Policy Specialist (Investment)

Overview

Provide policy assistance and guidance for sustainable agriculture investments.

You have:

• University degree in Economics, Agricultural Economics, Business Administration, Development Studies, or other relevant field.
• At least five years of experience in policy analysis and implementation, and investment decisions, preferably focusing the fields of agriculture, agri-food value chains and public-private investment.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English Language and limited knowledge (level B) of one of the other languages of the organization (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, and Russian). For PSA.SBS, the working knowledge of only one language is required.
• Well versed with Excel, Word, PowerPoint, email applications and ability to conduct Internet-based research.
• Ability to travel across the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

Organizational Setting

FAO’s Coordination Office for the West Bank and Gaza Strip (WBGS) Programme assists the Palestinian Government to formulate and implement policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

The incumbent will contribute to a new project entitled “Promoting Market-oriented Investments and Innovations for Sustainable Agri-food System Development” (GCP/GAZ/023/MUL), which seeks to enable the Palestinian policy environment and agribusiness to generate better income, trade and welfare following innovative approaches towards more market-oriented, competitive and inclusive and sustainable agribusiness. The policy component of the project (Component 2) will intervene in several dimensions of the enabling environment for public and private investment in order to achieve the outcome of “strengthened inclusive public policies and investments toward the achievement of SDG2 in Palestine”.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO WBGS Head of Office, the direct supervision of the FAO WBGS Head of Programme, the technical guidance of the Policy Advisor and the Project Manager, and in close collaboration with other relevant personnel as well as the project’s partners, the Policy Specialist – Investment will ensure the timely and quality implementation of specific project tasks.

Technical Focus

Guidance and operational support for results-based policy assistance, governance, capacity development and facilitation of policy dialogue around public-private investment decision for Food and Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture (FNSSA).

Tasks and responsibilities

• Contribute to the preparatory work for MAP 2 implementation, this includes drafting and reviewing the related documents when needed. • Establish close collaboration and working arrangements with the MAP 2 multidisciplinary team and with relevant officers from the Ministry of Agriculture and other related partners. • Advocate and support strategic partnerships, best practices and policy dialogue within a Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus (HDPN) approach, with particular reference to resource mobilization, implementation of MAP and other initiatives, UN coordination activities over SDGs, • Interact and provide advice to the Food Security Sector Coordination Team to strengthen the HDPN approach in the coordination functions. • Provide guidance and support for results-based FNSSA policy assistance process including the governance, capacity development and the facilitation of policy dialogue around FNSSA, with particular reference to: supporting MoA/SDG2 WG in strengthening FNSSA governance and formulation/monitoring/reviews of related regulatory frameworks (NFNSP, NIP, NASS); supporting the adoption of a food system approach in policy decision-making related to FNSSA. • Support/conduct analyses/studies/situation reports for evidence-based decision making. This includes but is not limited to: - the assessment of long-term impacts of the previous phase of MAP and other investment programs and platforms; - the development and facilitation of further investigations and policy debates on the feasibility of establishing a national food reserve in Palestine, as well as other on-demand analyses with special focus on public investments and enabling environment for private investments. • Prepare periodical notes on progress and issues related to the enabling environment for public and private investment and specifically take the lead in the implementation of and provide regular progress reports of the following MAP 2 Activities: - “Capacity development to support the GoP in enhancing FNSSA governance”, - “Support to formulation/update and monitoring of FNSSA regulatory frameworks”, - “Support formulation/update of other policy interventions of interest for the GoP”, - “Assessing long term impacts of MAP investment support”, and - “On demand analysis to inform public investments and to enable the environment for private investments” • Enhance MoA capacity to perform its responsibilities and functions as leader of SDG2 working group with special focus on FNSSA investment environment, particularly: - the preparation of the NIP Monitoring Report for 2023; - the initiation of the preparation of the new NIP 2024-2028; - the implementation of capacity building activities to the benefit of MoA/SDG2 WG • Advise on all the relevant matters related to MAP 2 implementation and other investment programs. • Perform any other related duties as needed.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in Economics, Agricultural Economics, Business Administration, Development Studies, or other relevant field. • At least five years of experience in policy analysis and implementation, and investment decisions, preferably focusing the fields of agriculture, agri-food value chains and public-private investment. • Working knowledge (level C) of English Language and limited knowledge (level B) of one of the other languages of the organization (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, and Russian). For PSA.SBS, the working knowledge of only one language is required.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Well versed with Excel, Word, PowerPoint, email applications and ability to conduct Internet-based research. • Ability to travel across the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

Selection Criteria

• Extent and relevance of experience in evidence-based policy analysis and implementation, including impact assessment, results-based policy assistance, facilitation of policy dialogue, and related reporting and policy briefs drafting. • Extent of experience in investment decision and public investment projects • Extent of experience in coordinating and liaising with national authorities, UN, donors and nongovernmental national and international organizations. • Demonstrated experience working in complex environments. Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable. • Knowledge of international development architecture including the UN System, NGOs etc. is desirable and understanding of FAO policies and programmes is an asset. • Demonstrated ability to work in a team, and interpersonal skills. • Demonstrated ability to work under tight deadlines and prioritize tasks.

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 3 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: fao.org