Senior Policy Specialist

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency dedicated to achieving food security for all and leading international efforts to defeat hunger. Operating in over 130 countries, FAO Country Offices provide policy advice and technical assistance aligned with the FAO Strategic Framework and country-specific programming. They support the transformation of agrifood systems for greater efficiency, inclusivity, resilience, and sustainability, aiming to improve production, nutrition, the environment, and livelihoods. The position is based in the FAO Country Office in Syria.

Job Purpose

This role provides strategic leadership, technical guidance, and policy advisory support to the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) in Syria. The primary focus is on implementing the Syrian Agricultural Strategy (SAS), supporting agriculture sector recovery planning, strengthening institutional capacities, developing investment programs, and enhancing coordination mechanisms. The position is crucial for FAO's policy-related support to the agricultural sector in Syria, ensuring alignment with national strategies and international best practices.

Responsibilities

The Senior Policy Specialist will provide high-level policy and strategic advice to the Ministry of Agriculture and its related units. Key responsibilities include leading the implementation and coordination of policy support and technical assistance activities, and supporting the operationalization of the SAS Action Plan. The role involves facilitating policy dialogue and strategic coordination with government bodies, donors, international financial institutions, UN agencies, NGOs, and the private sector. Additionally, the specialist will oversee the development of agriculture investment pipelines and bankable programs, exercise supervisory functions over affiliate personnel, and ensure the integration of climate resilience and evidence-based planning. The position also entails leading the preparation of policy papers, supporting coordination platforms, guiding resource mobilization, and strengthening institutional governance within the MoA.

Work Experience

A minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience is required in areas such as agriculture policy, governance, institutional development, or food systems. This experience should complement the advanced university degree.

Skills

Essential skills include strong policy analysis and strategic planning capabilities, experience in facilitating multi-stakeholder policy dialogue, and expertise in institutional strengthening and coordination. Demonstrated experience in resource mobilization and investment planning is crucial. Excellent communication, drafting, and facilitation skills are necessary. Familiarity with UN agencies and FAO systems is preferred. Experience in policy reform, strategic planning, and investment programming, particularly in fragile or post-conflict contexts, is highly desirable. Knowledge of Arabic is an asset.

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