other project staff);
Identify potential rural areas where Digital Village approaches could be piloted by applying FAO DVI readiness assessment tool, engaging with and interviewing local stakeholders to understand needs and gaps, strengths and opportunities for the introduction of the FAO Digital Village Initiative;
Based on the above analyses and stakeholders’ feedback, draft project proposals for the digitalization of agriculture and rural areas in close coordination with the national gender officer, including narrative, rational, budget, timeframe
Engage in field missions to rural areas in Kosovo as needed;
Provides other related support as required.

If you possess:

An university degree in these fields: economics, statistics, agriculture, development studies, environmental sciences, computer science and engineering, communications, or related studies;
At least 5 years of work experience in project formulation, research, digitalization, agriculture and rural development, or related fields
Excellent knowledge of the local context and the local authorities;
Excellent command of local language(s) and English including excellent written abilities in English

Please send an expression of interest including CV, a cover letter and Letter of References from previous similar assignments at the following email address: ardiana.hamiti@fao.org, not later than 17:00 PM, Friday 19 August 2022. Women are encouraged to apply and will be given priority.