Senior Technical Advisor, seconded to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, established to save lives in emergencies and to use food assistance as a means to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for individuals recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. WFP operates globally, with a mission to ensure that no one goes hungry, and it is recognized for its commitment to diversity and equal employment opportunities. WFP has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, highlighting its significant contributions to humanitarian efforts worldwide. The organization emphasizes the importance of a diverse workforce and invests in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training and mentorship programs. WFP operates in numerous countries, providing assistance to millions of people in need, and aims to create a healthy and inclusive work environment that reflects its core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion.

Job Overview:
The Senior Technical Advisor position is crucial for addressing the high rates of undernutrition and food insecurity in Lao PDR, particularly among children under five, where stunting rates can reach as high as 54 percent in certain provinces. The role involves providing strategic and technical support to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) to improve nutrition and food systems in alignment with national development plans. The advisor will work on integrating nutrition-sensitive and climate-smart agriculture into policies and programs, ensuring that these initiatives are sustainable and effective in breaking the cycle of undernutrition. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government institutions and international organizations, to enhance the capacity of local systems and promote resilience in food production and nutrition. The advisor will also be responsible for guiding the development of tools and training materials, facilitating cross-sectoral coordination, and leading the development of a transition strategy for sustainable food systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Technical Advisor will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Providing strategic and technical advisory support to the MAE in areas such as nutrition-sensitive and climate-smart agriculture, resilience building, and food systems transformation.
• Guiding the integration of nutrition and climate change considerations into agricultural policies and programs, advising on necessary policy changes.
• Supporting the design, implementation, and monitoring of programs related to nutrition-sensitive and climate-resilient agriculture.
• Promoting knowledge products to build an evidence base for scalable approaches.
• Offering technical advice on current WFP projects and future initiatives, including budgeting and programming.
• Supporting the development of diversified, nutrient-dense, and climate-resilient production systems.
• Facilitating cross-sectoral coordination among agriculture, nutrition, health, education, and social protection sectors.
• Engaging with development partners to align their plans with government priorities.
• Leading the development of a transition strategy that integrates national planning and budgeting processes. 1
• Generating evidence and analytical work to inform decision-making and program design. 1
• Developing monitoring frameworks to track project outputs and outcomes. 1
• Documenting and disseminating best practices and lessons learned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a mature, team-oriented professional demeanor with strong analytical and communication skills. They should be capable of building rapport with personnel at various levels, including government officials and international stakeholders. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, able to work independently with minimal supervision, and willing to travel to rural areas. Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential, along with strong computer skills. The position requires a demonstrated ability to lead complex technical assignments and deliver high-quality outputs.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s or higher) in fields such as Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Food Systems, Nutrition, Environmental Science, Climate Change, or a related discipline is required for this position. This educational background is critical to understanding the complexities of food systems and the interplay between agriculture and nutrition.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in agriculture, rural development, or food systems programs. Proven experience working with government institutions, particularly in technical advisory roles within the Ministries of Agriculture and Environment, is essential. The candidate should have a strong track record in designing and implementing nutrition-sensitive and climate-resilient agriculture programs, as well as experience in food systems transformation, including value chain development and market linkages. Familiarity with multisectoral coordination across agriculture, nutrition, and related sectors is also necessary. Experience working with international organizations, such as UN agencies and financial institutions, is highly desirable, and prior experience in Lao PDR is an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of the Lao language is considered an asset, as it can facilitate communication and engagement with local stakeholders and government officials.

Additional Notes:
The position is a Regular Consultant (CST-III) role with a duration of 11 months, starting from September 202

• The role is embedded within the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment in Vientiane, Laos. The WFP emphasizes a commitment to diversity and equal opportunity in its hiring practices, and it provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. The organization does not charge any fees for applications or recruitment processes, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.