Food Systems Coordinator

Decades of conflict in Somalia have profoundly affected its food systems, leading to recurring food insecurity and crises. Despite averting famine through intensified efforts, over 8.3 million people still require humanitarian assistance. Climate-induced shocks, armed conflict, and economic disparities contribute to acute food insecurity, with 3.7 million people affected and expected to rise to 4.3 million by late 2023. However, national initiatives like the ‘National Pathways’ and the Food Security Crises Preparedness Plan offer hope for resilience-building. Collaborative efforts involving the UN, government, and global partners aim to prevent future crises and promote sustainable solutions. A consultant is sought to enhance coordination and support key stakeholders in this vital mission.

What will you do? (not all-inclusive)

Working under the strategic leadership of DSRSG/RC/HC and in close consultation and cooperation with the HCT/UNCT and relevant UN agencies and partners in Somalia, the Consultant will:

• Coordinate UNCT support for the Food Security, Nutrition, and Climate Council and Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation.
• Support Somalia Food Systems Task Force led by FAO and WFP in operationalizing Food Systems Pathways.
• Strengthen linkages between Food Security Crisis Preparedness Plan and existing frameworks.
• Lead national-level actions aligning with Somalia’s food systems priorities and SDG transitions.
• Develop inter-agency programming for food systems strengthening and crisis prevention.
• Advocate for innovative financing, including climate-financing and private sector investment.
• Identify and document good practice lessons for food systems transformation.

Key deliverables

• Integrated capacity strengthening plan to support the institutionalization of the Food Security, Nutrition and Climate Council with inputs from UNCT agencies, on the basis of their respective comparative advantage.
• Recommendations for UNCT engagement on the integration of food systems strengthening within the development of the 10th National Development Plan.
• Design and adoption of a light monitoring mechanism to be led by the Federal Government and shared to relevant stakeholders to track programmatic contributions to collective outcomes in support of Somalia’s National Pathways for food systems strengthening.
• Recommendations and guidelines for the integration of processes to manage and sustain the Food Security Crisis Preparedness Plan within existing platforms and mechanisms.
• Facilitation of periodic dialogues with UNCT members on opportunities for joint, or area-based programming that incorporates the appropriate layering and sequencing of humanitarian development and peace efforts.
• Mapping of financing instruments and existing and potential financing partners to identify opportunities for the scaling up of innovative financing instruments and scaling up of investments from new or non-traditional financing sources.
• Development of a report on good practice examples from the Somalia context in advancing the UNSG call to Action for Accelerated Food Systems Transformation.

Are You Competent For This Role? Do You Have:-

• A Good level of analytical and report consolidation/writing skills and experience.
• Experience of high-level coordination and chairing of meetings, ability to work with a diverse group of stakeholders and develop consensus and joint working.
• Ability to work and plan at strategic and operational levels.
• An Understanding of the international humanitarian response architecture, including humanitarian principles, coordination mechanisms, humanitarian reform and action, and funding mechanisms
• Ability to express and summarize ideas orally and in writing in a diplomatic and inclusive manner.
• Ability to organize workshops, meetings and to present outcomes on behalf of a group of stakeholders.

Do You Meet the Minimum Requirements?

• Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in international relations, social science, political science or a related field is required.
• Experience: At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in development, humanitarian or resilience programming, ideally with focus on fragility and crisis, is required. Extensive knowledge and previous work experience with regional or country-specific strategies focused on fragility and crises is desirable. Experience from work in Somalia is desirable.
• Language: International Professional: Fluency (level C) in English language

Source:https://career5.successfactors.eu//career?career_ns=job_listing&company=C0000168410P&navBarLevel=JOB_SEARCH&rcm_site_locale=en_GB&career_job_req_id=832870