Organizational Setting

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

FAO’s Food and Nutrition Division (ESN) assists Members to improve diets and raise levels of nutrition, as well as support with appropriate policies, strategies and methodologies for improving the efficiency and inclusiveness of their agriculture and food systems. As a knowledge leader, areas addressed include dietary assessment, support on nutrition-sensitive food and agriculture policies and programmes, effective nutrition promotion programmes, food value chains, market linkages, post-harvest handling and agroprocessing. FAO is committed to supporting Members in their efforts to improve nutritional outcomes as stated in the Rome Declaration on Nutrition (November 2014) and to mainstream nutrition into the FAO Strategic Framework.

The position is located in the Food and Nutrition Division (ESN) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines
The Nutrition and Food Systems Officer (Marketing and Value Chains) reports to the Senior Officer, Market Linkages and Value Chains Team, under the overall guidance of the Director, ESN.

Technical Focus
To contribute to ESN activities related to knowledge and capacity building in the areas of nutrition-sensitive sustainable agrifood systems and value chain development for healthy diets, through local market linkages, public food procurement and voluntary standards and labels.

Key Results
Comprehensive technical, statistical, analytical and/or policy analysis services and the development of specialized tools, methodologies, systems and/or databases to support the planning, implementation/delivery and monitoring of the programme of work and related products, projects, publications and services.

Key Functions
•    Plans and leads components of multidisciplinary teams and short-term work groups; leads and/or participates in divisional teams; participates in Organization-wide committees, project teams and working groups and provides specialized expertise on international technical networks and/or technical policy and standard setting bodies.
•    Develops technical, statistical, analytical, monitoring and reporting frameworks and related tools, methodologies, systems and databases, etc. to support the planning, implementation/delivery and monitoring of the programmes of work, products, projects and services.
•    Designs and conducts research, data collection, validation, analysis and/or reporting activities to support the development of technical standards, international instruments, innovative tools and methodologies, flagship publications/technical reports and/or policy proposals as well as the provision of technical specialist and/or policy advice and expertise.
•    Responds to requests and provides technical/policy advice, assistance and solutions to Regional, Subregional and Country Offices and provides technical backstopping to field projects; promotes international cooperation and collaboration, advocates best practices and increased policy dialogue and provides technical expertise at international meetings and conferences.
•    Collaborates in capacity development activities involving knowledge sharing, the organization of training workshops, seminars and meetings as well as the development of related materials, on-line tools and information kits.
•    Participates in resource mobilization activities in accordance with the Strategic Framework and divisional plans.

Specific Functions
•    Designs and implements a detailed programme of activities for ESN to support the development of policies and programmes in the areas of sustainable agrifood systems and value chain development for healthy diets, through local market linkages, public food procurement and voluntary standards and labels.
•    Leads the development and dissemination of studies and evidence generation supported or conducted by FAO, as well as publications on the aforementioned topics, including direct written contribution and follow-up of the publication process.
•    Leads the FAO Programme on Geographical Indications, in collaboration with other Divisions Offices/Centres at FAO headquarters, Regional and Country Offices.
•    Develops and delivers training and other capacity building efforts on the aforementioned topics at global, regional and national levels.
•    Performs other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements
•    Advanced university degree in food and agricultural economics or development studies, food and nutrition policy, international policies and laws or a related field.
•    Seven years of relevant experience in agricultural policies and programmes related to agricultural value chain development, public procurement or voluntary standards.
•    Working knowledge (full proficiency – level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency – level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

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, particularly in field positions, is desirable.
•    Extent and relevance of experience and knowledge of agrifood systems policy and programme initiatives, in particular through support to innovation, is desirable.
•    Extent and relevance of experience in the intersection between healthy diets/nutrition and agrifood systems and related issues.
•    Extent and relevance of experience in the integration of healthy diets/nutrition into agricultural policies and programmes. including in developing countries.
•    Extent of experience in establishing and maintaining partnerships with different stakeholders and institutions working on these topics, including FAO partner institutions.
•    Direct experience in research and/ or programme design and implementation in the intersection between healthy diets/nutrition and agrifood systems.
•    Demonstrated experience in contributing to design and conduct of relevant studies and publications.
•    Familiarity with FAO’s partner institutions (other United Nations agencies, non-governmental organizations, donors).
•    Ability to mobilize resources.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements