Organizational Setting
The Governance and Policy Support Unit (GaPS) supports FAO Members in strengthening governance, policy coherence and institutional capacities to advance agrifood systems transformation. In this context, GaPS, in collaboration with Regional Office for NENA region, is undertaking an analytical and documentation exercise focused on governance and institutional arrangements, processes and capacities that enable the application of systems approaches to operationalize agrifood systems transformation or to advance integrated solutions in selected countries.
The initiative aims to develop a compendium of country case studies documenting experiences where systems thinking has been translated into action through improved coordination, policy alignment, stakeholder engagement and adaptive public administration. The case studies will examine governance processes and outcomes, including how initiatives were initiated, advanced and sustained over time, and the extent to which they delivered economic, environmental and social sustainability outcomes, with due attention to gender equality.
The assignment will contribute to FAOโs normative and knowledge work by generating evidence-based lessons, practical insights and recommendations to inform policy dialogue, programme design and country-level support, and to support Members in strengthening governance for agrifood systems transformation.
Reporting Lines
The incumbent will work under the technical guidance of DDCG and RNE Regional Progamme Leader, and in close coordination with relevant FAO Country Offices in the region.
Technical Focus
Governance arrangements, institutional capacities and systems approach enabling agrifood systems transformation, with a focus on policy coherence, coordination, stakeholder engagement and transformative impact, including economic, environmental and social (including gender equality) sustainability.
Tasks and responsibilities
โข ย ย ย ย Conduct desk review scholarship and evidence on systemic coordination reforms in the agrifood sector as well as relevant country policies/strategies in relation to the transformation case in 2/3 selected countries in the NENA region
โข ย ย ย ย Discuss entry points for case study with FAO country offices and define the scope of analysis
โข ย ย ย ย Adjust and finalize case study methodology and analytical questions based on FAOโs conceptual framework and country specificities
โข ย ย ย ย Prepare questionnaires and conduct interviews with key stakeholders and resource persons
โข ย ย ย ย Develop and implement a workplan and calendar
โข ย ย ย ย Ensure informed consent and transcription for qualitative data collection
โข ย ย ย ย Analyse the interview data and documentary evidence covering relevant country policies/strategies and legal framework in relation to the transformation case, using appropriate methods, to answer the study questions and document the results in a clear, comprehensive report and power point presentation for possible validation with key stakeholders in the country using the agreed methodology.ย
โข ย ย ย ย Maintain regular communication with FAO HQ, RNE and selected Country Offices
โข ย ย ย ย Prepare an interim report and presentation summarizing key findings for validation with FAO and national stakeholders
โข ย ย ย ย Prepare interim country briefs with key findings.ย
โข ย ย ย ย Prepare an interim synthesis report consolidating key information and results from the countries, relevant documentation, consultations and interviews, summarizing the process and key factors (e.g. admin procedures, coordination arrangements, capacities, incentives) contributing to an enabling environment for increased impact and agrifood systems transformationย
โข ย ย ย ย Respond to any feedback on all interim documents and final outputs and revise accordingly
โข ย ย ย ย Transparently declare and ensure quality control if AI technologies are used
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
โข ย ย ย ย University degree in public administration, preferably related to food security, nutrition and sustainable agriculture
โข ย ย ย ย At least 7 years of relevant experience in public administration, governance, political economy and systems approaches, preferably in food and agriculture
โข ย ย ย ย Full proficiency/Working knowledge of Arabic and English
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
Technical/Functional Skills ย
โข ย ย ย ย Experience with research, including desk reviews, stakeholder interviews and qualitative/quantitative data analysis.
โข ย ย ย ย Demonstrated expertise in governance, public administration and institutional arrangements supporting agrifood systems transformation.
โข ย ย ย ย Experience in documenting governance processes, outcomes and transformative impacts, including economic, environmental and social dimensions (with attention to gender equality) is desirable.
โข ย ย ย ย Familiarity with FAO conceptual frameworks and analytical approaches for agrifood systems transformation is an asset.
โข ย ย ย ย Working knowledge of French is an asset.
โข ย ย ย ย Demonstrated experience in case study research and qualitative analysis
โข ย ย ย ย Strong understanding of food systems transformation and governance processes
โข ย ย ย ย Experience working in the NENA region
โข ย ย ย ย Excellent analytical, organizational and communication skills