Consultant on Indigenous Peoples' Food Systems

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all. Established in 1945, FAO has 195 Members, including 194 countries and the European Union, and operates in over 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims to support the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems, contributing to better production, nutrition, environment, and life, while ensuring that no one is left behind. FAO's mission is to ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives, and it believes that everyone can play a part in ending hunger.

Job Overview:
The Consultant will be based at FAO’s Liaison Office with the Russian Federation (LOR) in Moscow and will work under the supervision of the Director of LOR, reporting directly to the Liaison Officer. The role focuses on Indigenous Peoples and their food systems, traditional knowledge, and climate-resilient stewardship of biodiversity. The Consultant will engage in research, advocacy, knowledge management, capacity development, and policy support related to Indigenous Peoples and food-system transformation. The position aims to integrate Indigenous Peoples' perspectives, knowledge, and rights into FAO’s work, particularly concerning food security, climate, and biodiversity. The Consultant will gain hands-on experience in various tasks that contribute to the overall mission of FAO regarding Indigenous Peoples.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant will perform a variety of tasks, including assisting in research and rapid analysis on Indigenous Peoples’ food systems, traditional knowledge, territory-based practices, and biodiversity stewardship. They will support the preparation of informational materials, briefings, knowledge products, and web content that reflect Indigenous Peoples’ contributions to sustainable agro-food systems. The Consultant will also contribute to organizing workshops, webinars, meetings, and consultations with Indigenous Peoples, partners, and stakeholders, focusing on food-system transformation, climate resilience, biodiversity protection, and rights. Additionally, the Consultant will assist in monitoring, documenting, and disseminating lessons learned on Indigenous Peoples’ food systems, including case studies of resilience, sustainability, and nutrition. They will support data management, maintain databases, and update Unit records related to Indigenous Peoples’ work. The Consultant will also assist in mainstreaming Indigenous Peoples' dimensions into FAO programs and contribute to capacity development tools and training materials for Indigenous Peoples’ organizations, youth, and women.

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 Indigenous Peoples, sociology, politics, cultural heritage, climate studies, agro-tourism, or any other relevant discipline. Participation in national and international Indigenous Peoples’ conferences and events is considered an additional benefit. A minimum of three years of relevant experience in similar fields is required, with candidates holding a bachelor's degree needing two additional years of relevant professional experience. Working knowledge of English and Russian is mandatory, and representatives of Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous women are encouraged to apply.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in relevant fields such as Indigenous Peoples, sociology, politics, cultural heritage, climate studies, or agro-tourism. This educational background is essential to ensure that the Consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and understanding of the complexities surrounding Indigenous Peoples and their food systems.

Experience:
The Consultant should have a minimum of three years of relevant experience in fields related to Indigenous Peoples, agro-tourism, sociology, cultural heritage, politics, or climate studies. Candidates with a bachelor's degree are required to have five years of relevant professional experience. This level of experience is crucial for the Consultant to effectively contribute to the tasks and responsibilities outlined in the job description, ensuring they have the necessary skills and insights to navigate the complexities of Indigenous Peoples' issues.

Languages:
A working knowledge of both English and Russian is mandatory for this position. This bilingual requirement is essential for effective communication and collaboration with various stakeholders, including Indigenous communities, partners, and FAO staff. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to Indigenous Peoples may be considered an asset, enhancing the Consultant's ability to engage with diverse groups and contexts.

Additional Notes:
The job is based in Moscow at FAO’s Liaison Office with the Russian Federation. While the specific contract duration and seniority level are not mentioned, the position is likely to be full-time given the nature of the responsibilities. The FAO encourages applications from representatives of Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous women, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity and diversity in its workforce. Compensation and benefits details are not specified in the job description.