Sustainable Development Specialist (Agrifood innovation and agrifood systems transformation)

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.

The Office of Sustainable Development Goals (OSG) coordinates FAO’s response to accelerating the 2030 Agenda through the sustainable transformation of agrifood systems, working closely with relevant units across the Organization. The Office supports countries and stakeholders to increase their capacity to implement the SDGs by i) Capitalizing on FAO's multidimensional technical expertise, information and knowledge; ii) Identifying innovative methods for prototyping and scaling up programmes and interventions for SDG acceleration; iii) Communicating the Organization’s key messages on SDGs and agrifood systems with a focus on collaboration and transformative partnerships.

In the face of challenges such as rapid population growth, economic downturns, extreme climates and changing consumption patterns, our food systems are under immense pressure and current projections reveal the world is not on a track to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Alternative approaches and innovative solutions are urgently needed to effect sustained and impactful change in our global agrifood systems and accelerate progress to realize the 2030 Agenda, including advancing food security, nutrition, decent employment, gender equality and women’s empowerment, social and economic inclusion, climate change adaptation and environmental sustainability. The development and deployment of innovative tools and approaches around the world will be thus crucial to making our food systems more sustainable. The innovations must ensure that incomes are generated and that jobs are created in order to be economically sustainable. Including poor and vulnerable communities and reducing hunger and malnutrition are essential for social sustainability. In order to be environmentally sustainable, they must help protect water, soil, and air quality, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as food loss and waste. Mobilizing private businesses and nurturing business models which integrate SDG based considerations, is a key area of intervention to achieve this.

One of the workstreams of OSG is focusing on developing SDGs acceleration and integration portfolios through which to foster and scale up innovate solutions for the SDG-based transformation of our global agrifood systems. The portfolios aim to identify and test solutions to address challenges in achieving specific SDGs. They provide support and source funding for these initiatives, to promote experimentation and to encourage the development of the innovative solutions needed to transform global agrifood systems and accelerate progress towards the SDGs.

FAO promotes and supports preparation of the Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) and Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) and the localization of the SDGs by promoting the role of local authorities and communities as catalysts of local change through the SDG framework to facilitate transformation towards sustainable development at the local levels, thus contributing to the attainment of the SDGs at the national level. FAO supports this work by providing technical and analytical support to its Members with the objective to support evidence- and science-based review and subsequent policy-making with regard to future policies, actions and investments; promote integrated assessment, analysis, and discussion of agrifood systems transformation; facilitatee participation, inclusion and dialogues of different partners and stakeholders and their awareness of the role of agrifood systems transformation for broader sustainable development transformation; and identify accelerators to speed up transformative processes.

Reporting Lines

The Consultant/PSA will work under the overall supervision of the Director, OSG and the direct supervision of the Programme Officer, OSG and/or the Technical Officer (SDG Coordination), OSG.

Technical Focus

The assignment will focus on providing analytical and technical support to OSG in enhancing knowledge and skills and supporting initiatives in relation to agrifood/agribusiness innovation management, sustainable agrifood system transformation and their contribution to the integration and accelerated implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Collect, review and analyse relevant information and data on agrifood/agribusiness innovation especially by micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and their contribution to sustainable agrifood system transformation and the realization of the SDGs; identify and analyse good practices related to innovative agrifood/agribusiness practices and solutions in particular regarding food security, nutrition, environmental protection, women’s empowerment, decent employment, economic and social inclusion and climate change mitigation and adaptation. • Collect and review existing tools for sustainable agrifood systems transformation analysis. • Undertake analysis and literature review of different documents/reports (e.g., voluntary national reviews, voluntary local reviews, etc.) and identify good practices in relation to sustainable agrifood system transformation. • Undertake literature review and prepare draft country/community/location profiles to support evidence- and science-based and integrated assessment and discussion of agrifood systems transformation and subsequent policymaking and investments. • Support the development and organization of capacity development activities about agrifood innovation/innovative agribusiness practices for sustainable agrifood system transformation as they relate to SDG integration and acceleration. • Support the development of background papers, concept notes, speaking points and online articles in relation to agrifood/agribusiness innovation and sustainable agrifood system transformation as they relate to SDG integration and acceleration. • Provide support to the organization of policy dialogues and other online and offline events as part of OSG’s work on SDG-based agrifood systems transformation and agrifood innovations. • Support the planning, implementation/delivery and monitoring of pilot initiatives and field projects related to agrifood innovation management, scaling up innovative agrifood business practices/initiatives to accelerate actions towards the realization of the SDGs. • Perform any other relevant tasks as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in agricultural science, agricultural economics, agribusiness, agrifood innovation management, food systems, food policy, environmental sciences, sustainable development, international development, development studies or similar disciplines. • From one to twelve (COF category A)/ fifteen (PSA category A) years of relevant experience in agrifood innovation analysis, management/support; agrifood systems analysis, programme development, policy support in relation to advancing environmental, economic and social sustainability of agrifood systems. • Working knowledge (level C) of English and limited knowledge (level B) one of the other FAO languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish). For PSA, working knowledge of English.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work. • Sound knowledge of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. • Sound knowledge of sustainable agrifood/agribusiness innovation concepts and practices, agrifood systems analysis tools. • Extent and relevance of experience in analysing and supporting innovative agrifood/agribusiness practices/initiatives, and agrifood system and food security and nutrition analysis. • Familiarity with gender equality and women’s empowerment, social and economic inclusion and environmental sustainability concepts in the context of agriculture, food security and food systems. • Good knowledge of development theories and development economics would be an asset. • Familiarity with SDG integration (synergies and trade-offs) concept and tools/methodologies would be an asset. • Excellent analytical skills, including capacity to undertake simple surveys and analyse and synthesize findings. • Excellent writing, communication and presentation skills in English, as can be proved by relevant publications record. • Strong ICT skills; proficient use of Microsoft Office package. • Ability to work independently, in a timely and organized manner. • Versatility and ability to work in a team and multi-task. • Strong interpersonal skills. • Good knowledge of Spanish or French would be an asset.