Project Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, which aims to eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition. Established in 1945, FAO works in over 130 countries and has a mission to help build a world where food is accessible to all. The organization focuses on improving agricultural productivity, ensuring sustainable management of natural resources, and enhancing rural livelihoods. FAO employs thousands of professionals worldwide, collaborating with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to implement effective agricultural policies and programs.

Job Overview:
The Project Officer position is primarily focused on supporting the national processes aimed at strengthening family farmers in Brazil, with the overarching goal of reducing poverty and revitalizing rural areas. The incumbent will be responsible for conducting studies, surveys, and data systematization to assist the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Supply (SEAB/MDA) in developing strategies for the commercialization of family farming products. This role requires a deep understanding of agricultural practices, market access, and the socio-economic dynamics affecting family farmers. The Project Officer will engage with various stakeholders, including local governments and farmer cooperatives, to implement differentiated policies and programs that enhance the capacities of family farmers and improve their access to markets.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Project Officer include:

• Preparing a comprehensive study on federal properties designated for use as popular supply centers to facilitate access to food for local communities.
• Collecting and analyzing data on the commercialization of family farming products within a network of small and medium-sized retailers across 60 priority municipalities as part of the Alimenta Cidade Strategy.
• Conducting technical studies aimed at promoting strategies for the commercialization of family farming through short marketing channels, ensuring that farmers can sell their products directly to consumers.
• Performing an in-depth analysis of Food Supply Centers (Ceasas), focusing on their structure, management models (public, private, or mixed), and their roles in public policies related to security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, waste reduction, and productive inclusion.
• Preparing a technical study that evaluates the integration of public policies from the MDA within the CEAGESP and CEASAMINAS Centers, ensuring that these policies effectively support family farmers.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Social Sciences or Agricultural Sciences, as recognized by the CAPES table of areas of knowledge. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of one year of professional experience in rural extension and technical advisory services (ATER), as well as experience in the supply and commercialization of family farming products. A working knowledge of both English and Portuguese is essential, and candidates must be nationals of Brazil or residents with a valid work permit.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in relevant fields such as Social Sciences or Agricultural Sciences. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of agricultural practices, rural development, and the socio-economic factors influencing family farming in Brazil.

Experience:
The position requires at least one year of professional experience in areas related to rural extension and technical advisory services (ATER), as well as experience in the supply and commercialization of family farming products. This experience is vital for effectively carrying out the responsibilities associated with the role and for contributing to the overall objectives of the project.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge of Portuguese, as all applications must be submitted in Portuguese. Proficiency in English is also required, as it may be necessary for communication with international stakeholders and for accessing relevant literature and resources.

Additional Notes:
The job posting does not specify a deadline for applications, but it is important to note that only curriculum vitae (CV) completed in Portuguese will be accepted for this vacancy. The position is likely to be full-time, and candidates must be either nationals of Brazil or residents with a valid work permit to be eligible for consideration.