Social Protection Specialist

Reporting Lines Under the overall leadership of the FAO Regional Office Programme Lead for Social Protection and technical supervision of the Social Policy Officer. Technical Focus The incumbent will provide policy and programmatic technical expertise to support FAO’s work on social protection and the resilience of rural populations. This includes, but is not limited to, areas such as economic inclusion programming, inclusive climate action, nutrition- and gender-sensitive social protection, and the development and strengthening of shock-responsive social protection systems. Tasks and responsibilities The specialist shall undertake the following duties: • Provide strategic policy and programmatic support to governments and FAO teams at country, subregional, and regional levels on social protection.• Offer technical guidance for the integration of social protection into national development plans and agrifood systems transformation strategies.• Support the formulation of policies and the design of programmes to strengthen social protection systems that contribute to food security, nutrition, climate action, agriculture, and rural development• Support socio-economic analyses to inform the linkages between social protection, climate adaptation, resilience building, shock responsiveness, and poverty reduction.• Support the design and implementation of joint initiatives aimed at expanding social protection coverage to rural populations, including pastoralists, fisherfolk, and communities vulnerable to climate change.• Contribute to the development of knowledge products and tools related to nutrition-sensitive social protection, climate adaptation, shock-responsive systems, and broader system-strengthening efforts.• Provide technical inputs to corporate processes, including Common Country Assessments (CCAs), Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs), regional strategies, reports, and communication materials.• Support capacity development efforts through the design and delivery of trainings, workshops, guidance materials, and other knowledge sharing activities.• Contribute to the strengthening of strategic partnerships, resource mobilization, and regional advocacy efforts.• 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 political science, economics, development studies, social anthropology or other relevant social sciences or any other discipline relevant to the work of the Organization. Consultants with bachelor`s degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience• At least one-year relevant experience for (Category C) five years’ relevant experience (Category B) or at least ten years' relevant experience (Category A) in social protection, socio-economic analysis, policy advice, programmes design and implementation and capacity building activities in relation to social protection and rural development • Full proficiency/Working knowledge of English FAO Core Competencies • Results Focus• Teamwork• Communication• Building Effective Relationships• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement Technical/Functional Skills • Extent and relevance of country-based experience in strengthening national social protection systems for rural populations and their integration with agricultural and/or climate policies and programmes.• Extent and relevance of experience supporting the development of knowledge products to inform and influence the design of social protection programmes • Experience in working in multidisciplinary and multi-cultural team.• Work experience in more than one location, particularly in field positions. Selection Criteria • Knowledge of additional UN official languages, French in particular, is considered an asset.• Previous work experience in Africa region an added advantage  Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing) Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at For more information, visit the FAO employment website Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.