Mission and objectivesThe Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the Government of Guatemala signed the Country Programming Framework (CPF) 2022-2025, which defines the national priorities that FAO will address through actions at the country level within the scope of strategic framework. These priorities are intended to guarantee the comparative advantages of FAO to contribute to the achievement of the goals established in national policy instru-ments such as: a) the National Development Plan K'atรบn Nuestra Guatemala 2032 (CON-ADUR-SEGEPLAN, 2014), b) the National Development Priorities (SEGEPLAN, 2016), c) the General Government Policy 2020-2024; as well as the United Nations Cooperation Framework for the Sustainable Development of Guatemala (MC), and the 2030 Agenda, which contributes to the three Sustainable Development Goals (SDG): SDG1 (no poverty), SDG2 (zero hunger) and SDG10 (reduction of inequalities).
ContextThe Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations plays a pivotal role in enhancing agricultural productivity and food security worldwide, with a particular focus on supporting rural communities in developing countries. In Guatemala, the FAO's efforts are directed towards empowering local agricultural sectors, promoting sustainable development practices, and improving livelihoods in rural areas. These initiatives are crucial in a country where agriculture forms the backbone of the economy and sustains most of its population. Guatemala faces significant challenges, including climate change impacts, deforestation, and soil degradation, which threaten agricultural productivity and food security. Additionally, the country's rural communities often grapple with limited access to markets, financial services, and modern agricultural technologies. In response, the FAO office in Guatemala is implementing a range of projects aimed at addressing these challenges, fostering sustainable agricultural practices, and enhancing the resilience of rural communities. The project โIncreasing Food Security through Anticipatory Actions and Emergency Responses in Central Americaโ is implemented in coordination with government institutions such as the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food (MAGA), the Secretariat of Food and Nutritional Security (SESAN), the National Coordination for Disaster Reduction (CONRED), Municipalities, and Non-Governmental Organizations such as OXFAM, the Guatemalan Red Cross, and the German Red Cross, funded by the European Union through ECHO. The project focuses on anticipatory actions in response to drought, as well as responding to the damages caused by droughts in previous years, with the ultimate goal of helping families prepare for adverse climate events while also recovering productive assets affected by drought. The project consists of three components: 1. Regional, national, and local disaster preparedness and response systems are strengthened through the adoption of national strategies for Anticipatory Actions; 2. Community-based anticipatory action systems are established, and risk-based anticipatory actions are implemented to mitigate the negative impacts of crises on lives and livelihoods before they occur, in coordination with key partners and government entities; and, 3.The livelihoods of 41,100 vulnerable rural families in Guatemalaโs Dry Corridor affected by an extreme climate event associated with El Niรฑo are restored, strengthened, and diversified through the provision of climate-adapted supplies and cash transfers. The project is being carried out in three territories of the department of Chiquimula: Camotรกn, Jocotรกn, and San Josรฉ La Arada. To support this monitoring work, we are thought in request a United Nations volunteer.
Task DescriptionContribute to the planning, coordination, and implementation of humanitarian interventions within the Emergency and Risk Management Unit of FAO Guatemala, which addresses the immediate needs of vulnerable populations, implements anticipatory actions in response to drought, and supports early recovery efforts. That is to strengthen community resilience in the face of emergencies, use a human rights-based, gender-sensitive, and culturally appropriate approach. Under the direct supervision of the project coordinator, who also leads the Emergency and Risk Management Unit of FAO Guatemala, the volunteer will support humanitarian assistance efforts by carrying out the following tasks: 1. Conduct a diagnosis of the current operations of the Emergency and Risk Management Unit of FAO Guatemala, using the humanitarian response process as a guiding thread. 2. Design an appropriate operational model for the Emergency and Risk Management Unit of FAO Guatemala. 3. Design humanitarian response plans in line with institutional guidelines and humanitarian standards ( Sphere Standards (Esfera), Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), European Community Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO), etc.). 4. Facilitate training sessions on humanitarian response plans aligned with institutional guidelines and humanitarian standards. 5. Conduct field visits to observe the implementation of humanitarian response with partners and local actors. 6. Develop a document outlining the ideal humanitarian response process for communities and families. 7. Facilitate training on conducting rapid humanitarian needs assessments in affected communities. 8. Support the implementation process of the ECHO Project in the territories of Chiquimula.
Competencies and values- Accountability - Adaptability and Flexibility - Building Trust - Commitment and Motivation - Commitment to Continuous Learning - Communication - Creativity - Empowering Others - Ethics and Values - Integrity - Judgement and Decision-making - Knowledge Sharing - Leadership - Planning and Organizing - Professionalism - Respect for Diversity - Self-Management - Working in Teams
Living conditions and remarksThe department of Chiquimula, located in eastern Guatemala, is characterized by a predominantly hot and dry climate, especially in the municipal capital and the municipalities of Camotรกn, Jocotรกn, and San Josรฉ la Arada, which are part of the Dry Corridor region. The municipal capital, Chiquimula, offers better infrastructure conditions, including basic services, commerce, schools, and safer, more comfortable housing options, making it a suitable base for living. In contrast, the municipalities where work will take place consist of rural communities with high poverty rates and limited access to drinking water, healthcare, and employment, as well as a high vulnerability to drought and food insecurity. The region's climate is classified as hot semi-arid (BSh) under the Kรถppen climate classification, with an average annual temperature ranging between 27ยฐC and 30ยฐC. The rainy season typically lasts from May to October, while the dry season spans from November to April, with prolonged periods of intense heat and little rainfall. It is important to be prepared for daily travel on roads with variable conditions and to work in a culturally rich environment, predominantly inhabited by Chortรญ and rural farming populations, who maintain strong traditions and community organization. The basic benefits of this assignment, according to the Conditions of Service for United Nations Volunteers, are as follows: - A monthly basic needs allowance. - A pre-assignment allowance (paid on first payroll). - An end-of-assignment allowance, paid at the end of the contract, upon fulfillment of the relevant conditions and closing obligations. - Medical, life and disability insurance. - Medical insurance for eligible dependents. Refer to the Conditions of Service and insurance policy for details of eligibility and usage. - Vacation of 2.5 days per month cumulative. - Learning platform. Visa process: Most of the time, International UN Volunteers in Guatemala arrive to the country with a โtourist visaโ valid for 90 days. During that period, the Host Agency process a โcourtesy visaโ with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This is the case for almost all nationalities, therefore, in those cases, there is no need to process a previous visa before the arrival to the country. Therefore, all International UN Volunteers traveling to Guatemala need to verify their visas requirements and check if they can enter to Guatemala without a previous visa (and obtain a tourist visa upon arrival) or if they require to request a visa before arrival. They can check this link from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: https://www.minex.gob.gt/Visor_Pagina.aspx?PaginaID=21