Technical Policy Officer - Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP)

Purpose of Job

The Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP) for Eastern and Southern Africa Project, funded by the World Bank, aims to increase the resilience of food systems and preparedness for food security in targeted parts of Eastern and Southern Africa.

Main Functions

The main functions of the FSRP include:

• Providing technical guidance, recommendations, and support for the implementation of the FSRP project.
• Supporting the implementation of project activities and monitoring progress, including timely reporting.
• Assisting the FSRP Project Coordinator in daily management.
• Acting as Project Coordinator in the absence of the FSRP Project Coordinator.
• Promoting project activities by preparing leaflets, guidelines, and fact sheets.

Specific Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include:

• Drafting background papers, analyses, reports, and studies on emerging issues.
• Mobilizing technical assistance for enhancing project implementation compliant with AUC standards.
• Liaising with the Monitor and Evaluation Specialist for relevant assessments.
• Coordinating technical work related to partnerships and demand-driven research.
• Organizing international meetings and conferences in collaboration with the FSRP Project Coordinator.
• Supporting policy advocacy and communication activities through presentations and briefing documents.
• Contributing to the identification and implementation of capacity building for policy.
• Fast-tracking technical work addressing organizational development and partnerships.
• Facilitating analysis of constraints and opportunities for investment in value chains.
• Conducting comprehensive analysis of existing policies related to food systems’ resilience.
• Developing and refining policies, strategies, and guidelines for the FSRP.
• Providing technical assistance and capacity-building support to enhance policy development.
• Facilitating stakeholder engagement and coordination among various sectors.
• Developing and disseminating knowledge products to support policy development.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

Candidates should have:

• A Master’s degree in agricultural policy or related fields with at least 7 years of relevant experience, including 3 years at a supervisory level.
• OR a Bachelor’s degree in agricultural policy or related fields with at least 10 years of relevant experience, including 3 years at a supervisory level.
• Experience in working on large and complex projects.
• Experience in conducting policy dialogue.

Required Skills

Essential skills include:

• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Sound planning and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages; fluency in another AU language is an added advantage.