Organizational Setting
The Agrifood Economics and Policy Division (ESA) conducts economic research and policy analysis to support 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. ESA provides evidence-based support to national, regional, and global policy processes and initiatives related to monitoring and analysing food and agricultural policies, agribusiness and value chain development, rural transformation and poverty, food security and nutrition information and analysis, resilience, bioeconomy, and climate-smart agriculture. The division also leads the production of two FAO flagship publications: The State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA) and The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) and provides core technical support for the FAO Global Roadmap.
Reporting Lines
The selected candidate will work under the direct supervision of the ESA Director, collaborating, as required, with other FAO divisions, Country Offices, and external partners.ย
Technical Focusย
The Strategy and Partnerships Advisor will support the ESA Director by identifying and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders including governments, international organizations, donors, private sector entities, and research institutions as well as facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogues, joint initiatives, and strategic alliances to advance the transformation of agrifood systems and other key areas of the divisional work.
Tasks and responsibilities
Provide strategic analysis and advice:
โข ย ย Conduct the qualitative analysis to inform the development of strategies and policies.
โข ย ย Support the ESA Director in identifying emerging trends, risks, and opportunities in agrifood systems and related sectors.
Strengthen and Manage Partnerships:
โข ย ย Identify, cultivate, and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including governments, international organizations, donors, private sector entities, and research institutions for the core areas of the work of the ESA such as policy recommendations, policy analysis for the purpose of agrifood systems transformation.ย
โข ย ย Facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogues, joint initiatives, and strategic alliances to advance the global transformation of agrifood systems and other key areas of the divisional work.
โข ย ย Prepare partnership proposals, concept notes, and briefing materials to support the high-level engagement of the ESA Director.
Support Policy and Program Development:
โข ย ย Contribute to the design and implementation of programmes and projects aimed at transforming agrifood systems towards sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience and other core areas of the divisional work.ย
โข ย ย Assist in aligning ESAโs work with global and regional frameworks such as the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty, the Rio Conventions, CAADP and other regional development agendas.
Facilitate Coordination and Communication:
โข ย ย Prepare technical reports, policy briefs, and strategic documents for internal and external audience.
โข ย ย Coordinate within the division to ensure alignment across different pillars of work and projects.
โข ย ย Support the ESA Director in preparing for high-level meetings, presentations, and strategic engagements.
Monitor, Evaluate and Report:
โข ย ย Support the monitoring and evaluation of strategic initiatives and partnerships.
โข ย ย Track progress against agreed objectives and indicators.
โข ย ย Provide regular reporting to inform management decisions and resource mobilization efforts.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
โข ย ย Advanced university degree in economics, international relations, public policy, communication or related fields.ย
โข ย ย Minimum of 5 years for category B, 10 years for COF category A, in partnership management, project management, public affairs and similar.
โข ย ย Working knowledge (level C) of English.ย
FAO Core Competencies
โข ย ย Results Focus
โข ย ย Teamwork
โข ย ย Communication
โข ย ย Building Effective Relationships
โข ย ย Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
โข ย ย Experience in identifying potential strategic partners, building coalitions, and managing multi-stakeholder relationships across public, private, and civil society sectors. Ability to support resource mobilisation efforts through the preparation of partnership proposals, donor briefs, and concept notes.
โข ย ย Experience in supporting institutional strengthening, policy dialogue facilitation, and capacity development initiatives for government institutions, private sector, and civil society organizations.
โข ย ย Ability to assess complex situations, develop innovative solutions, and make sound recommendations.
โข ย ย Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to present complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
โข ย ย Experience at engaging and managing diverse stakeholders, negotiating, and fostering consensus.
โข ย ย Knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) would be an asset.