FAO Associate Programme Officer - Youth Employment in Agrifood Value Chains

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations is a specialized agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member states and operates in 130 countries worldwide. The organization's mission is 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 Strategic Framework 2022-2031 aims to support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by transforming agri-food systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. The Forest and Farm Facility (FFF) Phase II is a multi-donor program managed in partnership with various organizations, focusing on empowering Forest and Farm Producer Organizations (FFPOs) as agents of change for climate-resilient landscapes and improved livelihoods.

Job Overview:
The FAO Associate Programme Officer will play a crucial role in supporting youth employment in agrifood systems in Zambia. The position is designed to address the high unemployment rates among young people aged 15-34, particularly in rural areas. The officer will work on the Integrated Country Approach for boosting decent jobs for youth in the agrifood system, which focuses on the soybean value chain in Central and Eastern Provinces. The role involves collaborating with various stakeholders, including government agencies, private-sector partners, and youth organizations, to implement and scale successful models of youth engagement in agrifood systems. The officer will also be responsible for capturing results and lessons learned, contributing to policy dialogues, and supporting the consolidation of proven models for youth employment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the FAO Associate Programme Officer include:

• Supporting youth-inclusive seed multiplication and contract farming by monitoring youth seed grower groups, documenting contract terms, and contributing to multi-stakeholder dialogues.
• Assisting in access to finance and risk management by following up on index-based crop insurance pilots and linking young farmers with financial service providers.
• Contributing to youth enterprise development through market analysis and business-model profiling for youth-led mechanization service providers and small-scale soybean processors.
• Supporting gender and inclusion initiatives by engaging with youth networks and integrating gender-transformative approaches into activities.
• Assisting in policy dialogue by preparing background notes and presentations for discussions with government ministries.
• Supporting monitoring, evaluation, and learning through data collection and analysis.
• Contributing to knowledge management and communications by developing case studies and social media content.
• Assisting in scaling and resource mobilization by mapping partners and contributing to concept notes.
• Supporting coordination and events by organizing meetings and workshops. 1
• Promoting volunteerism for development through engagement with youth volunteers and organizations.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the FAO Associate Programme Officer position include a strong understanding of agrifood systems, youth employment, and market systems development. Candidates should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. A commitment to gender equality and inclusion is essential, along with a proactive approach to problem-solving and adaptability in a dynamic work environment. Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation methodologies is also important, as is the ability to analyze data and present findings effectively.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the FAO Associate Programme Officer position should have a degree in agriculture, economics, social sciences, or a related field. A master's degree is preferred, particularly for those with a focus on youth employment, agrifood systems, or development studies. Additional training or certifications in project management, monitoring and evaluation, or gender studies would be advantageous.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have relevant experience in youth employment, agrifood systems, or related fields. A minimum of two years of professional experience in project implementation, monitoring, and evaluation is preferred. Experience working with youth organizations, government agencies, and private-sector partners in Zambia or similar contexts is highly desirable. Familiarity with market systems development approaches and knowledge of the soybean value chain will be beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the working language of FAO. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Zambia would be an asset, as it would facilitate communication with local stakeholders and communities. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the region may also be considered advantageous.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Lusaka, Zambia, and may involve field missions to Central and Eastern Provinces. The role is a full-time volunteer assignment under the UN Volunteer program, and candidates should be prepared for a dynamic work environment that requires flexibility and adaptability. The assignment duration and specific compensation details will be provided during the recruitment process. The FAO promotes a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of gender, nationality, or background.