Agrifood Systems Associate Officer
Organizational Context
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) aims to create a world free from hunger by transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. FAO's mission involves supporting countries in eradicating hunger, improving agricultural productivity, reducing rural poverty, and ensuring sustainable natural resource management. This assignment operates within FAO's Strategic Framework 2022-2031, focusing on the "Four Betters" approach: Better Production, Better Nutrition, Better Environment, and Better Life, contributing to global Sustainable Development Goals.
Job Purpose
This assignment supports FAO's Strategic Framework 2022-2031 by contributing to the transformation of agrifood systems towards greater efficiency, inclusivity, resilience, and sustainability. The role is situated within a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment, focusing on the design, implementation, monitoring, and coordination of projects aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, food security, and nutrition. The incumbent will collaborate with diverse stakeholders to strengthen value chains, promote climate-resilient practices, and support rural livelihoods. This opportunity offers valuable experience in addressing critical global challenges like food insecurity, climate change, and rural poverty, advancing FAO's vision and the SDGs.
Responsibilities
The UN Volunteer will support the planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of agrifood systems projects. This includes assisting with work plans, budgets, and project documentation, as well as collecting, analyzing, and verifying programme data. The role involves organizing and following up on project meetings, field missions, and stakeholder consultations. The volunteer will contribute to partnership activities, gather and analyze information on agriculture and food systems, and help prepare technical briefs and knowledge products. Responsibilities also include supporting project monitoring, impact assessments, and donor reporting, participating in field visits, and identifying challenges and opportunities. Additionally, the volunteer will assist in preparing communication materials and promoting UN Volunteer initiatives, inclusion, and the principle of leaving no one behind.
Work Experience
No prior experience is required. However, experience in agriculture or related fields, project activities, working with stakeholders, data collection, basic analysis, monitoring, and reporting is beneficial. Previous volunteer experience or experience in a different cultural context (e.g., through studies, volunteer work, or internships) would be highly regarded.
Skills
Key competencies include accountability, adaptability, flexibility, building trust, client orientation, commitment to continuous learning, communication, creativity, empowering others, and ethics and values. Specific skills include basic knowledge of agriculture, food security, and rural development; basic research, analytical, and writing skills; ability to support project activities and stakeholder engagement; good communication and interpersonal skills; and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. Expertise in Nutrition and Administration is also mentioned.