Policy Officer (Regional Liaison)

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Policy Officer (Regional Liaison)
Location: Addis Ababa
Country: Ethiopia
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (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, and to promote sustainable agriculture and rural development. The organization operates through various initiatives, including the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty (GAAHP), which focuses on eradicating poverty and hunger globally through policy support and collaboration with member countries.

Job Overview:
The Policy Officer (Regional Liaison) plays a crucial role in providing intellectual leadership and operational support for the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty (GAAHP) in the Eastern Africa region. This position is integral to the Rural Transformation and Gender Equality Division of FAO, focusing on results-based policy assistance and governance work. The officer will be responsible for implementing coherent and effective policy assistance that aligns with FAO's delivery mechanisms and responds to new policy requests. The role involves engaging with various stakeholders, conducting policy analysis, and supporting the development and implementation of cross-sectoral policies related to nutrition" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food and nutrition security and sustainable agriculture. The officer will also participate in capacity development activities and contribute to the overall mission of the GAAHP by fostering partnerships and promoting best practices in governance for food security.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Policy Officer (Regional Liaison) will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Supporting the work of Alliance members in policy and governance initiatives.
• Participating in multidisciplinary teams and policy analysis missions, contributing to international policy-setting bodies.
• Conducting analytical work to support the adoption and implementation of policies concerning food and nutrition security.
• Engaging in partnerships and promoting policy dialogue to enhance governance in food systems.
• Analyzing regional and country-level policy issues to inform priorities and requirements.
• Implementing and monitoring policy work programmes and associated budgets.
• Organizing capacity development activities and creating related materials and tools.
• Building networks with governmental and organizational counterparts to facilitate program coordination.
• Identifying critical program issues and organizing information flows from external collaborators. 1
• Promoting GAAHP positions in collaborative activities and representing the organization in various forums. 1
• Supporting resource mobilization for social protection and food security initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in political sciences, social sciences, economics, sociology, food security, nutrition, sustainable agriculture, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of five years of relevant experience in policy advice and public analysis related to social protection, poverty eradication, food and nutrition security, and rural development is required. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of monitoring and evaluation of policies and programs. Proficiency in English (level C) and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is also mandatory.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in fields such as political sciences, social sciences, economics, sociology, food security, nutrition, or sustainable agriculture. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complex issues surrounding food security and rural development, as well as for providing effective policy advice and analysis.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of relevant experience in policy advice and public analysis, particularly in areas related to social protection, poverty eradication, food and nutrition security, and rural development. Experience in monitoring and evaluating policies and programs is also crucial. Additionally, work experience in multiple locations or areas, especially in field positions, is desirable, as it enhances the candidate's understanding of diverse contexts and challenges.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with a requirement for intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language, which could be Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. This linguistic capability is essential for effective communication and collaboration with international stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and is part of the FAO Subregional Office for Eastern Africa. The role may involve travel to various locations within the region to engage with stakeholders and support policy initiatives. The position is full-time and may require the candidate to work collaboratively with various international and governmental organizations. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO's policies and standards.