UN Associate Volunteer

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is an agency that aims to end hunger and all forms of malnutrition, sustainably manage natural resources, and build resilient agrifood systems. Established in 1945, FAO operates in over 130 countries and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to improving security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and nutrition globally. The organization is guided by its Strategic Framework 2022–2031, which emphasizes better production, better nutrition, better environment, and better life, ensuring that no one is left behind. In Rwanda, FAO collaborates with the government to align its efforts with national development priorities, including Vision 2050 and the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).

Job Overview:
The UN Associate Volunteer position is designed to support the Food and Agriculture Organization's initiatives in Rwanda, particularly in the area of food systems transformation. The volunteer will work under the supervision of the FAO Representative in Rwanda and the Senior Policy Advisor, engaging closely with government counterparts and various stakeholders. The primary focus of this role is to assist in advocacy and institutional coordination efforts aimed at enhancing food security and nutrition in Rwanda. This includes supporting policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and communications to ensure that FAO's contributions align with national strategies and priorities. The volunteer will also facilitate multi-stakeholder processes and help integrate cross-cutting priorities such as gender equality, youth empowerment, and climate action into FAO's work. The position requires a proactive approach to support evidence-based advocacy and to assist in organizing policy dialogues and workshops that promote collaboration among various partners in the agri-food sector.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The UN Associate Volunteer will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Assisting the Program and Policy Team in coordinating national advocacy efforts for food systems transformation in Rwanda, ensuring alignment with national strategies and UN priorities.
• Engaging with key government bodies such as MINAGRI and RAB to support FAO's contributions to policy development and implementation.
• Collecting and analyzing data to prepare advocacy briefs, policy notes, and presentations for senior leadership.
• Organizing policy dialogues, workshops, and stakeholder forums, and preparing reports on these events.
• Monitoring policy developments in agriculture, food security, and climate action to inform FAO's engagement strategies.
• Supporting UN coordination efforts by consolidating information for the UN Country Team and preparing briefing notes and meeting summaries.
• Assisting in the logistical preparation for national and international events related to food systems and agriculture.
• Supporting resource mobilization efforts by conducting stakeholder analysis and mapping potential funding opportunities.
• Facilitating knowledge exchange among government institutions and partners through workshops and dialogues. 1
• Undertaking any other tasks assigned by FAO Rwanda management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the UN Associate Volunteer position should possess a strong commitment to the mission of FAO and demonstrate the following qualifications:

• A background in agriculture, food security, nutrition, or a related field.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to synthesize complex information into clear and concise reports.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in data collection and analysis methods.
• Experience in organizing events and facilitating discussions among various stakeholders.
• A proactive and adaptable approach to problem-solving and teamwork.
• A commitment to gender equality and inclusivity in all aspects of work.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should have at least a bachelor's degree in agriculture, food security, nutrition, public policy, or a related field. A master's degree in a relevant discipline would be an advantage, as it demonstrates a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in food systems and agricultural policies.

Experience:
While prior experience in a similar role is beneficial, it is not mandatory. However, candidates should have some exposure to advocacy, policy development, or program implementation in the context of agriculture or food security. Experience working with government agencies, NGOs, or international organizations will be considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the working language of FAO and the UN in Rwanda. Knowledge of French or Kinyarwanda would be considered an advantage, as it would facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance engagement in the community.

Additional Notes:
This position is a volunteer role under the UN system, and as such, it does not offer a salary but provides a Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (MVLA) to cover basic living expenses. The role is full-time and based in Kigali, Rwanda. The volunteer will be expected to adapt to the local living conditions, which include modern infrastructure and reliable healthcare services. The visa process for international volunteers is straightforward, with options for obtaining a visa on arrival or applying online prior to travel.