Policy Support Analyst

Organizational Setting

Eliminating food insecurity and malnutrition are persistent challenges in the Near East and North Africa. The structural dependence of its countries on food imports, make the region highly vulnerable to shocks, increasing the inability of entire communities to feed themselves. Recent conflicts and civil instability in many countries of the region have also compounded the situation. As a result, hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition are widespread and require comprehensive and urgent intervention. FAO is helping governments face these challenges by improving the capacity of countries to collect, produce and analyse data for policy formulation. This is done by strengthening their commitment and accountability and by coordinating efforts for joint action. FAO also provides direct support to improve the livelihoods of millions of small farmers and rural communities, especially in countries undergoing conflict where the Organization help farmers and their families recover from crises. The Regional Priority-2 Team, led by the Senior Economist, supports RNE activities at regional and country levels by providing required analytical and policy inputs. Such support includes economic and statistical analyses and specific policy input in relevant intellectual and outreach work.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the RNE/ADG, direct technical supervision of the RNE Senior Economist, the incumbent will provide the following tasks:

Technical Focus

The policy support Analyst contributes to the regional programme in general, and specific assignments and projects in the area of agri-food systems policy and related topics.

Tasks and responsibilities

• As a Policy Support Analyst, the incumbent will support the RP-2 team on matters related to policy and data analysis. • Engage with economic data pertaining to food security and water scarcity and subsequently create the appropriate visualizations for the mentioned data. • Support other RPs where appropriate to further improve the capacity of the RNE office. • Support in collecting and presenting policies, economic and trade related indicators for food security and nutrition in the region, particularly the mapping of policies related to food security, in order to feed these into regional policy monitoring system. • Prepare reports of the collected information and data in order to support the policy monitoring function of the RNE. • Upon agreement with the supervisor, support specific team member(s) of the policy team in undertaking relevant analysis. • Support policy team in organizing relevant events. • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree (Bachelor’s) in economics, business, law, policy, international relations or relevant fields to the scope of the FAO. • At least 1 year of experience in support functions such as the business processes, coordination, project management, research and development sector support. • Working knowledge (level C) of English, and limited knowledge (level B) of Arabic or other official languages of the FAO (French, Spanish, Russian, or Chinese). • National of Egypt or a legal resident in the country with a valid work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience in research and analysis would be preferred. • Experience in writing technical reports in English. • Working knowledge of Arabic or French is an added value. • Advanced University degree (Masters) would be an asset. • Computer literacy in standard software applications. • Demonstrated and keen interest in the work of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter of the United Nations. • Demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which includes a willingness to understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.