Individual Contractor for Food Systems Transformation

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), which was established to promote economic and social development in the Arab region. ESCWA aims to support member states in achieving sustainable development goals through regional cooperation and integration. The organization focuses on various sectors, including food systems, climate change, and natural resource management, and works with multiple stakeholders to address the challenges faced by the region. ESCWA operates in several countries across the Arab region, providing technical assistance, research, and policy advice to enhance the capacity of member states.

Job Overview:
The Individual Contractor (IC) position is designed to support the food systems transformation work in the Arab region, specifically focusing on sustainability and natural resource preservation. The IC will play a crucial role in organizing meetings, preparing materials, and providing research and technical assistance for various outputs related to food systems, climate change, and natural resource management. The position requires a multi-sectoral approach to address the economic, social, environmental, and health dimensions of food systems. The IC will contribute to the development of knowledge products and facilitate regional consultations aimed at promoting innovative approaches and coordinated policy actions across sectors. This role is vital for enhancing regional knowledge and awareness of the interlinkages between food systems and sustainability.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Individual Contractor will be responsible for a variety of tasks under the supervision of the Coordinator of the Food and Environment Policies Team and the Climate Change and Natural Resource Sustainability Cluster Lead. Key duties include:

• Supporting the preparation, organization, and reporting of meetings and consultations related to food systems transformation, which involves drafting information notes, presentations, agendas, summaries, and other relevant materials.
• Providing translation support as required during meetings and consultations.
• Conducting research and providing technical support for the preparation of policy briefs, analytical notes, background papers, and other knowledge products related to food systems, sustainability, climate change, and natural resource management.
• Assisting in the development of outputs related to food systems transformation, ensuring that all materials are well-researched and aligned with the objectives of the organization.
• Collaborating with team members and stakeholders to ensure effective communication and dissemination of information regarding food systems and sustainability initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree in development, agriculture, climate change, or environmental conservation. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of food systems and sustainability issues. Additionally, candidates must have three years of work experience in the fields of environment, agriculture, climate change, or natural resource management. Demonstrated experience in conducting research or analysis on natural resource management and food systems in developing countries is highly desirable. This experience will enable the IC to effectively contribute to the organization's goals and objectives.

Educational Background:
A first-level university degree in a relevant field such as development, agriculture, climate change, or environmental conservation is required for this position. Candidates must submit a copy of their educational degree as part of the application process. Incomplete applications will not be considered, emphasizing the importance of meeting the educational requirements for this role.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of three years of relevant work experience in the fields of environment, agriculture, climate change, or natural resource management. This experience should include conducting research or analysis on natural resource management and food systems, particularly in developing countries. The level of experience is crucial for the IC to effectively support the organization's initiatives and contribute to the transformation of food systems in the Arab region.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is required for this position, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat and ESCWA. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in all four areas of language use: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding. Knowledge of French is considered desirable, as it may enhance communication and collaboration with a broader range of stakeholders. The language requirements reflect the need for effective communication in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is recruited on a local basis, meaning that candidates must have the legal right to live and work in Lebanon. The expected duration of the contract is 2.5 months, and the position may be full-time or part-time depending on the needs of the organization. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. Additionally, the organization does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts, ensuring a transparent and fair recruitment process.