Policy and Programme Support Specialists

Job Posting Organization:
The FAO Subregional Office for the GCC Countries and Yemen (SNG) is dedicated to supporting Member Countries in the advancement of inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agri-food systems. The organization aligns its efforts with national priorities, regional strategies, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Established to provide policy and technical assistance, SNG engages in program development and implementation support, capacity development, knowledge exchange, and partnership facilitation across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The office plays a pivotal role in evidence-based policy formulation, strategic planning, and program delivery in critical areas such as security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and nutrition, sustainable agriculture, climate change, natural resource management, agri-food trade, and rural development. SNG also actively supports resource mobilization efforts and coordinates with regional and national partners, including government institutions and development partners, to enhance the effectiveness of its initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Policy and Programme Support Specialists will be integral to the subregional program, providing technical and analytical support tailored to the specific needs of GCC countries. The role encompasses a variety of assignments linked to policy analysis, program and project design, implementation support, and the generation of analytical outputs. The specialists will focus on several key technical areas, including food security and nutrition, climate change adaptation and mitigation in agri-food systems, sustainable agriculture and natural resource management, fisheries and aquaculture, agri-food value chains and markets, data and analytics on agri-food systems, and agricultural trade and policy analysis. This position requires a proactive approach to addressing the challenges faced by the region's agri-food systems and contributing to the development of effective policies and programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Policy and Programme Support Specialists include supporting FAO SNG program and technical teams in their policy, strategy, and program-related work relevant to GCC countries. They will contribute to research, data collection, and analysis concerning agriculture, food security, nutrition, and agri-food systems, which includes reviewing and mapping national and regional policies. The specialists will assist in preparing analytical notes, technical reports, policy briefs, and program documents, as well as monitoring and reporting on policies, programs, and projects by compiling relevant indicators and background information. They will also support the organization of technical meetings, workshops, consultations, and capacity development activities at both subregional and national levels. Additionally, they will contribute to knowledge management activities, documenting good practices and lessons learned, and perform any other related duties as required by their supervisor.

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 economics, agriculture, development studies, public policy, law, international relations, or any other discipline relevant to the work of the Organization. For those with a bachelor's degree, two additional years of relevant professional experience are required. Furthermore, candidates should have at least one year of experience in research, policy analysis, program, or project support in areas related to agriculture, food security, nutrition, rural development, data and analytics, or related fields. A working knowledge of English (C1) is mandatory, while limited knowledge of one of the other official FAO languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is advantageous, with working knowledge of Arabic being particularly beneficial.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as economics, agriculture, development studies, public policy, law, or international relations. Candidates with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience to qualify. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of agri-food systems and the policies that govern them.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for this position includes a minimum of one year in research, policy analysis, program, or project support specifically related to agriculture, food security, nutrition, rural development, or data and analytics. Candidates should demonstrate a solid understanding of the challenges and opportunities within these areas and possess the ability to apply their knowledge effectively in a practical context.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is a working knowledge of English (C1). Additionally, having limited knowledge of one of the other official FAO languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is considered an advantage, with proficiency in Arabic being particularly beneficial for engaging with stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
This position may involve a contract duration that is not specified in the provided information. It is important to note that the role may require full-time commitment, and candidates should be prepared to work in a collaborative environment with colleagues and partners from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds. The FAO emphasizes the importance of results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing as core competencies for all employees. Compensation and benefits details are not provided in the job description.