Agriculture and Food Security Expert

The African Union (AU), established in 2002 as a unique Pan African continental body, is charged with spearheading Africa’s rapid integration and sustainable development by promoting unity, solidarity, cohesion, and cooperation among the peoples of Africa and African States as well as fostering international cooperation. Its Headquarters is located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

 Only applicants from the AU member states will be considered.

Job Purpose 

• Provide technical support in the preparation and implementation of programmes developed out of the Division’s strategic plan.
• Ensure effective coordination and implementation at various levels.
• Liaise with Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and other stakeholders on relevant matters.
• Prepare and develop reports, budget and work programmes related to the functioning of the Division.
• Provide technical support for the development of resource mobilization strategy with stakeholders coordination
• Conduct complex analysis and generate accurate reports in a timely manner for the Division and AU’s internal use.
• Liaise with the various Departments/Units of the Commission for coordination and alignment purposes
• Prepare budgets for the Division in accordance with relevant frameworks. Support the promotion of the activities of the Division including preparing leaflets, guidelines and fact sheets as may be required.
• Actively contribute in the development of strategies, policies, programmes and plans.

 Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate the development and implementation of appropriate policies, frameworks, strategies and programmes related to food and nutrition Security;
• Identify and coordinate actions which will have a strategic impact on food security conditions in a post-COVID environment.
• Support the implementation of policies, strategies and programmes on food security and nutrition under a multidisciplinary vision of the Malabo Declaration, SDGs, Agenda 2063 and the African Common Position of the UNFSS.
• Develop work plans and prepare periodic reports on the implementation of AU Assembly and STC, ARDWE Decisions, policies, frameworks to enhance food and nutrition security.
• Initiate, maintain, establish and operationalize platforms for high level political engagements on food and nutrition security including coordinating the commemoration of the Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security.
• Contribute to continental food security and nutrition reporting and scorecard.
• Initiate, maintain, and/or strengthen strategic partnerships with key stakeholders and build consensus and agreements on the agenda of food security and agriculture.
• Undertake capacity building initiatives and outreach activities to strengthen awareness and early warning systems for food insecurity and food shortage situation and propose remedial strategies.
• Represent the Commission at international/inter-governmental meetings and conferences, advocate for collaboration, best practices, and increased policy dialogue.
• Provide support in documenting and sharing best practices on food and nutrition security.
• Participate in intra- and inter-departmental programme activities which are related to food and nutrition security.
• Work closely with AUDA-NEPAD and Regional Economic Communities to provide technical support to strengthen the capacity of Member States in the areas of food security analysis.
• Perform any other duties that may be assigned by the supervisor.

Required Skills and Experience

Education and Work Experience

• A Master’s Degree in  Agricultural Sciences, Social Sciences, Agricultural Economics, Economics, Development Studies or any related field.
• A certificate in food and nutrition security is an added advantage.
• A minimum of seven (7) years experience at continental level on food systems and agricultural transformation  of which three (3) years should be at expert level.

 OR

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Sciences, Social Sciences, Agricultural Economics, Economics, Development Studies or any related field.
• A certificate in food and nutrition security is an added advantage.
• A minimum of ten (10) years experience at continental level on food systems and agricultural transformation,  of which three (3) years should be at expert level.

Source: https://ekum.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_2019/requisitions/job/14697