Policy Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa (RNE) is a part of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. Established to address regional priorities for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, agriculture, and rural development, RNE plays a crucial role in identifying, planning, and implementing FAO's priority activities in the region. The office ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programs and collaborates with various divisions at FAO headquarters to develop and oversee strategic responses to regional challenges. RNE also engages with regional institutions and supports policy dialogue, partnerships, and capacity development in food security and agriculture across the Near East and North Africa.

Job Overview:
The Policy Officer position is integral to the RNE, reporting directly to the Senior Economist. This role involves providing guidance and operational support for policy assistance and governance work across decentralized offices in the region. The Policy Officer will be responsible for advising policy officers at the country level on issues related to food security, agrifood systems, markets, and trade. The position requires a proactive approach to developing and implementing coherent policy assistance strategies that align with the FAO's Strategic Framework and respond to emerging policy requests. The officer will also engage in high-level policy analysis and contribute to the development of regional and subregional policy work programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Policy Officer will support technical and policy officers from headquarters and decentralized offices in their governance work. Key responsibilities include advocating for strategic partnerships and best practices, participating in multidisciplinary teams, and engaging in international policy-setting bodies. The officer will analyze regional and country-level issues to inform policy priorities and design, implement, and monitor policy work programs. Additionally, the role involves planning and organizing capacity development activities, providing technical advice, and overseeing the creation of related materials and tools. The officer will also participate in strategic reviews of agriculture and food security, support the improvement of Country Programming Frameworks, and contribute to field program development from inception to implementation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as political sciences, agricultural economics, development economics, rural sociology, food security, nutrition, or sustainable agriculture. A minimum of seven years of relevant experience in policy advice and analysis related to food and nutrition security, agriculture, and rural development is required. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in English and intermediate knowledge of another official FAO language, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, specifically a Master’s degree or equivalent, in relevant fields that encompass political sciences, agricultural economics, development economics, rural sociology, food security, nutrition, or sustainable agriculture. This advanced education is essential for understanding the complexities of policy development and implementation in the context of food security and agricultural development.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically a minimum of seven years in relevant fields. This experience should encompass policy advice and analysis, particularly in areas related to food and nutrition security, agriculture, and rural development. Candidates with experience in monitoring and evaluating policies and programs will be particularly well-suited for this role. Additionally, experience working in diverse locations or areas of work, especially in field positions, is desirable.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with a requirement for intermediate knowledge of another official FAO language, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. A strong asset would be working knowledge of Arabic and/or French, which would enhance the candidate's ability to engage effectively in the regional context.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Cairo, Egypt, at the Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa. While the job ad does not specify a deadline for applications, it is important for candidates to apply promptly. The role is likely to be full-time, and candidates may be assessed on their ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, communicate effectively, and build relationships within the organization and with external stakeholders. The position may involve international recruitment, given the nature of the FAO's work.