Food Security Policies Specialist

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• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply;
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO’s values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination　　
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

Organizational Setting

The project TCP/CVI/3905 – Technical Assistance for the Development of the National Food Security and Nutrition Strategy of Cabo Verde (ENSAN) by 2030 aims to revise and update the 2020 National Food Security and Nutrition Strategy with a territorial approach to food systems.

The project will have the following outcome: A National Food Security and Nutrition Strategy is prepared with a coherent and effective territorial approach, improving food security and nutrition for the population, ensuring access to healthy, balanced, and sustainable food, while strengthening food systems resilience, family farming, nutrition, and the human right to food.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will be placed under the general supervision of the FAO Representative Cabo Verde, the technical supervision of the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) and will work in close collaboration with FAO REP – Program Assistant and other project consultants.

Technical Focus

The Food Security Policies Specialist will be tasked to guide the Ministry of Agriculture and national consultants in developing a national diagnosis of food and nutrition security with an emphasis on (i) institutional issues (ii) general policy and food policy, (iii) Food availability, (iv) access to food, (v) consumption/quality and use of food, (vi) nutritional status and context, and (vii) stability and vulnerability of the food and nutrition system; (viii) Food Security Information Systems; (IX) Research and Training. In each element, special attention will be paid to decentralization of powers and responsibilities at the local level; The impact of urbanization on the food system; Identification of types of food producers and other vulnerable social groups.

Tasks and responsibilities

In particular, the Food Security Policies Specialist will:

• Evaluate the implementation, coordination, and coherence of policies in the country and consider instruments that can advance their implementation and execution to achieve expected results.
• Based on the evaluation and diagnosis, prepare a strategy guidance document for government validation and further work.
• Revise and update the National Food Security and Nutrition Strategy with a territorial approach, focusing on nutrition and the human right to food.
• Coordinate the organization of a workshop to present the evaluation of ENSAN 2020 and the document to evaluate and validate the National Food Security and Nutrition Strategy for 2030.
• Develop the official proposal of the National Food Security and Nutrition Strategy with a territorial approach for government approval.
• Develop, with the support of other consultants, a National Action Plan for Food Security and Nutrition 2024-2026.
• Submit the products of the different stages to the multisectoral steering committee meetings for validation and guide the work.
• Any other duties required by the supervisor.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced degree in Food Security, Nutrition Strategy or related fields;
• At least 5 years of experience in planning, implementing projects related to Food Security, Nutrition Strategy and related fields;
• Working knowledge (full proficiency – level C) of English or French;
• Woking knowledge of the Portuguese language is considered as an asset;

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work.
• Excellent verbal and writing skills;
• Good writing skills in English or French;
• Experience in managing or coordinating projects, especially those related to Food security and Nutrition Strategy;Extent and relevance of experience in development work and/or designing and managing projects, interacting with partners and with governments, international organizations, research institutions, civil society and the private sector.
• Extent and relevance of experience in contributing to programme strategies and policy position on food security contexts, at both global and country levels.
• Good communication skills with communities and professional organizations in Food Security and Nutrition Strategy and related fields;
• Ability and interest in using computer tools;
• Knowledge of the UN will be an asset.

Selection Criteria

• Woking knowledge of the Portuguese language is considered as an asset;

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

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp

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