Food Systems Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The UN Food Systems Coordination Hub is a newly established entity under the United Nations, following the UN Food Systems Summit held during the 2021 UN General Assembly. The Hub is hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Rome and operates with the mission to support countries in implementing food system transformation pathways to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 203

• The Hub plays a crucial role in coordinating initiatives and leveraging the expertise of the UN system and other stakeholders to facilitate effective food systems transformation. It operates with a focus on five coordination clusters, which include policy and governance, science and knowledge, strategic partnerships, finance and investment, and overarching vision. The Hub aims to enhance the capacity of national institutions and support the operationalization of food systems transformation agendas, thereby contributing to the global effort of achieving the SDGs.

Job Overview:
The Food Systems Specialist position is integral to the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub, focusing on the operationalization and implementation of National Pathways for food systems transformation. The role involves supporting the Hub in delivering its workplan, ensuring effective program reporting, and managing operations in collaboration with other team members and FAO divisions. The Food Systems Specialist will engage in various tasks, including project implementation support, knowledge management, research, analysis, capacity building, and advocacy. This position requires a proactive approach to coordinating initiatives, managing documentation, and facilitating communication among stakeholders. The Food Systems Specialist will also be responsible for drafting reports, maintaining databases, and supporting the organization of events and webinars, thereby contributing to the overall success of the Hub's mission.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Food Systems Specialist will undertake a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Project Implementation Support: Drafting meeting agendas, taking detailed notes during meetings, maintaining contact lists, entering project updates into databases, and preparing summaries of country progress.
• Knowledge Management: Organizing knowledge products, updating internal databases, collecting case studies, and preparing summaries for reference.
• Research and Analysis: Gathering data on food systems initiatives, summarizing findings, and maintaining lists of knowledge gaps.
• Programme Management: Drafting concept notes, tracking deadlines, preparing budget tracking spreadsheets, and ensuring compliance with FAO procedures.
• Advocacy and Communication: Drafting success stories, preparing donor briefing notes, and responding to inquiries from partners.
• General Support: Performing administrative tasks as requested and maintaining an updated calendar of project activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in fields such as economics, sustainable development, environmental science, international relations, social studies, or agriculture. Those with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. Additionally, candidates should have at least one year of relevant experience in areas such as program management, policy support, or partnerships in sustainable development. A working knowledge of English (level C) is required, along with at least limited knowledge of another official UN language (Spanish, French, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian).

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as economics, sustainable development, environmental science, international relations, social studies, or agriculture. Candidates with a bachelor's degree must have additional professional experience to qualify. The educational qualifications should be from institutions recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU) or UNESCO, ensuring that the candidates have a solid foundation in the necessary disciplines related to food systems and sustainable development.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least one year of relevant experience in program management, program development, reporting, policy support, or partnerships within the context of sustainable development. This experience should ideally be in areas related to food systems, enabling candidates to effectively contribute to the Hub's initiatives and objectives. Candidates with additional experience in integrated food systems programming, resource mobilization, and advocacy will be at an advantage, particularly if they have worked in diverse contexts, including fragile settings and middle-income countries.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge of English (level C) and at least limited knowledge of another official language of the Organization, which can include Spanish, French, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the UN system and with various stakeholders involved in food systems transformation.

Additional Notes:
The position may allow for home-based work with required travel for field missions. The contract duration and specific terms of employment will be outlined during the recruitment process. The role is expected to be full-time, and candidates may be recruited internationally or nationally, depending on their qualifications and experience. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO standards and policies, ensuring that the selected candidates are adequately supported in their roles.