Food Systems Coordination Officer

Contract

This is a UNV International Youth contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Youth contracts.

Food systems at the global level are failing to end hunger, they do not provide adequate nutritious foods for healthy diets, they contribute to obesity and do not assure safety of foods. How we produce and consume food has profound implications for the health of people, animals, plants, economies, environment, cultures, and the planet itself. It touches every aspect of human existence. A change in world views in support of a range of actions is needed to re-orient food systems dynamics. Hunger is on the rise again. Three billion people could not afford a healthy diet. Malnutrition in all its forms including obesity, is deeply entrenched, leading to a broad range of negative health, education, gender, and economic impacts. Drivers of food insecurity and malnutrition including conflict, climate extremes, and economic volatility, are further exacerbated by poverty and high levels of inequality. (Ref.: Secretary-General’s Chair Statement of Action on the UN Food Systems Summit). The small size, the lack of arable land, fragile natural environments and ecosystems; climate induced natural disasters; low agriculture production and high dependence on imported food; triple burden of malnutrition and high rates of food-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs), etc., are threatening Food System of Pacific countries. The UN Secretary-General António Guterres called in 2020 for a Global Food Systems Summit aiming to launch bold new actions to deliver progress on all 17 SDGs, each of which relies to some degree on healthier, more sustainable, and equitable food systems. The Global Food System Summit took place in New York in 23rd of September 2021 in conjunction with the UN General Assembly as part of the Decade of Action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Food System Dialogues - 1,605 Dialogues Globally, - 6,903 Participants - 148 Member States and Na-tional Conveners - 106 Pathways proposed The Pacific countries have been engaged in national dialogues to reflect on the current state of national food systems, to exchange ideas on solutions, and to initiate concrete actions to develop a pathway for sustainable food production and access to healthy and nutritious food for all. These National Food System Summit Dialogues were a critical element that ensured the Pacific voice was heard in the global discussions. The outcomes of the dialogues are leading not only national food system transformation but will also support innovative regional exploration and the development of game changing solutions. The game changing solutions and pathways committed from the dialogues will be part of a greater global effort to create more inclusive, resilient and healthier societies, and a future that is strong, safe, and fair for all. The UN supported Pacific Countries governments to carry out a series of National Dialogues and to propose sustainable pathways that reflect the needs of all people, protect the ecosystem and environment, while aligning with the principles and goals of Sustainable Development and Climate action. FAO, UNICEF, WHO, UNDP, IFAD, WFP, UNEP, UNESCO, and UN Women coordinated by RCO supported and still supporting the countries to explore levers of change to ensure access to safe and nutritious food for all and to facilitate a transition in diets towards more nutritious foods that require fewer resources to produce and transport.

Under the direct supervision of the UN RCO Team Leader & Strategic Planner, the UN Volun-teer will support in development and maintenance of country food system profiles for all 5 countries and undertake the following tasks:

· Maintain a food systems related folder of updated relevant documents.

· Maintain an updated list of contacts, DPs (development partners) CSO’s (civil society organisations) and other NGO’s working on food systems.

· Coordinate with relevant UN entities ( FAO, WFP and IFAD) on the reestablishment of the Inter-Agency Food Systems Working Group.

· Develop and implement partnerships between the UNCT and the regional bodies such as Council of Regional Organisations in the Pacific (CROP) as well as sub-regional entities in the area of food systems.

· Identify interlinkages between food systems and other areas of work of the UN to en-sure food systems is mainstreamed.

· From the perspective of food systems support the roll-out process of CIP, CCA and CF.

· Reach out to key UN entities working in food systems at Global and Regional level (Issue Based Coalitions; SGs initiative on CC, etc) establish contact with them and facilitate information flow.

· Support the RCO and UNCT with relevant information and priorities for documents, talking points and VNRs etc.

· Collect and document voices from across the MCO that are impacting the food system transformation, with particular focus on youth, women and girls and persons living with disability.

· Identify and map relevant funding opportunities and supports the RCO and respective UN entities in preparation of project proposals.

☒ Accountability

☒ Adaptability and Flexibility

☒ Client Orientation

☒ Commitment and Motivation

☒ Communication

☒ Creativity

☒ Judgement and Decision-making

☒ Knowledge Sharing

☒ Planning and Organizing

☒ Professionalism

☒ Self-Management

☒ Technological Awareness

☒ Working in Teams

· Demonstrated interest and/or experience in food systems, agriculture, environment, development, coordination, communications

· Studied Economics, Social Sciences, Agriculture, Public Administration, Climate Change, International Relations, Political Sciences or other related fields.

· Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded.

Fiji, one of the larger countries of the South Pacific region, has a relatively high level of human development and is one of the most developed economics in the region. Fiji became independent in 1970. Its multi-ethnic population, which numbers approximately 900,000, is growing slowly due to a moderately low level of fertility and a high level of emigration. The economy rests primarily on sugar production and tourism, but is becoming more diverse, with manufacturing now an important sector of employment. The unit of currency is Fiji Dollar.

Fiji comprises of approximately 330 islands, approximately third of which are inhabited. Fiji covers about 1.3 million square kilometres of the South Pacific Ocean. The two major islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. The capital city is Suva and is located on the south-eastern side of the main island of Viti Levu.

Fiji's population is made up of a mixture of native Melanesian and Polynesian islanders, and a blend of Indian, European, Chinese, Rotuman and Rabi islanders making it a rich and vibrant mix of cultures, sights, sounds and exotic island delicacies. English is spoken widely on the Island, and it is the common language of communication although the native indigenous Fijian language is spoken by many as is the Hindi language.

Fiji enjoys a mild and stable climate most of the year, due to the large expanses of open water that sur-round its islands. The wet season extends from November to April, but rain falls throughout the year. Tropical cyclones can blow up between November and April, although they are rarely dangerous. Fiji enjoys year-round tropical temperatures of between 25-29 degrees with generally high humidity, making it a perfect location for sun-lovers.

Suva, the capital of Fiji, has a population of approximately 141,000, and it is a multiracial and multicultural city. Suva is the largest city in the whole of the region but remains easy-going and friendly. It has reasonably modern facilities including two large hospitals, sporting facilities, restaurants, and supermarkets. Modest accommodation is readily available in Suva, but availability of small apartments is limited; an open mind and flexibility come in handy when looking for housing in Suva. The public transport is quite good: local busses run every day of the week, and taxis are affordable. Public transport is available also for exploring and visiting other parts of the country, which provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and tropical nature.

Fiji along with many other Pacific islands is known for being one of the friendliest nations in the world. It is a unique country and UN RCO is a unique operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in isolated, harsh, and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.