Technical Analyst for Food Systems Action Plan

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries, two associate members, and one member organization, the European Union. The organization works in more than 130 countries worldwide, aiming to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO collaborates with various partners, including UNICEF, WFP, and WHO, to implement programs that enhance nutrition" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food and nutrition security, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods.

Job Overview:
The position of Technical Analyst for the Food Systems Action Plan involves providing technical and analytical support to the development of a National Food Systems Action Plan in Sierra Leone. The role is crucial in aligning the plan with national strategies, the Feed Salone Strategy, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) priorities. The incumbent will work closely with FAO technical teams and government counterparts to prepare and consolidate background materials, analytical inputs, and technical documentation. This position requires a deep understanding of food systems, policy reviews, and the ability to draft and consolidate technical inputs that will inform the Action Plan's development. The incumbent will not independently represent FAO or lead stakeholder consultations but will support these processes through analytical and technical contributions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for conducting desk reviews of existing food systems studies and assessments, national policies, and strategies. They will compile and summarize analytical findings related to food systems constraints and opportunities. Additionally, the role involves supporting the preparation of technical materials for stakeholder consultations, compiling stakeholder inputs, and ensuring proper documentation of consultation processes. The incumbent will also support the compilation of information related to food production, processing, distribution, and consumption systems, contributing analytical inputs to identify food systems priorities and challenges. They will assist in drafting and consolidating technical sections of the Action Plan, compile technical inputs related to priority interventions, and support the alignment of draft materials with relevant strategies and frameworks. Furthermore, the incumbent will prepare technical background notes, assist in developing monitoring indicators, and support the organization of validation workshops, ensuring that all technical outputs and analytical summaries are submitted in a timely manner.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Food Systems, Nutrition, Development Studies, or a related field. A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in strategic planning, food systems, or agricultural policy, as well as multi-sectoral program development, is required. Candidates should have a working knowledge of English at Level C and must be nationals of Sierra Leone or residents of the country with a valid work permit. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate strong expertise in food systems analysis and transformation frameworks, proven ability to lead multi-stakeholder consultations, and experience in results-based management (RBM). Strong analytical, writing, and reporting skills are essential, along with the ability to deliver high-quality outputs under tight timelines.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, either a Master's or a PhD, in relevant fields such as Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Food Systems, Nutrition, or Development Studies. This advanced education is crucial as it provides the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary to understand complex food systems and their interrelations with policy and strategy development.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in areas such as strategic planning, food systems, agricultural policy, and multi-sectoral program development. This level of experience is essential to ensure that the incumbent can effectively contribute to the development of the National Food Systems Action Plan and engage with various stakeholders at different levels.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at Level C is mandatory for this position. This proficiency is necessary to communicate effectively with stakeholders, prepare technical documents, and participate in consultations. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local context or the stakeholders involved.

Additional Notes:
This position is likely to be full-time and may involve a contract duration that aligns with the project timeline for the National Food Systems Action Plan development. The role is focused on national candidates, specifically nationals of Sierra Leone or residents with valid work permits. Compensation and benefits details are typically aligned with FAO's organizational standards and may include health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits associated with employment in international organizations.