FAO is recognized as the lead UN technical organization in the fight to eradicate hunger, eliminate rural poverty, and in the promotion of sustainable agriculture, fisheries and livestock development while promoting sustainable management of the environment and natural resources for the benefit of communities and rural people in need.
FAO encourages and facilitates innovation in agriculture through all its form, from the grass-root level to policy support, fostering knowledge sharing and promoting exchange of innovative practices in favour of a sustainable, social and equitable agriculture development. At country level, the innovation team of the FAO Representation in China is responsible for the innovation programme and activities for sustainable food systems and agriculture development
Under the direct supervision of the Assistant FAOR of the FAO China Office, the National UN Youth Volunteer will report directly to the Programme Officer (Partnership and Innovation) of the FAO China Office. S/he will perform the following duties:
Assist to develop and implement innovative activities and projects in the area of linking smallholder farmers to market, digital solutions and Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) for rural revitalization and inclusive rural transformation.
Assist to organize workshops, seminars and conferences on innovation and partnership for rural and agriculture development, contributing to FAO’s One Country One Commodity (OCOC) Initiative, Digital Village Initiative (DVI) as well as Hand-in-Hand Initiative (HiHI).
Assist to map digital-agriculture, food systems development and rural revitalization related strategies and practices at national and regional level, specific to policy and technology transfer.
Assist and support the establishment of innovative partnerships, advocacy and resource mobilization activities in relation to sustainable food system development, digital agriculture and rural revitalization.
Perform any other related tasks as may be required.
Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:
Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day);
Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;
Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.
Skills and experience :
Demonstrated interest and/or experience (up to 2 years) in youth advocacy and innovation programme.
Motivated to contribute towards peace and development and to serve others;
Good interpersonal, networking and communication skills;
Willingness to contribute and work as part of a team;
Flexible and open to learning and new experiences;
Respect for diversity and adaptability to other cultures, environments and living conditions;
Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded;
Computer skills (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, social media, and others).
