National Ecosystem of Support Mapping Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is an international organization that leads global efforts to improve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and nutrition. Established in 1945, FAO works towards transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. The organization operates in over 130 countries and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to various aspects of food and agriculture. FAO's mission is to eradicate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, while promoting sustainable agricultural practices and rural development.

Job Overview:
The National Ecosystem of Support Mapping Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the Ecosystem of Support Mapping initiative in Kiribati. This position is part of FAO's broader effort to assist countries in accelerating their National Food Systems Pathways. The Specialist will work closely with the Government of Kiribati, particularly the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Agricultural Development (MELAD), to conduct a National Food Systems Needs Assessment and develop a Stakeholders' Action Plan for 2026-203

• The role involves technical collaboration with FAO officers and the United Nations Food Systems Coordination Hub to ensure effective stakeholder engagement and coordination of food systems initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Specialist will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including reviewing project documentation and technical guidance, preparing an Inception Report with methodology and workplan, attending inception meetings to document discussions, applying the Scalable Success Model methodology, compiling and analyzing information on food systems initiatives, preparing and revising the Ecosystem of Support Mapping Report, providing technical inputs for the Stakeholders' Action Plan, preparing materials for the National Food Systems Dialogue, supporting coordination of dialogue activities, documenting discussions and recommendations, preparing a summary report, and summarizing activities in an Assignment Completion Report. The Specialist may also perform other related duties as required to meet the objectives of the assignment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a University Degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in fields such as Agriculture, Development Studies, Public Policy, Economics, Environmental Management, Natural Resource Management, Social Sciences, or a related area. Additionally, candidates should have at least five years of relevant professional experience in stakeholder engagement, institutional analysis, partnership coordination, food systems, or development planning. A working knowledge of English at Level C is required, and candidates must be nationals of Kiribati or residents with a valid work permit.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a University Degree in relevant fields such as Agriculture, Development Studies, Public Policy, Economics, Environmental Management, Natural Resource Management, Social Sciences, or similar disciplines. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of food systems and the various stakeholders involved in their transformation.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of professional experience in areas related to stakeholder engagement, institutional analysis, partnership coordination, food systems, or development planning. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to effectively engage with various stakeholders and coordinate initiatives that contribute to food systems transformation.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English (Level C) is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local context or the stakeholders involved in the food systems initiatives.

Additional Notes:
This position is likely to be full-time and may involve a contract duration that aligns with the project timelines. The role is focused on national coordination efforts within Kiribati, and candidates should be prepared to engage with various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community organizations. Compensation and benefits will be determined based on FAO's policies and the candidate's qualifications and experience.