National Food Systems Policy and Planning Specialist

Overview

Provide technical support for food systems assessment and planning.

You have:

• University Degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Public Policy, Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Development Studies, Food Systems, Economics, Environmental Management or a related field.
• At least five (5) years of relevant professional experience in food systems, agriculture, public policy, strategic planning, institutional development, governance or related fields.
• Working knowledge of English (Level C)
• National of Kiribati or resident of the country with valid work permit

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) leads international efforts to improve food security and nutrition through the transformation of more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems.

Through the Accelerating Food Systems Transformation through a Scalable Success Model (SSM) initiative, FAO is supporting countries to accelerate implementation of their National Food Systems Pathways through strengthened evidence, policy coherence, stakeholder coordination and investment planning. In Kiribati, the project supports the Government, through the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Agricultural Development (MELAD) and the National Food Systems Convener, to undertake a National Food Systems Needs Assessment, Ecosystem of Support Mapping, development of a nationally validated Stakeholders' Action Plan (2026–2030), and convening of a National Food Systems Dialogue.

FAO is seeking a qualified national specialist to provide technical support for these activities.

Reporting Lines

The National Food Systems Policy and Planning Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Subregional Coordinator for the Pacific Islands and the direct supervision of the Policy Officer of the FAO Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands. The Specialist will work in close technical collaboration with relevant FAO technical officers and, through FAO, the United Nations Food Systems Coordination Hub.

Technical Focus

The assignment will provide technical support for the preparation of a National Food Systems Needs Assessment, development of a nationally validated Stakeholders' Action Plan (2026–2030), and technical support for the National Food Systems Dialogue. The Specialist will undertake policy, institutional and governance analyses and contribute to evidence-based planning to accelerate implementation of the Kiribati National Food Systems Pathway.

Tasks and responsibilities

Under the guidance of the supervising officer, the Specialist will:

• Review relevant national policies, legislation, strategies, reports and food systems dialogue outcomes. • Prepare an Inception Report, including methodology, workplan and consultation schedule. • Undertake policy, institutional and governance analyses to support the National Food Systems Needs Assessment. • Prepare the draft National Food Systems Needs Assessment Report. • Support coordination, with FAO’s facilitation, with the National Ecosystem of Support Mapping Specialist to ensure alignment of technical outputs. • Prepare the Stakeholders' Action Plan (2026–2030), including implementation arrangements, institutional responsibilities, monitoring arrangements and resource considerations. • Prepare technical background papers, presentations and briefing materials for the National Food Systems Dialogue. • Present findings from the National Food Systems Needs Assessment and the draft Stakeholders' Action Plan and provide technical support during the National Food Systems Dialogue. • Support stakeholder validation processes and incorporate comments into final outputs. • Prepare an Assignment Completion Report and provide technical clarification during FAO review of project outputs. • Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University Degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Public Policy, Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Development Studies, Food Systems, Economics, Environmental Management or a related field. • At least five (5) years of relevant professional experience in food systems, agriculture, public policy, strategic planning, institutional development, governance or related fields. • Working knowledge of English (Level C) • National of Kiribati or resident of the country with valid work permit

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

Essential

• Demonstrated experience in food systems policy analysis, strategic planning or related fields. • Experience undertaking policy, institutional or governance assessments and preparing technical reports and policy documents. • Experience in supporting multi-stakeholder consultations and working with government institutions and development partners. • Strong analytical, facilitation and technical writing skills. • Good understanding of food systems transformation and sustainable agrifood systems. • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Desirable

• Experience supporting implementation of National Food Systems Pathways or similar multisectoral initiatives. • Familiarity with FAO or other United Nations programme implementation modalities. • Previous professional experience working in Kiribati or other Pacific Island countries.

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Potential interview questions

Added 1 month ago - Updated 28 days ago - Source: fao.org