Organizational Setting
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to achieve food security and nutrition for all. With presently 194 member states, and working in more than 130 countries worldwide, including Namibia. FAO contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the 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.
The aim of the FAO Country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes, and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to develop the agricultural, fisheries, and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner. FAO Country Office activities include the design and implementation of country-specific field programs, liaison with local donors' representatives, and active outreach activities related to FAO initiatives.
Background
In line with its mandate, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) continues to support the Government of Namibia through targeted technical assistance delivered in collaboration with key ministries, agencies, and local institutions. Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), locally known as Mahangu, remains the countryโs most climate-resilient staple crop, uniquely adapted to Namibiaโs predominantly arid and semi-arid production environments. With average annual rainfall of approximately 285 mm, recurrent high temperatures, and frequent drought events, agricultural production systems face considerable constraints. Mahanguโs deep rooting capacity, short growth cycle, and high tolerance to moisture stress make it indispensable for household food security, particularly in the Northern Communal Areas (NCAs), where more than 60 percent of the population relies on it as their primary cereal.
Despite its strategic importance, Namibiaโs annual production is estimated at 371,800 MT and meets only about 52 percent of domestic requirements, resulting in continued dependence on cereal imports. Climate variability and extreme weather events further compound the situation, with output declining from 44,100 MT in 2021/22 to 36,100 MT in 2022/23. Enhancing the productivity, stability, and commercial viability of mahangu production is therefore essential for reducing food insecurity and strengthening national self-sufficiency.
Although mahangu is designated as a controlled product under the Agronomic Industry Act (2008), the value chain remains predominantly subsistence oriented. Production systems are characterized by limited adoption of improved agronomic practices, inadequate post-harvest and storage technologies, low levels of processing, and weak market integration. Addressing these systemic constraints is central to unlocking the cropโs full potential for rural incomes, nutrition, and agro-industrial development.
Reporting Lines
The Millet Value Chain Expert will be under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative, with day-to-day supervision by the Assistant FAO Representative for Programme.
Technical Focus
The candidate is expected to:
โข ย ย ย ย Map millet production, processing, and marketing stages.
โข ย ย ย ย Identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for upgrading.
โข ย ย ย ย Propose technologies for drying, storage, and reducing losses.
โข ย ย ย ย Propose quality standards for millet grains and products.
โข ย ย ย ย Propose linkages between farmers, processors, and buyers.
โข ย ย ย ย Train/Expose farmer groups, cooperatives, and SMEs on millet value chains.
โข ย ย ย ย Propose policies that would strengthen millet value chains.
Tasks and responsibilities
โข ย ย ย ย Support technical and consultative activities to strengthen Namibiaโs mahangu (millet) value chain.
โข ย ย ย ย Technically support the inception workshop bringing together key public and private sector stakeholders.
โข ย ย ย ย Conduct a comprehensive mahangu value chain analysis covering production, processing, and marketing stages.
โข ย ย ย ย Identify opportunities for climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable transformation along the value chain.
โข ย ย ย ย Prepare analytical reports for stakeholder review, comments, and technical inputs.
โข ย ย ย ย Facilitate a stakeholder validation workshop to present findings, validate results, and capture additional insights.
โข ย ย ย ย Finalize the national mahangu value chain analysis report, ensuring technical soundness, contextual relevance, and alignment with national priorities.
โข ย ย ย ย Support national counterparts in formulating a national action plan for implementing the One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative for mahangu.
โข ย ย ย ย Provide technical guidance on proposed interventions, sequencing of actions, and priority areas for policy, institutional, and investment support.
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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements ย ย
โข ย ย ย ย Advanced degree in Agronomy, Agricultural Economics, Food Science, Food Technology, or related fieldย
โข ย ย ย ย Minimum 10 years of working experience for national, regional or international organizations in the field of cereal value chains, with a good understanding of the local context.ย
โข ย ย ย ย Fluent in English (reading, writing and speaking).
โข ย ย ย ย National of Namibia or resident of the country with valid work permit.
FAO Core Competencies
โข ย ย ย ย Results Focus
โข ย ย ย ย Teamwork
โข ย ย ย ย Communication
โข ย ย ย ย Building Effective Relationships
โข ย ย ย ย Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement