Agricultural Policy Specialist

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Position Title: Agricultural Policy Specialist
Location: Remote Work
Country: Remote
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Subregional Office for the Caribbean (SLC) is a part of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, which was established to lead international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. The SLC operates within the FAO's Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (RLC) and serves 13 countries across the Caribbean region, including Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, The Bahamas, and Trinidad and Tobago. The mission of the SLC is to coordinate FAO's responses to member states' requests, aiming for Better Production, Better Nutrition, Better Lives, and a Better Environment. The office provides technical guidance to help develop and implement national and sectoral policies and strategies that align with government visions for food, agriculture, and rural development.

Job Overview:
The Agricultural Policy Specialist will play a crucial role in providing technical and methodological guidance for the development of national and/or sectoral policies relevant to the agricultural sector. This position requires a deep understanding of agricultural policies and the ability to engage with various stakeholders to ensure that the policies are effectively designed and implemented. The Specialist will be responsible for conducting situation analyses, preparing policy documents, and facilitating consultations with key stakeholders. The role demands a proactive approach to identifying emerging opportunities and global best practices that can be contextualized for the Caribbean region. The Specialist will also support the preparation of policy briefs and guidelines that are essential for policy positioning and cross-country learning, thereby contributing to the overall goal of enhancing agricultural policy development in the Caribbean.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Agricultural Policy Specialist include:

• Providing general guidance and methodological tools for agenda setting and information gathering, which involves participating in and/or coordinating inception meetings with key stakeholders to define the scope of governments’ requests regarding agricultural policies.
• Preparing planning tools such as inception reports and methodological guides to facilitate discussions with policymakers.
• Developing template tools for data collection, stakeholder analysis, and reviewing existing policies and programs.
• Conducting situation analyses that assess the current and future agricultural environment, including infrastructure, production systems, marketing systems, and food security.
• Preparing policy documents, investment plans, and agricultural development strategies through consultations with stakeholders.
• Supporting the preparation of policy briefs and guidelines relevant to agricultural policy development.
• Participating in cross-country learning and training sessions, and presenting at regional meetings and seminars.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Policy Development, Public Administration, Rural Development, Agriculture, Food Security, or Agricultural Economics. Additionally, candidates should have at least 5 years of relevant experience in formulating agrifood systems policies. A working knowledge of English is mandatory, as it is essential for communication and documentation purposes.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree in any related area, which may include fields such as Policy Development, Public Administration, Rural Development, Agriculture, Food Security, and Agricultural Economics. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of agricultural policies and their implications for food security and rural development.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in formulating agrifood systems policies. This experience should ideally include coordinating with high-level national stakeholders and providing training, which is vital for the successful implementation of agricultural policies. Previous experience working in Latin America and the Caribbean is considered a plus, as it provides valuable context and understanding of the regional agricultural landscape.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the FAO and for documentation purposes. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the Caribbean region may be considered an asset, enhancing the Specialist's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. The role is expected to be full-time, and candidates may be recruited internationally or nationally. Specific details regarding contract duration, compensation, and benefits will be provided during the hiring process.