Food Security and Nutrition Policy and Governance Specialist

Position description

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the 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 Agrifood Economics and Policy Division (ESA) conducts economic research and policy analysis and provides evidence-based support to national, regional and global policy processes and initiatives related to monitoring and analyzing food and agricultural policies, agribusiness and value chain development, rural transformation and poverty, food security and nutrition information and analysis, resilience, bioeconomy and climate-smart agriculture.

The Division also leads the production of two FAO flagship publications: The State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA) and The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI).

ESA Division also hosts the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) Secretariat, the foremost inclusive international and intergovernmental platform for a broad range of committed stakeholders to work together in a coordinated manner and in support of country-led processes towards the elimination of hunger and ensuring food security and nutrition for all (SDG2). The CFS Secretariat comprises staff and resources from the FAO, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the World Food Programme (WFP). The CFS Secretariat provides technical and administrative support to the Committee, its Plenary Session, Bureau and Advisory Group Meetings and its intersessional working groups.

The position is located in the Agrifood Economics and Policy Division (ESA) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines

The Food Security Policy and Governance Specialist reports to the CFS Secretary and will work in close collaboration with other members of the CFS Secretariat.

Technical Focus

Engagement in and/or support of multistakeholder collaboration, food security and nutrition governance, technical and strategic support to the CFS Secretariat and technical, strategic, and administrative support to the CFS Chairperson.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Coordinate the development, review, and analysis of food security and nutrition policy documents, ensuring alignment and coherence with international frameworks, supporting the drafting background documentation, papers, policy briefs, concept notes, outcomes and others, as requested and needed;
• Support and contribute to the planning and rollout of CFS intersessional and High-Level meetings as established in the CFS Multi-Year Programme of Work (MYPoW) 2024-2027, including planning and organizing Plenary sessions, Bureau and Advisory Group meetings, Bureau meetings, with related supporting material;
• Support activities related to CFS policy convergence processes and other thematic workstreams by providing technical and analytical inputs;
• Coordinate outreach and visibility activities of the CFS Chairperson, including preparation of briefs and speaking notes for meetings and events;
• Prepare CFS Chairperson’s statements, speeches, letters, presentations and articles, in collaboration with the CFS Secretariat;
• Assist and advise the CFS Chairperson in topics related with food security and nutrition in bilateral and multilateral meetings with key stakeholders;
• Perform any other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in economics, political science, food science or a related field;
• At least one year (for PSA.SBS category C), two years (for consultant category C), five years (for category B) or ten years (for category A) of relevant experience in Food Security and Nutrition policy and governance, running intergovernmental/governing bodies’ meetings, or managing programmes in food security and nutrition-related policy work;
• Minimum of five years of relevant experience with intergovernmental and multi-stakeholders platforms and governing bodies;
• UN working experience is considered an asset;
• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English. A second FAO language is an asset.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Facilitate multi-stakeholder platforms, including government agencies, civil society, private sector, and UN agencies, to promote inclusive policy dialogues;
• Advice on issues related to the integration of food security into broader development strategies, including social protection, climate resilience, and economic development plans, gender, youth, education and/or capacity building;
• Develop policy briefs, reports, and recommendations to support decision-makers and influence food security policies;
• Conduct policy research and analysis on emerging food security and nutrition crises, including climate change, conflict, and economic shocks;
• Document and disseminate best practices and lessons learned from food security governance initiatives;
• Proven experience and strong skills in one or more of the key areas of work listed above;
• Proficiency in written and verbal communication, including managing politically sensitive and confidential matters;
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively across the organization;
• Familiarity with FAO Rules and Procedures, FAO mandate, protocol and governance procedures is required.

Selection Criteria

• Extent and relevance of experience in working with inter-governmental bodies and multidisciplinary teams;
• Extent and relevance of experience in coordinating the organization of high-level events and conferences;
• Understanding of FAO policies and programmes is considered an asset.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

Application instructions

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