Food Systems Specialist

Organizational Setting

For more than four decades, FAO has been working with the Government of the Philippines, civil society, community-based organizations and the private sector to address challenges in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector. Joint efforts have included increasing sustainability in agricultural production, promoting value-adding practices, improving post-harvest management, enhancing productivity and increasing the resilience of agriculture-based livelihoods to natural disasters, climatic hazards and armed conflict.

Reporting Lines

The Food Systems Specialist will report directly to the Lead National Consultant – Natural Resource Management Specialist.

Technical Focus

The Global Environment Facility (GEF8) approved the Expression of Interest (EOI) of the project entitled “Transforming Agricultural Landscapes in Island Ecosystems and Key Biodiversity Areas towards Sustainable Food Systems and Climate Resilient Communities” under the Food Systems Integrated Program (FS-IP). The project aims to improve the ecosystem health and transform food systems to deliver multiple environmental and social benefits through the following components: (i) enhancing the enabling environment for climate-resilient and sustainable food and landscape management systems, including the dynamic conservation of biodiversity for food and agriculture; (ii) enabling integrated landscape management to sustain food systems and deliver GEBs; (iii) strengthening capacities promoting investment in sustainable and climate resilient food production practices, and improved value chains ; and (iv) promoting learning, knowledge management and monitoring and evaluation for sustainable landscapes management and biodiversity conservation.

In preparation for the Project Preparation Grant (PPG) phase, the Food and Agriculture Organization, in collaboration with the Government of the Philippines will develop the full project document in alignment with the national priorities and GEF8 programming directions. Project preparation activities will include desk review as well as multi-stakeholder consultations to ensure the involvement of key stakeholders in the project design process and generate commitments both at the national and local levels.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Provide technical inputs to ensure that the overall project design reflects and integrates a strong understanding of existing food systems policies and initiatives, as well as associated institutional challenges and opportunities related to the achievement of the project objective. • Conduct a diagnostic and landscaping analysis on the current status of food systems at the national, regional, and project site levels. • Provide relevant food systems baseline data including information on policy, data gaps and potential synergies. • Develop a food systems assessment and enhancement plan with detailed activities, budget, and M&E. • Contribute to relevant sections of the project document and supporting materials including , social and environmental assessments, results framework, baseline information, national benefits, results framework, among other. • Submit mission reports covering a brief summary of mission activities and conclusions, key persons/ organizations consulted and recommendations for the finalization of the project documents. • Carry out other relevant duties within his/her technical competence as requested by FAO

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in agriculture, agriculture economics, rural development, and allied fields. • At least ten (10) years relevant experiences in knowledge management and capacity building of complex and multi-stakeholder projects in the Philippines. • National of the country or a resident with a valid work permit • Working knowledge of English

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus • Teamwork • Communication • Building Effective Relationships • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English