National Knowledge Management Specialist (SSTC Sahel Project)

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through 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.

The Regional Office for Africa (RAF) 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 divisions/offices/centres at headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to regional priorities. RAF 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. RAF develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions including the Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs). 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.

The SSTC Sahel Project aims to strengthen irrigation, water management and land restoration capacities across Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mauritania. The position provides overall coordination and technical backstopping to ensure coherent project delivery across the region.

Objectives of the post:
• Systematic capture, organization, and internal dissemination of SSTC Sahel project knowledge
• Functional KM repository accessible across participating units
• High-quality learning products and synthesized knowledge outputs
• Strengthened internal learning and knowledge flows among five countries
• KM inputs integrated into project reporting and decision-making

The post is located in Accra, Ghana.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Regional South–South Cooperation Officer (RAF) and will also Collaborate with technical units, FAO Country Offices, PSTD, and UNOSSC.

Technical Focus

Knowledge management systems development, structured knowledge capture, synthesis, repository management, and facilitation of internal learning and cross-country exchange under a multi-country project architecture.

Tasks and responsibilities

Under the daily supervision of the Regional SSTC Officer, the incumbent will:

Knowledge Capture

• Collect project documentation, mission reports, training materials, technical outputs, country-level data, and lessons learned
• Conduct structured interviews with technical officers and national consultants to extract tacit knowledge

Knowledge Synthesis

• Prepare learning briefs, thematic summaries, lessons-learned notes, and internal analysis papers
• Identify cross-country trends, innovations, bottlenecks, and emerging insights

Knowledge Organization & Repository Management

• Develop and maintain a structured internal KM repository for RAF, PSTD, UNOSSC, and FAO country offices
• Ensure metadata standards, classification, and version control

Knowledge Sharing & Internal Learning

• Coordinate internal learning sessions, technical exchanges, and reflection meetings
• Produce KM dashboards for tracking knowledge products and knowledge use

Reporting Contributions

• Provide KM inputs for quarterly, annual, and donor reporting
• Produce the project’s internal Lessons Learned & Good Practices Portfolio
Specific Function
• Coordinate the development and implementation of a structured knowledge management system for the SSTC Sahel Project.
• Lead the consolidation and synthesis of technical information received from the five participating Sahel countries.
• Ensure that knowledge capture processes (documentation, interviews, field data collection) follow established methodologies across countries.
• Oversee the quality assurance of knowledge products, including learning briefs, thematic summaries, and lessons-learned reports.
• Support cross-country harmonization of KM tools, templates, and methodologies.
• Prepare and deliver internal knowledge-sharing webinars, virtual exchanges, and learning events.
• Monitor the use and engagement of the KM repository and propose improvements to functionality and user experience.
• Coordinate with FAO technical divisions, RAF units, PSTD, UNOSSC and Country Offices to ensure the continuous flow of knowledge.
• Identify operational challenges in knowledge flows or information gaps and propose corrective actions.
• Ensure that all knowledge products comply with FAO and UNOSSC visibility and ethical standards (including consent and multimedia protocols)

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in communications, journalism, development studies, knowledge management, or related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in communication, international documentation, knowledge management and/or outreach in international organizations, or in private enterprises including experience in developing countries.
• Working knowledge of English (level C)
• National of Ghana

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Intermediate knowledge of French is considered an asset
• Familiarity with FAO, UN, and donor visibility rules
• Experience in agriculture or development projects is an asset.
• Demonstrated experience setting up and managing knowledge systems
• Strong analytical and synthesis skills
• Proven ability to develop knowledge products (briefs, reports, lessons learned)
• Experience facilitating learning sessions or cross-country exchanges
• Ability to work with multidisciplinary, multi-country teams
• Multimedia capture and documentation experience is an advantage
• Proven ability to produce success stories, knowledge briefs, and multimedia content

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 http://www.whed.net/
• 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.