National Agricultural Policy Expert (IRAQ)

Organizational Setting

FAO's office for Iraq is responsible for developing, promoting, overseeing and implementing agreed strategies for addressing countrywide food, agriculture and rural development. It develops and maintains relations with the relevant government entities and Ministries at country level and works closely with other UN agencies on the implementation of the United National Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework in Iraq. The position is located in Baghdad.

Reporting Lines

The National Agricultural Policy Expert reports to the FAO Representative.

Technical Focus

Agricultural policy support, coordination and advice based on the knowledge of the local conditions, culture, language and institutions of the country of assignment. Provision of evidence-based policy advice on agriculture and water issues, translating finds and lessons learned from projects and consultations into policies, strategies and action plans.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Participates in policy dialogue and supports the FAO Representative in advising government authorities, local, national and international institutions in the areas of FAO’s activities and liaises with other UN agencies; • Helps maintain an updated country data on food, crops, livestock, forestry and fisheries, and monitors and communicates about changes to national policies affecting the agricultural sector; • Supports the FAO country programme through targeted policy support, in particular the areas of water and soil management, environment/ bio-diversity, climate change, agro-food supply chain development, cooperatives; and agricultural subsidy system; • Supports FAO by participating in selected policy coordination mechanisms such as the National Food Security Committee, the Sector Coordination Group on Agriculture and Water (Irrigation), and others; • Provides written updates and discussion notes on key policy issues identified by FAO-Iraq team and the Government of Iraq as well as supporting those policy areas identified in the Iraq UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework; • Assists in the formulation of a second re-iteration of the Food Security Strategy and Action/ Investment Plan; • Advocates for strategic partnerships, best practices and policy dialogue in support of enhanced governance for food and nutrition security, sustainable agriculture and food systems; • Assists with design and formulation of new programme and project proposals; • Performs other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in agriculture, agricultural economics, forestry, fisheries, or any other field related to the work of the Organization • Minimum of ten years of relevant experience in agricultural development and/or project implementation in an area of FAO's activities in the country • Fluent working knowledge in Arabic and English • Iraqi Nationality

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Extent and relevance of experience in the field of policy analysis relating to food and nutrition security, agriculture, water and rural development in Iraq AND extent and relevance of experience in the collection of country data on food, crops, livestock, forestry and fisheries, statistical analysis and report writing • Demonstrated understanding of the purpose and functions of the technical programme, operational guidelines and project/programme management procedures, preferably those adopted by the United Nations or FAO • Extent and relevance of experience in the identification, formulation and preparation of programme and project proposals as well as programme/project implementation, monitoring and review

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help please contact: [email protected]
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.