Senior Policy and Programme Specialist

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 and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims 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's mission is to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, promote sustainable agriculture, and support rural development.

Job Overview:
The Senior Policy and Programme Specialist will play a crucial role in providing policy and program support for the implementation, coordination, and monitoring of various projects, particularly focusing on the initiative 'Support to Mediterranean Dialogue to Tackle the Food Crisis.' This position is vital for the successful execution of FAO Food Coalition initiatives, which aim to enhance the resilience of agrifood systems against shocks. The incumbent will work closely with technical teams and budget holders to ensure that project outputs and results are delivered effectively. The role is situated within the Office of the FAO Chief Economist at FAO headquarters, emphasizing the importance of strategic economic policies in achieving FAO's goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Policy and Programme Specialist will be responsible for coordinating and leading the implementation of program and project activities, ensuring they align with organizational objectives and donor requirements. Key responsibilities include facilitating collaboration across technical units and departments to mobilize expertise and resources, designing and implementing policy-related initiatives, and supporting the execution of policy recommendations aimed at strengthening sustainable agrifood systems. The incumbent will monitor program and project implementation, ensuring progress against work plans and budgets, and contribute to timely reporting for management and funding partners. Additionally, the role involves coordinating administrative processes related to project delivery, preparing technical materials and reports, maintaining effective communication with stakeholders, representing the program in meetings and events, and participating in recruitment and talent management processes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 10 years of relevant working experience in areas related to food security, nutrition, and agrifood systems. An advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in agricultural economics, business administration, development economics, political science, social sciences, or a related field is required. Those with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. A working knowledge of English is mandatory, while limited knowledge of another FAO official language is considered an advantage.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as agricultural economics, business administration, development economics, political science, or social sciences. Candidates with a bachelor's degree must have additional professional experience to meet the minimum requirements. The educational background should be from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO, ensuring that the qualifications are acknowledged internationally.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 10 years of relevant working experience, particularly in project management and policy support related to food security and agrifood systems. This extensive experience is crucial for understanding the complexities of the role and for effectively contributing to the organization's objectives.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is required for this position. Additionally, having limited knowledge of another FAO official language is advantageous, as it enhances communication and collaboration within the international context of FAO's work.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rome, Italy, at FAO headquarters. It is essential for candidates to demonstrate core competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing. The role may involve full-time commitment, and candidates should be prepared to engage in various administrative and operational processes to support the effective delivery of program and organizational priorities.