Senior Agrifood Systems Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Division of Agrifood Systems and Food Safety (ESF) at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is dedicated to transforming agrifood systems globally. Established to provide strategic leadership, the ESF supports FAO headquarters, decentralized offices, and member countries in implementing a systems approach to policy, programs, and projects. The organization emphasizes food safety and aims to strengthen national food control systems as part of its mission. FAO operates in multiple countries, working collaboratively with various stakeholders to enhance security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and nutrition through innovative practices and methodologies.

Job Overview:
The Senior Agrifood Systems Officer plays a pivotal role in leading and innovating the design and implementation of systems approaches to agrifood systems transformation. This position focuses on engaging with country-level stakeholders to systematically apply practices that enhance food security and nutrition. The officer is expected to provide technical expertise and leadership in policy and practice, facilitating the development of integrated operations that align with the FAO Strategic Framework. The role involves monitoring, evaluation, and adaptive learning to ensure effective implementation of systems-based practices, contributing to the overall mission of the FAO.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Agrifood Systems Officer will be responsible for planning, managing, and leading specialized or multidisciplinary teams. This includes coordinating and participating in organization-wide committees, project teams, and working groups. The officer will analyze global and country-specific requirements to provide critical input into the FAO Strategic Framework and work plans. Responsibilities also include implementing and monitoring programs that develop evidence-based strategies, conducting research and analysis to support technical standards, and providing policy advice to member countries. The officer will lead capacity development activities, represent the organization at international meetings, and engage in resource mobilization efforts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's level or equivalent) in fields relevant to agrifood systems, such as food policy, agricultural sciences, or public health. A minimum of ten years of relevant experience in agrifood systems is required, particularly in leading initiatives that integrate various sectors. Proficiency in English and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language is mandatory. Candidates should demonstrate competencies in results focus, strategic thinking, and knowledge sharing, along with technical skills in data analysis and collaboration across diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as agrifood systems, food policy, agricultural sciences, or economics is essential for this position. A PhD in a relevant field is desirable and may enhance a candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least ten years of relevant experience in agrifood systems, with a strong background in leading and innovating initiatives that address the intersection of various issues within agrifood systems. Experience in field positions and working in multiple locations is essential, as is a deep understanding of systems approaches and integrative thinking across key agrifood issues.

Languages:
Proficiency in English (level C) is mandatory, along with intermediate knowledge (level B) of another FAO official language, which may include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. Additional language skills may be advantageous but are not required.

Additional Notes:
The position is based at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. Candidates will be assessed against the specified minimum requirements, and the role may involve international collaboration and resource mobilization activities. The job may require full-time commitment and engagement with various stakeholders to achieve the organization's objectives.