Technical Consultant (Responsible Agricultural Investments - RAI)

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS

Job Title: Technical Consultant (responsible agricultural investments – rai)

Division/Department: ESA/ESD

Programme/Project Number: Committee on World Food Security (CFS)

Location: Rome, Italy

Duration: The duration of the consultancy will be 11 months, starting in September 2013.

Reports to: Name: Kostas Stamoulis, Title: CFS Secretary

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF TASK(S) AND OBJECTIVES TO BE ACHIEVED

The Committee on World Food Security (CFS) has launched a consultative multi-stakeholder process to develop and ensure broad ownership of principles for responsible agricultural investment (rai). These principles should promote investments in agriculture that contribute to food security and nutrition, and support the progressive realization of the right to adequate food in the context of national food security. Developing these principles is one of the major key activities of CFS in 2013/14.

An Open-ended Working Group (OEWG), comprised of CFS Members and participants, has been established to help guide this process. The consultative process is envisaged through a series of regional multi-stakeholder meetings, as well as a global consultation to agree on a final draft to be submitted to the CFS at its 41st session in 2014. In addition, a series of outreach activities are planned.

The CFS Secretariat requires support to assist the OEWG and ensure the consultative process is realized.

Under the overall supervision of the Secretary of the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) and direct supervision of the CFS Secretariat Team Leader, and in close collaboration with the joint CFS Secretariat, the incumbent will provide technical support to the CFS OEWG on responsible agricultural investment (rai).

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Expected Outputs and Required Completion Date:
• Support the CFS Secretariat in the design and organization of the regional multi-stakeholder consultations including the development of a common methodology and reporting format; September 2013 – January 2014
• Support the CFS Secretariat in the design and organisation of the e-consultation, as appropriate, and compile results; September 2013 – January 2014
• Participate in the regional multi-stakeholder consultations and consolidate comments on the Zero Draft. October 2013 – January 2014
• Liaise through the CFS Secretariat with the interagency Technical Support Team set up to advise on the rai process for the preparation of the First Draft; February 2013 – March 2014
• On the basis of all inputs received and available prepare a First draft of the Principles and participate in the negotiation phase of the consultative process. February 2014 – March 2014
• Provide technical support in the negotiation phase of the consultative process. Spring and Summer
• Assist in preparatory tasks beyond the negotiations leading up to CFS 41
• Perform other related duties as required.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

• Advanced university degree in agricultural economics or relevant social science;
• Minimum five years of relevant experience in food security and nutrition; experience in the field of agricultural investments is an asset;
• Experience with international mechanisms, frameworks/initiatives for food security and nutrition;
• Ability to operate in a multi-stakeholder context and to build partnerships Experience with working in an international environment;
• Proven record of excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Working knowledge of English (written and spoken) and limited knowledge of other official UN languages

HOW TO APPLY

Interested applicants should send a copy of their PHF (available at http://www.fao.org/employment/current- vacancies/consultants/en/) with a cover letter via email to: CFS@FAO.ORG by 08 August 2013.

Please write as subject: CFS-rai Technical Consultant

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.