Organizational Setting

Wholesale markets play a strategic role in the food supply of cities, which are key in guaranteeing a varied and healthy diet, promoting food culture, the functioning of the agri-food system and food security for the population.
In the Region, it is estimated that there are around 300 public and private wholesale food markets, with different sizes and forms of organization, which constitute an important economic unit in terms of direct and indirect creation of jobs, and rural and urban development, thus fulfilling a significant role in the economy and in the daily life of cities.
In this sense, the FAO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean and the Latin American Federation of Wholesale Food Markets (FLAMA) established a joint work strategy at the regional level to improve management and promote the modernization of the wholesale markets through the south-south cooperation. It also seeks to enhance wholesalers’ efficiency and contribution to guaranteeing quality food, especially for the most vulnerable and food-insecure populations, and contribute more strategically to the transformation of agri-food systems.
This initiative, several technical cooperation and technical assistance projects were established for the strategies against Covid consequences, modernization of the wholesale and retail markets toward price transparency, strategies to improve digitalization and efficient management, reduce, FLW and Food Banks strategies, food safety and quality, traceability, circular economy and stimulus to family household agriculture of the WFM.
To support the development of sustainable agri-food systems, within activities aimed at achieving Better Environment guidance, the FAO has established partnerships with organisations representing traditional food markets, both public and private, including wholesale markets and traditional markets.
The FAO-FLAMA alliance contributes to strengthening national capacities and the development of intersectoral and institutional articulated work methodologies, sharing good practices developed in many countries that guide efforts to contribute to the fulfillment of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

This Cooperative Network wholesale food markets initiative to promote efficient, inclusive and sustainable food systems in Latin America was recognized as Good Practices in South-South Cooperation and Triangular Cooperation.

The goal is to involve and coordinate these key economic agents in promoting food security and food supply for cities.

The mission will deliver cutting-edge advisory services and technical support to national food supply programmes, as well as to key organisations and representatives involved in the coordination, management, and modernisation of traditional wholesale and retail food markets across Latin America and the Caribbean.

The actions will include producing studies and reports on the modernisation of these markets in alignment with the ‘PPA BE-4 – Achieving Sustainable Urban Food Systems’ guidelines, aimed at fostering sustainable urban food systems. The mission will also work towards integrating regional wholesale markets by promoting cooperation with national and regional representative bodies and international organisations.

In addition, it will systematise and document actions that support inclusive food marketing and the modernisation of wholesale markets within the framework of South-South cooperation initiatives. The mission will further assist with studies on the economic and social impacts of wholesale markets on urban food systems, as well as the development of models for creating efficient and sustainable wholesale markets through surveys, interviews, and the preparation of technical bulletins.

Reporting Lines

The Regional Specialist in Food Supply and Traditional Food Markets for Latin America and the Caribbean will report to the ADG/FAO Regional Representative for the Latin America and the Caribbean Region (FAORLC) and to the FAORLC Food Systems Policy Officer, in perfect alignment with the supervision guidelines of the Sustainable Management of Natural Resources and Adaptation to Climate Change program area, and will be developing his/her actions within the framework of the urban food systems.

Technical Focus 

The specialist will develop a comprehensive plan to support the implementation of the Centre’s work programme in the Latin America and Caribbean region. They will provide technical assistance and strategic guidance for the execution of national policies, while promoting the adoption of innovative techniques and methodologies for the modernisation of traditional food markets.

Tasks and responsibilities

Policy and Technical input 

•    Ensure appropriate follow-up to requests for coordination support coming from countries and partners in the region.
•    Produce comprehensive written outputs on regional policy issues e.g., draft background papers, briefing notes, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, concept notes, etc. as well as background notes, talking points and relevant material for this initiative.
•    Support the FAO-RLC engagement in regional policy discussions to ensure SDGs acceleration.

Partnership

•    Identify strategic regional partners and create a channel of communication with key regional organizations with the goal of sharing strategic information between the FAO-RLC and vice versa.
•    Establish regular technical contacts with organisations representing the interests of traditional markets at a regional level, such as FLAMA – the Federation of Wholesale Markets of Latin America and the Caribbean.
•    Establish lines of dialogue and cooperation with national organisations representing markets, such as the Brazilian Association of Wholesale Markets, the Network of Supply Markets of Colombia, the Mexican Confederation of Wholesale Market Traders (Conacca), the Coordination of Wholesale Markets of the Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, among others.
•    Establish lines of dialogue and cooperation with national public and private institutions in the fields of research, economic and sectoral development, particularly in areas such as food security, supply, agriculture, and fisheries, as well as with sectoral state organisations responsible for implementing public policies across Latin American and Caribbean countries.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    University degree in sustainable economic development, political science, environmental studies, agricultural economics, natural sciences, or another field directly related to the work of the urban agrifood agenda.
•    At least 5 years of relevant experience (Category B) providing advisory services and technical support in at least one of the following areas: 1) Food security policies, food marketing, and urban food supply, 2) Sustainable Development Goals, 3) Development and implementation of public policies, 4) Food systems transformation.
•    Working knowledge of English or Spanish are required for this position.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Knowledge and expertise in food systems transformation.
•    Knowledge and expertise of national wholesale and retail food trade systems and urban food supply systems in Latin America and the Caribbean.
•    Knowledge of and familiarity with global, regional, and sub-regional sustainability agendas, such as the 2030 Agenda
•    Excellent writing and report writing skills as proved by publication records.
•    Excellent interpersonal skills with liaising with different stakeholders and presenting ideas and exchanges.

Selection Criteria

•    Advanced university degree or PhD would be an asset.