International Expert on Food Systems Sustainability

Overview

Support BSEC Member States in enhancing sustainable food systems.

You have:

• University degree (advanced university degree preferred) in economics, development studies, agriculture, rural development or other related fields in the social sciences, political science or public administration
• Minimum 12 years of relevant experience in analysis of quantitative international and national databases, socio-economic issues in agriculture/food sector and food security, environmental issues, and politics
• Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of another FAO language (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian)
• Extensive professional experience in the area of sustainable food systems, with a focus on nutrition and diets
• Minimum of 20 publications on food systems sustainability

Organizational Setting

The Sub-Regional Office for Central Asia of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO-SEC) is responsible for developing, promoting, overseeing and implementing strategies for addressing food security, agriculture and rural development priorities in the sub-region. The Organization’s technical assistance includes institution building, development of knowledge and competencies, and exchange of experience among countries facing the challenges of transition.

FAO SEC is the implementing agency for the Black See Economic Cooperation (BSEC) - Regional Cooperation Centre for Sustainable Food Systems (CSFS), a four-year project (1st August 2020 to 31st July 2024). Under this project, a Regional Cooperation Centre for Sustainable Food Systems (BSEC-CSFS) has been set up for the BSEC Member States, which are represented by the Permanent International Secretariat of BSEC (PERMIS). The BSEC-CSFS is located in Ankara at the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) of the Government of Turkey, and is equipped with a clear mandate, relevant institutional framework and technical capacity to enhance the sustainability of the whole food value chain from farm to fork among BSEC member countries.

Reporting Lines

The Consultant will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Sub-regional Coordinator for Central Asia (SRC, SEC), and under the guidance and technical supervision of the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) of the BSEC-CSFS Project. He / She will work with the project Technical Officer (TO) at SEC, and cooperate closely with the relevant national authorities and the FAO SEC Technical and Field Programme Units.

Technical Focus

• Food Systems Sustainability

Tasks and responsibilities

The International Consultant on Food Systems sustainability will contribute to the achievement of the project output 4 - necessary gender-sensitive tools, information and suitable methodology on gender-responsive sustainable food systems developed and technical capacity of BSEC member states strengthened. He/She will provide high level support to the BSEC Member States, through BSEC PERMIS, BSEC – CSFS and the FAO Sub-regional office for Central Asia, by preparing knowledge sharing and training materials on enhancing the sustainability of food systems to strengthen the technical capacity of BSEC Member States

The international consultant will perform the following specific tasks:

• Examine BSEC member states’ legislation on sustainable food systems and consider legislative harmonization possibilities, covering gender gaps
• Develop training materials on the basis of FAO knowledge products and other relevant publications;
• Provide training on gender-sensitive sustainable food systems to key actors and government representatives and organize experience-sharing meetings based on a training schedule;
• Facilitate exchange of experiences, lessons learned and expertise across the region towards sustainability of food systems;
• Perform such other related duties as may reasonably be required from time to time.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree (advanced university degree preferred) in economics, development studies, agriculture, rural development or other related fields in the social sciences, political science or public administration
• Minimum 12 years of relevant experience in analysis of (i) quantitative international and national databases, (ii) socio-economic issues in agriculture/food sector and food security (micro), (iii) environmental issues, (iv) politics and governance (macro)
• Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of another FAO language (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian).

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Analysis of quantitative international and national databases
• Professional of sustainable food systems, food systems sustainability

Selection Criteria

• Extent of professional experience in the area of sustainable food systems
• Demonstrated ability to liaise with multiple stakeholders including national governments and regional organizations, effectively building an understanding and partnership with them
• Excellent communication skills in English, both orally and in writing
• Research works and publications on the matter of Food system sustainability, particularly focus on nutrition and diets (minimum of 20 publication on food systems sustainability)

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 4 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: fao.org