Food Security in North Korea

The purpose of this contract is to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the Food Security assistance provided by the EC. The principal results to be achieved by the consultant in the operation of the FSO are inter alia: Sound, timely and precise monitoring, evaluation and reporting of all EC-funded FS projects (18+) in the DPRK encompassing inter alia food production (including livestock), nutrition, health, water and sanitation and capacity development as well as regular update of lessons learned to both EC and organisations implementing projects. Exhaustive monitoring, evaluation and reporting on the use and condition of agricultural products and equipment purchased/delivered, as well as efficient training to improve servicing and maintenance of said products and equipment. In-depth technical dialogue and knowledge transfer with Korean authorities to improve ongoing and future EC interventions, find possible solutions to the constraints of cooperation in DPRK, and to improve sustainability of best practices developed under projects. Being the focal point for communication between EC and DPRK authorities as well as for other technical institutions, organisations and NGO's to get up-to-date information and advice on particular points relevant to the areas of the EC's interventions in the country. Preparation of the technical parts of supply tenders dossiers (for agricultural products and equipment) as well as sound provision of technical input for drafting Calls for Proposals published by DG DEVCO (in the framework of the Food Security Thematic Programme, under the NSA-LA and Special Measures budget lines). All experts who have a crucial role in implementing the contract are referred to as key experts. The required 220 working days/year of the key experts must be evenly spread over the contract duration in order to avoid long periods of absence. Each expert must spend a minimum of 90% of the working days in the DPRK and must coordinate their leave to ensure a continuous expert presence (apart from the week before Christmas and the New Year) in the FSO. Annual leave must be approved by the Programme Manager in Brussels at least one month in advance. The experts will not work week-ends, except when explicitly required to do so by the Programme Manager - especially when EU/EC delegations are visiting the DPRK.
Qualifications: 
Qualifications and skills Relevant academic qualifications in Agricultural Sciences and/or Rural Development and/or Development Economics or other relevant fields (or equivalent professional experience) Excellent management, communication and reporting skills Excellent negotiation and diplomatic skills for constructive collaboration with the DPRK authorities Excellent interpersonal skills with proven ability to lead and manage a team Fluency in English (spoken and written) Computer literate (for regular reporting and preparation of accounts). General professional experience Preferably 15 years of professional experience, with a minimum requirement of 10 years experience in the field of Food Security with a focus on Rural Development, Agricultural Development , Food processing or equivalent Knowledge of the links between food production/processing and nutrition would be an asset. At least 3 years experience in field work and in project management Professional experience on EC rules and procedures and project cycle management (PCM) would be an asset. Demonstrated experience as team leader would be an asset. Specific professional experience Minimum 5 years of working experience in Asia. Working experience in the field of food processing and/or agricultural business development would be an asset. Previous working experience in fragile countries or in DPKR  would constitute an advantage
Start / Duration: 
The intended commencement date is 1st January 2013 and the period of implementation of the contract will be 36 months from this date.
If you are interested to cooperate with AFC Consultants in this tender, please send your most recent CV to: Barbara.Braun [at] afci.de