Agricultural Policy Specialist

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Position Title: Agricultural Policy Specialist
Location: Rome
Country: Italy
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) was established to contribute to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework. FAO's mission is to support the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. The organization operates globally, focusing on better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, ensuring that no one is left behind. The Agrifood Economics and Policy Division (ESA) conducts economic research and policy analysis to support these transformations, providing evidence-based support to various policy processes and initiatives. FAO has a significant presence in multiple countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to addressing global security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and agricultural challenges.

Job Overview:
The Agricultural Policy Specialist position is located within the Policy Reform, Intelligence, Monitoring, and Evaluation (PRIME) team in the Agrifood Economics and Policy Division (ESA) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. The role focuses on generating a quality evidence base for informed policy-making processes in FAO Member Countries. The PRIME group hosts the Monitoring and Analysing Food and Agricultural Policies (MAFAP) programme, which aims to establish sustainable systems for monitoring and analyzing food and agricultural policies in developing and emerging economies. The specialist will support economic and policy analysis related to various technical issues in food and agriculture, contributing to the development of effective policy frameworks that enhance agricultural investment and productivity growth, particularly for smallholder farmers.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Agricultural Policy Specialist will be responsible for a range of tasks, including: producing policy monitoring indicators and analyses related to price incentives along agricultural value chains; compiling and classifying large datasets to create food and agricultural public expenditure indicators; contributing to methodological advancements in assessing climate change and biodiversity impacts of agricultural policies; supporting the implementation of strategic partnerships within FAO and with other development partners; developing technical products and analytical studies to support evidence-based policy reform processes; drafting high-quality policy recommendations, technical reports, and policy briefs; participating in policy-relevant meetings and events; supporting capacity development activities for government counterparts; and assisting in the day-to-day implementation of activities in collaboration with national partners.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in economics, agricultural economics, environmental economics, political science, public policy, public financial management, international development, or a closely related field. Relevant experience in agricultural policy monitoring and evaluation, and policy analysis is required, with specific experience levels depending on the consultant/PSA level: at least ten years for level A, five years for level B, two to four years for level C, and one to four years for PSA level C. A working knowledge of English is mandatory, and familiarity with additional languages is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
A university degree in a relevant field such as economics, agricultural economics, environmental economics, political science, public policy, public financial management, or international development is essential for this position. Advanced degrees may be preferred depending on the level of the position.

Experience:
The level of experience required varies by consultant/PSA level: at least ten years for level A, five years for level B, two to four years for level C, and one to four years for PSA level C. Candidates should have relevant experience in agricultural policy monitoring and evaluation, as well as policy analysis, particularly in developing countries.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional languages such as French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian is considered a strong asset, with working knowledge of French or Arabic being highly valued.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rome, Italy, at the FAO headquarters. Successful candidates may be placed in similar positions within the organization. The role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including government institutions and research organizations, to enhance agricultural policy frameworks. The position may require participation in high-level policy dialogues and workshops, and candidates should demonstrate the ability to manage a wide range of tasks under tight deadlines while working in a multicultural and multidisciplinary team.