Technical Adviser

Organizational Setting

The Governance Unit (DDCG) provides overall corporate leadership in the technical area of Governance analysis, and leads the Complements (Governance, Institutions and Human Capital) Accelerator of the FAO Strategic Framework. The Unit coordinates technical networks in governance and policy support, and curates the FAO Policy and Governance Gateway, that provides comprehensive external access to the overview of the range and scope of FAO policy and governance role, work and resources.

The post is located in the Governance Unit under the Office of the Chief Economist at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines

The Technical Adviser reports to the Chief Economist and works in close collaboration with Centres/Divisions/Offices and work streams under his direct supervision and with other units and Decentralized Offices across the Organization.

Technical Focus

Provide overall technical, analytical, coordination support and advice under the Programme Priority Areas and other key priorities of the FAO Strategic Framework related to the stream of the Chief Economist and issues related to food security, nutrition and agrifood systems transformation.

Key Results

Research, data collection, technical analysis, and project related services to support the delivery of programme projects, products and services.

Key Functions

• Researches and analyses technical-related issues on the development, the implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects; assists to the review of relevant documents and reports.

• Produces a variety of technical information, data, statistics and documents as well as technical input for reports and web pages.

• Provides technical support/analysis to various assessments, studies and projects and provides technical backstopping to field projects.

• Collaborates in the development of improved/updated tools, systems, processes, and databases.

• Oversees the updating of databases and web pages.

• Participates on multidisciplinary teams, and/or leads working groups/teams collaborates with other Centres/Divisions/Offices and agencies on work groups and committees and promotes best practices.

• Collaborates in, provides technical backstopping to and ensures the quality/effectiveness of capacity development activities within Members such as policy support, organizational development and individual learning events including preparation of related information, learning materials and online tools.

• Promotes knowledge sharing and best practices at international meetings and conferences and guides partners in stakeholder consultations.

• Performs other duties as required.

Specific Functions

• Designs and conducts substantive research, data collection and analytical studies as well as technical support and advice to the Chief Economist and the Senior Governance Officer on issues relating to food security, nutrition, food loss and waste, and other issues related to the stream of the Chief Economist.

• Responds to requests and provides technical/policy advice, assistance and provides technical backstopping to projects.

• Promotes collaboration, advocates best practices and increased policy dialogue and provides technical expertise at technical meetings and conferences.

• Prepares and/or analytical reports, revises reports, documents, briefing notes.

• Supports general oversight and strategic coordination of priority initiatives and work programmes of the unit.

• Fosters teamwork and communication among staff, maintains a flexible way of working and is willing to perform varying duties depending on the shifting needs of the Office and the staff.

• Supports strengthening partnership with key partners, research institutions and support active engagement with the private sector around priority topics.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in political sciences, agricultural economics, soil and agronomic sciences, development economics, food loss and waste or related fields.

• Five years of relevant experience in research, data collection, analytical studies, technical cooperation related activities, policy advice and analysis relating to food and nutrition security, food loss and waste, agrifood systems, and project support.

• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Competencies

• Results Focus

• Teamwork

• Communication

• Building Effective Relationships

• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions.

• Ph.D. is an asset.

• Experience in field work (data collection, field training, data analysis) in Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa and Asia regions.

• Relevance and extent of experience in research, data collection, analysis, policy advice and analysis relating to food and nutrition security, food loss and waste, and project and programme support.

• Relevance and extent of experience in working with partners, research centres, and multidisciplinary teams.

• Demonstrated fundraising experience.

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