Governance and Policy Support Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The Governance and Policy Support Unit (GaPS) is part of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. The mission of GaPS is to assist FAO Members in enhancing governance, policy coherence, and institutional capacities to facilitate the transformation of agrifood systems. Established as a response to the growing need for effective governance in agrifood systems, GaPS collaborates with various regional offices, including the Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa (NENA), to conduct analytical exercises and document best practices in governance and institutional arrangements. The unit aims to generate evidence-based lessons and practical insights that can inform policy dialogue and support country-level initiatives. GaPS operates in multiple countries, focusing on sustainable agriculture and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, and employs a diverse team of experts dedicated to advancing agrifood systems transformation.

Job Overview:
The Governance and Policy Support Consultant will play a critical role in supporting the FAO's mission by conducting in-depth analyses of governance arrangements and institutional capacities that facilitate agrifood systems transformation. The consultant will be responsible for developing a compendium of case studies that document successful applications of systems thinking in selected countries within the NENA region. This position requires a strong focus on policy coherence, stakeholder engagement, and the assessment of economic, environmental, and social sustainability outcomes, with particular attention to gender equality. The consultant will work closely with FAO country offices to identify entry points for case studies, define the scope of analysis, and ensure that the methodologies align with FAO's conceptual frameworks. The role involves extensive data collection, analysis, and reporting, aimed at generating actionable insights to inform policy dialogue and design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be tasked with a variety of responsibilities, including: conducting a comprehensive desk review of existing scholarship and evidence on systemic coordination reforms in the agrifood sector; discussing potential case study entry points with FAO country offices and defining the scope of analysis; adjusting and finalizing case study methodologies and analytical questions based on FAO's frameworks; preparing questionnaires and conducting interviews with key stakeholders; developing and implementing a detailed workplan and calendar; ensuring informed consent and transcription for qualitative data collection; analyzing interview data and documentary evidence to answer study questions; documenting results in clear reports and presentations; maintaining regular communication with FAO HQ and regional offices; preparing interim reports and presentations for validation; and responding to feedback on interim documents and final outputs. The consultant will also be responsible for ensuring quality control in the use of AI technologies during the research process.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in public administration, preferably with a focus on food security, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture. A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in public administration, governance, political economy, and systems approaches is required, ideally within the food and agriculture sector. Full proficiency in Arabic and English is mandatory, while working knowledge of French is considered an asset. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, as well as a proven track record in research methodologies, including desk reviews and qualitative/quantitative data analysis.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in public administration or a related field, with a preference for candidates who have specialized knowledge in food security, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture. Advanced degrees or additional certifications in governance, political economy, or systems approaches may enhance a candidate's profile.

Experience:
The position requires at least 7 years of relevant experience in public administration, governance, and systems approaches, with a strong emphasis on food and agriculture. Candidates should have demonstrated expertise in documenting governance processes and outcomes, as well as experience in conducting case study research and qualitative analysis. Familiarity with the NENA region and its specific challenges in agrifood systems transformation is highly desirable.

Languages:
Candidates must have full proficiency in Arabic and English, which are mandatory for this position. Knowledge of French is considered an asset and may enhance communication with stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. The consultant will be engaged on a contractual basis, with the duration and specific terms to be discussed during the hiring process. The role is expected to be full-time, and candidates may be assessed based on their ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, as well as their commitment to FAO's core competencies, including results focus, teamwork, communication, and knowledge sharing.