Policy Officer

Organizational Setting

The Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa (RNE) is responsible for leading FAOs response to regional priorities for food security agriculture and rural development through the identification planning and implementation of FAOs priority activities in the Region. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the Region and in collaboration with offices and divisions at headquarters develops promotes and oversees FAOs strategic response to regional priorities. RNE also advises on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organizations Programme of Work and Budget and implements approved programmes and projects in the Region monitors the level of programme implementation and draws attention to problems and deficiencies. RNE develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions including the Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs).

The Regional Office supports regional policy dialogue on food security agriculture and rural development issues facilitates regional partnerships and supports capacity development and resource mobilization for food security agriculture and rural development in the region.

The post is located in the Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa (RNE) in Cairo Egypt.

Reporting Lines

The Policy Officer reports to the Senior Economist RNE and maintains regular contact with FAO headquarters in Rome for functional guidance on matters relating to policy and governance support in the food and agricultural sectors.

Technical Focus.

The Policy Officer provides guidance and operational support for results-based policy assistance and governance work of Decentralized Offices in the Region in relation to policy issues and programmes and provides day-to-day advice and support to the work of policy officers posted at country level in relation to their policy assistance work concerning food security agrifood systems markets value chain and trade of food and agriculture.

Key Results

Development and implementation of coherent integrated and effective policy assistance and governance work supporting Member Nations at regional subregional and country level: i) in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework and its delivery mechanisms; and ii) in response to new policy assistance requests.

Key Functions

• Supports the work carried out by technical or policy officers from headquarters or out-posted staff in the Decentralized Offices in relation to policy and governance work under the FAO Strategic Framework.

• Advocates strategic partnerships best practices and policy dialogue in support of enhanced governance for food security and nutrition sustainable agriculture and food systems.

• Participates in specialized or multidisciplinary teams and high-level policy analysis missions or projects policy networks and/or international policy setting bodies.

• Interacts with UN Regional and Country teams to improve cross-sectorial policies and strategies concerning food security and nutrition and sustainable development.

• Supports the analysis by the Regional Office of regional and country-level issues to provide input into the identification of country and regional priorities and requirements.

• Designs implements and monitors regional and subregional policy work programmes and supporting budgets and/or resourcing strategies.

• Plans organizes and participates in capacity development activities involving the provision of technical advice and assistance and oversees the development of related materials on-line tools and information kits.

Specific Functions

• Participates in regular strategic and operational reviews of agriculture and food and nutrition security including stakeholder analysis;

• Supports the improvement of the rationale policy scope and policy relevance of Country Programing Frameworks towards achieving FAOs vision and goals;

• Promotes the uptake at country level of key corporate policy programmes and messages;

• Contributes to field programme development from project idea through formulation approval funding implementation;

• Supports policy support at country level in constant liaison with relevant headquarters divisions on transforming agrifood systems and achieving food security.
  

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Masters degree or equivalent) in political sciences agricultural economics development economics rural sociology food security nutrition sustainable agriculture or related field.

• Seven years of relevant experience in policy advice and analysis relating to food and nutrition security agriculture and rural development monitoring and evaluation of policies and programmes.

• Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic Chinese French Russian or Spanish).

Competencies

• Results Focus

• Teamwork

• Communication

• Building effective relationships

• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work particularly in field positions is desirable.

• Relevance and extent of experience in policy analysis and advice relating to food and nutrition security sustainable agriculture and rural development.

• Relevance and extent of experience in working with inter-governmental bodies and multidisciplinary teams.

• Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of Arabic and/or French is considered a strong asset.
  

FAO staff are expected to adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Extension of fixed term appointments is based on certification of performance and availability of funds
• FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment.
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment accreditation any residency or visa requirements and security clearances.

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

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
Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED) a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at These qualificationsshould be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.
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 FAOs 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 FAOs client support team for further assistance: IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based ondate and time settings ofyour personal device
The length of appointment for internal FAO candidates will be established in accordance with applicable policies pertaining to the extension of appointments.

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 persons 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 FAOs 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.

FAOs commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient inclusive resilient and sustainable agrifood systems for better production better nutrition a better environment and a better life leaving no one behind.