National Policy Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (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.
FAO Country Offices, which are headed by an FAO representative and working to implement the corporate Strategic Framework at country level, offer policy advice and technical assistance to countries to develop policies, programmes, and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural sector in a sustainable manner to ensure zero hunger in the country. 
The FAO Representation in Bangladesh (FAOBD) is providing technical assistance to the Government of Bangladesh to facilitate the implementation of the Agriculture Sector Transformation Programme (ATP), under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA). This initiative is funded by the Gates Foundation (GF) and is anticipated to be executed over a period of 38 months. The project aims to encourage investment in the crop sector and enhance the innovative technologies in line with agricultural transformation towards sustainable agro-economic growth in Bangladesh. The specific objectives, are to:
•     Conducting policy, institutional, and investment gap analyses to inform an effective action plan for agriculture sector transformation.
•     Identifying and establishing effective pathways for prioritizing and coordinating resources and partnerships.
•     Enhancing collaboration with the private sector.
•     Improving the scale and efficacy of investments in agrifood system research and innovation.
•     Strengthening institutional capacity and system.
•     Facilitating the piloting and scaling of catalytic technologies.

The National Policy Specialist will contribute to the development of policy-informed, climate-resilient, and practically implementable investment blueprints for six regions that promote agricultural transformation, with emphasis on environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and market responsiveness. The incumbent will play a key role in producing biennial policy notes for DAE under MoA.

Reporting Lines

The National Policy Specialist is a SC9 position (National Technical Expert). Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Bangladesh, the Deputy FAO Representative, Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) and direct supervision of the Technical Advisor (TA), the incumbent will work closely with the National Project Coordinator, FAOBD’s Technical Assistance team, relevant government institutions, and other stakeholders.

Technical Focus

The technical focus of the assignment focuses on regional agricultural policy and investment planning, emphasizing the development of evidence-based investment blueprints for six agro-ecological zones. It includes integrating agro-ecological and socio-economic analysis, providing policy advisory support, and coordinating with key stakeholders to mobilize investments aligned with national priorities. Additionally, the incumbent will undertake the preparation of six evidence-based policy notes for DAE and MoA, ensuring they offer actionable recommendations informed by data, impact assessments, and alignment with national strategies.

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Actively participate in the development of regional investment plans for the six hotspots, integrating socio-economic, agro-ecological, climate risk and market profiles aligned with ATP and BDP2100 priorities.
•     Review and align relevant national policies, strategies, and sectoral plans to ensure policy coherence in investment planning.
•     Assist in policy and institutional analysis to identify gaps and enabling reforms for investment implementation in each agro-ecological zone.
•     Provide technical input in developing a roadmap for resource mobilization by identifying and engaging with domestic and international partners and stakeholders.
•     Contribute to the preparation of a strategic investor engagement framework, based on diagnostics, prioritization criteria, and feasibility considerations.
•     Support data collection and validation from primary and secondary sources, in collaboration with other national consultants and technical experts.
•     Facilitate stakeholder consultations in all six zones, ensuring inclusion of local governments, farmer organizations, private sector, and NGOs.
•     Prepare briefing notes, working papers and presentations for technical meetings, inter-ministerial consultations, and donor engagement.
•     Develop policy notes for DAE and MoA, including identifying priority topics, reviewing existing policies, collecting relevant data, and conducting socio-economic and environmental impact assessments to inform evidence-based, inclusive, and actionable policy recommendations.
•     Provide technical advisory support to DAE, MoA, and stakeholders, including guidance on policy implementation, and strategies to address emerging challenges such as climate change, food security, and market access.
•     Perform any other related tasks as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     Advanced university degree in public policy, agricultural economics, rural development, or related discipline
•     Minimum of 09 years of progressively responsible experience in agricultural policy, investment planning, or development projects, preferably in Bangladesh
•     Working knowledge of English (level C);
•     National of Bangladesh

FAO Core Competencies

•     Results Focus
•     Teamwork
•     Communication
•     Building Effective Relationships
•     Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Strong expertise in agricultural policy analysis, public investment planning, and development of regional investment strategies
•     Familiarity with the institutional roles of MoA, DAE, BARC, NARS, and other relevant government and research agencie
•     Strong skills in data interpretation, report writing, and preparation of policy briefs and technical documents
•     Understanding of diagnostic tools (e.g., MAFAP, TAPE), with the ability to translate its findings into bankable investment plans and facilitate multi-stakeholder engagement strategies
•     Excellent understanding of agro-ecological and socio-economic contexts in Bangladesh, particularly in relation to agricultural transformation
•     Demonstrated capacity to coordinate with government agencies, private sector, and development partners
•     Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary and multi-agency teams

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION