National Policy Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

Through its Country Offices, or FAO Representations, FAO assists governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to address hunger and malnutrition, and provides technical support for the sustainable development of their agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors. The activities of the FAO Country Offices include design and implementation of country-tailored field programmes, liaison with local donor representatives, and active public awareness-raising and outreach activities related to FAO initiatives such as the World Food Day.

Reporting Lines

The National Policy Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR) in Malawi, the Assistant FAOR (Programmes) and under the direct supervision of the Head of Policy, Planning and Partnerships. Further, the incumbent will work in close collaboration with technical teams at Headquarters, Regional Office for Africa (RAF) and Sub-Regional Office for Southern Africa (SFS).

Technical Focus

The Specialist will support overall policy work, programme design as well as lead analytical work on food security and nutrition, socio-economic impact studies of interventions to generate evidence for policy and decision-making. In addition, the Specialist will raise awareness, prepare policy briefs and ensure the dissemination of such products among all key stakeholders.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Provide strategic guidance, technical and operational support for results-based policy assistance and governance on food security and nutrition, and toward food systems transformation.
• Ensure that FAO plays its active role in agri-food systems policy formulation, review and implementation in support of the Government of Malawi.
• Lead technical studies on socio-economic issues affecting the agricultural sector in the country.
• Participate in specialized or multi-disciplinary teams, and high-level policy analysis missions or projects and policy networks.
• Facilitate policy dialogues around food security, nutrition and sustainable agriculture.
• Participate in capacity development activities involving the provision of technical advice and assistance, and contribute to the development of related materials, tools or kits.
• Under the leadership of the Section Head, lead FAO’s technical support to the Government of Malawi on Policy formulation, review, harmonization, implementation and monitoring.
• Interpret, disseminate and advocate for UN (in general) and FAO (in particular) policies on agricultural development in Malawi.
• Review and prepare a compendium on the status of various sectoral and sub-sectoral policies in Malawi and recommend appropriate actions where necessary.
• Develop tools and conduct studies on the performance of sectoral and sub-sectoral policies in the country.
• In collaboration with the Head of Section, support and actively participate in interagency coordination on policy related matters.
• Provide policy technical support to all ongoing and pipeline programmes and projects within the country office.
• Support the Head of Section in programme formulation, negotiations and building partnerships.
• Support the Head of Section on liaison with the Government, the UN system in Malawi and other development partners.
• Carry out other tasks as assigned by the Head of Section and/or Senior Management.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced University degree (Masters) or PhD in Agricultural Economics, Economics, Policy Analysis, Development Economics or any other closely related field from a recognized University.
• A minimum of seven years of relevant experience in policy review, formulation and analysis, socio-economic studies and programme formulation.
• Proficiency in English
• Must be a National of the Republic of Malawi.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Demonstrated field experience in policy work, planning, intersectoral coordination and partnership building;
• Excellent writing and communication skills – ability to technically draft and peer review reports and documents.
• Technical knowledge in current policy analysis tools and approaches.
• Familiarity with issues affecting agricultural development in Malawi and across the globe.

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.