Value Chain and Food System Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, established to save lives in emergencies and to use food assistance as a means to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. WFP operates globally, with a mission to ensure that no one goes hungry, and it emphasizes the importance of diversity and equal employment opportunities for all its employees. WFP has been recognized for its efforts, notably being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 202

• The organization is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and multicultural working environment, investing in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training and mentorship programs, and providing opportunities for internal mobility across its global offices.

Job Overview:
The Value Chain and Food System Consultant will play a crucial role in advancing WFP Guatemala’s food systems and value chain portfolio under Strategic Outcome 2 of the Country Strategic Plan (CSP) 2026–203

• This position is designed to provide strategic and operational leadership, focusing on enhancing the sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity of food systems. The consultant will lead technical coordination, implementation support, partnership development, and resource mobilization efforts aimed at strengthening inclusive, resilient, and nutrition-sensitive food systems. The consultant will also be responsible for identifying, implementing, and scaling innovative solutions that improve market opportunities and access to nutritious foods, thereby contributing to sustainable rural development. This role requires a deep understanding of agricultural economics, value chain development, and market systems, as well as the ability to engage with various stakeholders to foster collaboration and innovation.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic and technical leadership for the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of WFP Guatemala's portfolio on value chain development and food systems transformation.
• Offer technical oversight and implementation support to ongoing interventions, ensuring quality delivery and alignment with WFP strategies.
• Lead the design and application of market-based approaches to strengthen demand for nutritious foods.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to WFP staff and partners, enhancing expertise in value chain development and agribusiness.
• Identify and support the scaling of innovative solutions and business models that enhance competitiveness and resilience.
• Facilitate collaboration across various thematic areas to maximize program impact.
• Engage with government institutions, private sector actors, and development partners to strengthen collaboration and advance objectives.
• Develop mechanisms for monitoring and documenting evidence and lessons learned.
• Strengthen tools and methodologies for monitoring progress and promoting continuous improvement. 1
• Support resource mobilization efforts by identifying funding opportunities and developing proposals. 1
• Undertake any other activities as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Rural Development, Economics, Food Systems, or Agricultural Sciences. They should have at least 8 years of progressively responsible experience in agricultural economics, value chain development, market systems strengthening, and sustainable food systems. Experience in program design and implementation, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement is essential. Familiarity with UN agencies or donor-funded programs is highly desirable, and experience in Latin America and the Caribbean is an asset.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in a relevant field such as Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Rural Development, Economics, Food Systems, or Agricultural Sciences is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of food systems and value chain development.

Experience:
The position requires at least 8 years of progressively responsible experience in fields related to agricultural economics, value chain development, and sustainable food systems. Candidates should demonstrate a strong track record in program design, implementation, and stakeholder engagement, particularly with public institutions and private sector partners. Experience working with UN agencies or donor-funded programs is highly desirable, and familiarity with the Latin American context is an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is required for this position, as it is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the local context. Additionally, a working knowledge of another UN language, such as English, is desirable and would enhance the candidate's ability to engage in international discussions and collaborations.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is for 11 months, and it is classified as an International Consultant level CST

• The role is full-time and involves significant engagement with various stakeholders, including government institutions, private sector actors, and development partners. WFP emphasizes the importance of providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. The organization does not charge any fees for applications or recruitment processes, ensuring an inclusive and equitable hiring environment.