Social Protection Specialist

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supports the transformation to efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agri-food systems to achieve the 2030 Agenda and SDGs. The Rural Transformation and Gender Equality Division (ESP) leads FAO's efforts in social protection, gender equality, rural employment, and empowerment. ESP works with countries to reduce rural poverty by strengthening social protection, diversifying employment, reducing gender gaps, and improving access to resources and services, ultimately aiming to realize the human right to food for all.

Job Purpose

FAO's Social Protection Team (SOCPRO) seeks to build a roster of technical specialists with expertise in strengthening social protection systems, enhancing rural population resilience, and promoting inclusive climate action and disaster risk management. The roster will support FAO's global mandate. Encouraged expertise includes social protection related to jobs and labor markets, management information systems, its role in climate action (adaptation, mitigation, loss and damage, just transitions, climate financing), resource mobilization and donor engagement, and quantitative research techniques in social policy.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities will vary based on the specialist's profile and assigned role. Key duties include developing analytical and guidance products, providing technical and operational support for social protection policies, programs, and information systems. Specialists will design and deliver training, represent FAO in external forums and conferences, and contribute to or lead the writing of research and knowledge products. They will also develop proposals and resource mobilization materials, support technical reviews of project documents, and undertake other required tasks to advance FAO's social protection objectives.

Work Experience

A minimum of one year of relevant experience is required for Category C positions, five years for Category B, and ten years for Category A. This experience should be in social protection, socio-economic analysis, policy assistance, and capacity building related to social protection. Experience working in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, and in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is also valuable.

Skills

Key skills include results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing. Demonstrable experience in strengthening national social protection systems for rural populations, integrating them with agricultural or climate policies, and developing knowledge products to inform policy design and reform is essential. Experience working in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, and in diverse geographical locations, particularly in field settings, is highly desirable.

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