National Food Systems Policy and Planning Specialist

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FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
• FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.

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.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

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 or have queries, please contact: Careers@fao.org
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
• Only language proficiency certificates from UN accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT) will be accepted as proof of the level of knowledge of languages indicated in the online applications.
• For other issues, 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.

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp

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