Social Protection 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.

Through its Country Offices, or FAO Representations, FAO assists governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to address hunger and malnutrition, and provides technical support for the sustainable development of their agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors. The activities of the FAO Country Offices include design and implementation of country-tailored field programmes, liaison with local donor representatives, and active public awareness-raising and outreach activities related to FAO initiatives such as the World Food Day.

The position is located in Lilongwe, Malawi.

Reporting Lines

The Social Protection Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR) in Malawi, the direct supervision of the Assistant FAOR Programmes, and with the support of the Social Policy Officer (RAF) and Agrifoof Systems Expert (Malawi). The consultant will work in close coordination with relevant personnel in FAO Malawi, government counterparts, UN partners and other stakeholders.

Technical Focus

The consultant will be responsible for overseeing project implementation, provide technical support in project implementation, engage and coordinate with government counterparts and relevant stakeholders.

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Provide strategic leadership on social protection and spearhead country level engagements with the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare and other relevant stakeholders to advance FAO’s work on social protection in Malawi 
•     Co- lead with the Agrifood system expert in conducting an assessment and develop a set of programme design and delivery recommendations to ensure improved linkages and referrals between selected social protection programmes and the agrifood system in Malawi. 
•     Support the Agrifood system Expert to define (i) key issues and research questions; (ii) the scope of the assessment; (iii) the research method to be used to conduct the assessment; (iv) the table of contents; and (v) a literature review of best practice, institutional arrangements and governance mechanisms that would facilitate linkages across social protection and agrifood systems. 
•     Organize an inception workshop in Lilongwe, bringing together key government and non-government practitioners to review and finalize the contents of the assessment as outlined in FAO activity 1.
•     Organize a consultation workshop in Mzuzu, Blantyre, and Salima, bringing together agribusiness, other private sector partners, local government and relevant development partners to review and finalize the contents of the assessment as per FAO activity 1.
•     Organize a validation workshop of the report findings
•     Organize a national launch event in Lilongwe to disseminate the findings of the assessment and develop ownership among all key stakeholders to collectively take forward the assessment’s programme design and delivery recommendations.
•     Support the development and roll out a modular training package on establishing linkages and referrals between selected social protection programmes and the agrifood system.
•     Ensure the effective implementation of all other activities of FAO under the Joint SDG project.
•     Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•     Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in in Development Studies, Community Development, Economics, or related field.
•     At least 5 years of demonstrated relevant experience in Social Protection in Africa. 
•     Working knowledge of English (level C).

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Extent and relevance of experience and knowledge in Social Protection and Agri Food Systems, preferably with the United Nations or other international or multilateral organizations.
•     Experience and knowledge in data analysis and management and monitoring activities using widely used statistical packages such as SPSS, STATA, MS Excel is an added advantage. 
•     Coordination skills (communication) 
•     Experience working along the Social Protection -development nexus.
•     Extent and relevance of experience with international or multi-lateral organizations, preferably FAO, and/or with government is an added advantage. 
•     Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural team, and interpersonal skills.
•     Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
•     Writing and communication skills.
•     Ability to take ownership and accountability for assigned processes and to work autonomously.
•     Rigor and demonstrated attention to detail.