National Food Systems Policy and Planning Specialist
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Job Description
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 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 has a mission to eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, and to ensure that all people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. The organization operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 12,000 employees. FAO's initiatives focus on transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, thereby contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Job Overview:
The National Food Systems Policy and Planning Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the Government of Kiribati in the implementation of its National Food Systems Pathways. This position involves providing technical support for the preparation of a National Food Systems Needs Assessment, which is essential for understanding the current state of food systems in Kiribati. The Specialist will also be responsible for developing a nationally validated Stakeholders' Action Plan for the years 2026 to 2030, which will outline the necessary steps and strategies to enhance food systems in the country. Additionally, the Specialist will facilitate the National Food Systems Dialogue, ensuring that various stakeholders are engaged and that their inputs are considered in the planning process. The role requires a deep understanding of food systems, policy analysis, and strategic planning, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with government institutions and other partners.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Specialist will undertake a variety of tasks under the guidance of the supervising officer, including: reviewing relevant national policies, legislation, strategies, reports, and outcomes from food systems dialogues; preparing an Inception Report that outlines the methodology, workplan, and consultation schedule; conducting policy, institutional, and governance analyses to support the National Food Systems Needs Assessment; drafting the National Food Systems Needs Assessment Report; coordinating with the National Ecosystem of Support Mapping Specialist to ensure alignment of technical outputs; preparing the Stakeholders' Action Plan (2026–2030) with detailed implementation arrangements, institutional responsibilities, monitoring arrangements, and resource considerations; creating technical background papers, presentations, and briefing materials for the National Food Systems Dialogue; presenting findings from the Needs Assessment and the draft Stakeholders' Action Plan; providing technical support during the National Food Systems Dialogue; facilitating stakeholder validation processes and incorporating feedback into final outputs; and preparing an Assignment Completion Report while providing technical clarification during the FAO review of project outputs. The Specialist may also be required to perform other related duties as necessary.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a University Degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in fields such as Public Policy, Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Development Studies, Food Systems, Economics, Environmental Management, or a related area. Additionally, candidates should have at least five years of relevant professional experience in food systems, agriculture, public policy, strategic planning, institutional development, governance, or related fields. A working knowledge of English at Level C is also required, along with being a national of Kiribati or a resident of the country with a valid work permit.
Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a University Degree in relevant fields such as Public Policy, Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Development Studies, Food Systems, Economics, Environmental Management, or similar disciplines. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of food systems and the policies that govern them, as well as for conducting analyses and developing strategic plans that are informed by evidence and best practices.
Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in areas such as food systems, agriculture, public policy, strategic planning, institutional development, governance, or related fields. This experience should include demonstrated expertise in food systems policy analysis, strategic planning, and the ability to undertake policy, institutional, or governance assessments. Experience in preparing technical reports and policy documents, as well as supporting multi-stakeholder consultations and working with government institutions and development partners, is essential for success in this role.
Languages:
A working knowledge of English at Level C is mandatory for this position. This proficiency is necessary for effective communication, report writing, and collaboration with various stakeholders. While English is the primary language required, familiarity with other languages spoken in Kiribati or the Pacific region may be considered an asset, enhancing the Specialist's ability to engage with diverse communities and stakeholders.
Additional Notes:
This position is a national role based in Kiribati, and candidates must be either nationals or residents with a valid work permit. The contract duration and specific terms of employment will be discussed during the recruitment process. The role is expected to be full-time, and candidates should be prepared to engage in a collaborative and dynamic work environment that involves interaction with various stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society, and international organizations. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO's policies and standards.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international 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 has a mission to eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, and to ensure that all people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. The organization operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 12,000 employees. FAO's initiatives focus on transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, thereby contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Job Overview:
The National Food Systems Policy and Planning Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the Government of Kiribati in the implementation of its National Food Systems Pathways. This position involves providing technical support for the preparation of a National Food Systems Needs Assessment, which is essential for understanding the current state of food systems in Kiribati. The Specialist will also be responsible for developing a nationally validated Stakeholders' Action Plan for the years 2026 to 2030, which will outline the necessary steps and strategies to enhance food systems in the country. Additionally, the Specialist will facilitate the National Food Systems Dialogue, ensuring that various stakeholders are engaged and that their inputs are considered in the planning process. The role requires a deep understanding of food systems, policy analysis, and strategic planning, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with government institutions and other partners.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Specialist will undertake a variety of tasks under the guidance of the supervising officer, including: reviewing relevant national policies, legislation, strategies, reports, and outcomes from food systems dialogues; preparing an Inception Report that outlines the methodology, workplan, and consultation schedule; conducting policy, institutional, and governance analyses to support the National Food Systems Needs Assessment; drafting the National Food Systems Needs Assessment Report; coordinating with the National Ecosystem of Support Mapping Specialist to ensure alignment of technical outputs; preparing the Stakeholders' Action Plan (2026–2030) with detailed implementation arrangements, institutional responsibilities, monitoring arrangements, and resource considerations; creating technical background papers, presentations, and briefing materials for the National Food Systems Dialogue; presenting findings from the Needs Assessment and the draft Stakeholders' Action Plan; providing technical support during the National Food Systems Dialogue; facilitating stakeholder validation processes and incorporating feedback into final outputs; and preparing an Assignment Completion Report while providing technical clarification during the FAO review of project outputs. The Specialist may also be required to perform other related duties as necessary.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a University Degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in fields such as Public Policy, Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Development Studies, Food Systems, Economics, Environmental Management, or a related area. Additionally, candidates should have at least five years of relevant professional experience in food systems, agriculture, public policy, strategic planning, institutional development, governance, or related fields. A working knowledge of English at Level C is also required, along with being a national of Kiribati or a resident of the country with a valid work permit.
Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a University Degree in relevant fields such as Public Policy, Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Development Studies, Food Systems, Economics, Environmental Management, or similar disciplines. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of food systems and the policies that govern them, as well as for conducting analyses and developing strategic plans that are informed by evidence and best practices.
Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in areas such as food systems, agriculture, public policy, strategic planning, institutional development, governance, or related fields. This experience should include demonstrated expertise in food systems policy analysis, strategic planning, and the ability to undertake policy, institutional, or governance assessments. Experience in preparing technical reports and policy documents, as well as supporting multi-stakeholder consultations and working with government institutions and development partners, is essential for success in this role.
Languages:
A working knowledge of English at Level C is mandatory for this position. This proficiency is necessary for effective communication, report writing, and collaboration with various stakeholders. While English is the primary language required, familiarity with other languages spoken in Kiribati or the Pacific region may be considered an asset, enhancing the Specialist's ability to engage with diverse communities and stakeholders.
Additional Notes:
This position is a national role based in Kiribati, and candidates must be either nationals or residents with a valid work permit. The contract duration and specific terms of employment will be discussed during the recruitment process. The role is expected to be full-time, and candidates should be prepared to engage in a collaborative and dynamic work environment that involves interaction with various stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society, and international organizations. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO's policies and standards.
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We are not liable for any decisions or actions taken by applicants in response to this job listing. By applying, you agree that all application processes, interviews, and potential job offers are managed exclusively by the listed employer or organization.
Beware of fraudulent job offers. Do not provide sensitive personal information or make any payments to secure a job.