National Specialist on Food Security Analysis and Policies

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 main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist Governments for developing 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.

Reporting Lines

The National Specialist on Food Security Analysis and Policies will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in the Republic of Tajikistan and the Food security officer, FAOSEC and with close cooperation with the National Technical Officer and National Specialists.

Technical Focus

Under the overall supervision of FAOR and in close collaboration with other project members, the National Specialist on Food Security Analysis and Policies is required to lead the implementation of country-level activities under SEC Regular Programme activity “Providing evidence-based analysis of food self-sufficiency policies in selected countries of Central Asia and the Caucasus” and to ensure close coordination with the national stakeholders. With technical guidance of FAO Technical Officers and experts, the incumbent will undertake the following tasks:

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Collect statistical data on food security based on the methodology developed by FAO;
• Identify and review studies and research papers on food security, food self-sufficiency, agri-food trade, agri-food markets, national gain reserve and social protection programmes in Tajikistan;
• Identify and review national policy documents on food security, food self-sufficiency, agri-food trade, agri-food markets, national gain reserve and social protection programmes;
• Summarize key figures and findings collected from activities 1, 2 and 3 above mentioned in Tasks and responsibilities;
• Provide inputs to the report drafted by FAO experts and support the authors to find missing information and data;
• Organize a national workshop and prepare workshop materials including participant list, invitation letter, agenda and presentations;
• Maintain and coordinate a share drive to archive technical materials collected for all project related activities;
• Assist the national stakeholders in organizing missions including the one for attending a cross-country workshop planned in November 2023;
• Closely review the progress of the activities and suggest necessary actions;
• Assist coordination with other UN agencies supporting similar activities such as national food security program; and
• Perform any other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in economics, food security, agricultural economics, or a related field;
• At least five years’ professional experience in the area of food security and/or agricultural policies and programmes;
• Excellent knowledge of Tajik and Russian languages ;
• Good written and oral communication skills in English will be an asset;
• National of Tajikistan or a 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

• Computer literacy with spread sheets, databases and electronic programmes is required;
• Quality of both oral and written communication skills;
• Excellent communication abilities (oral and written);
• Excellent computer skills including Windows, Microsoft Office, Internet, etc;
• Experience in working for or with international development organizations or United Nations agencies;
• Experience in a general administration with international organization will be an asset;
• Experience in liaising with national stakeholders, including relevant line ministries and development agencies working in the rural Tajikistan;
• Working experience with government institutions, universities, research institutions, national or international agencies;
• Able to work in an interdisciplinary team;
• Understanding of gender issues in the field of agriculture;
• Excellent computer skills, including command of MS Word and Excel;
• Excellent analytical and report writing skills (including technical reports).

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