Agrifood Systems Associate Officer

The Agrifood Systems assignment is implemented within the framework of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)'s Strategic Framework 2022-2031, which seeks to transform agrifood systems to become more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. The assignment contributes directly to FAO's vision of achieving a world free from hunger and malnutrition while advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to poverty reduction, food security, nutrition, environmental sustainability, and rural development.

The role is situated in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment that supports the design, implementation, monitoring, and coordination of programmes and projects aimed at strengthening agrifood systems. The successful candidate will contribute to initiatives that improve agricultural productivity, enhance food security and nutrition, promote climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural practices, strengthen value chains, and support rural livelihoods.

The assignment typically involves close collaboration with technical specialists, programme teams, government counterparts, development partners, research institutions, civil society organizations, private sector actors, and farming communities. Working within a diverse and international team, the incumbent will support evidence-based planning, stakeholder engagement, partnership development, knowledge sharing, and programme delivery to achieve sustainable development outcomes.

This opportunity offers candidates the chance to contribute to high-impact development work, engage with key national and international stakeholders, and gain experience in addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges, including food insecurity, climate change, rural poverty, and sustainable natural resource management. Through their work, candidates will help advance FAO's "Four Betters" agenda: Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment, and a Better Life, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative and the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative responsible for Programmes, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

* Support the planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of agrifood systems projects and activities.
* Assist with the preparation of work plans, budgets, progress reports, concept notes, and project documentation.
* Contribute to the collection, compilation, analysis, and verification of programme data to track project results and indicators.
* Assist in organizing and following up on project review meetings, field missions, stakeholder consultations, workshops, technical meetings, and policy dialogues.
* Contribute to partnership activities promoting sustainable agriculture, food security, nutrition, and rural development.
* Assist in gathering and analyzing information on agriculture, food systems, value chains, climate resilience, nutrition, and rural livelihoods.
* Contribute to the preparation and dissemination of technical briefs, presentations, case studies, lessons learned, good practices, and other knowledge products.
* Support project monitoring, impact assessments, and the preparation of donor reports, situation analyses, and programme updates.
* Participate in field visits and support activities related to agricultural productivity, food security, climate-smart agriculture, natural resource management, and value chain development.
* Assist in identifying and documenting challenges, opportunities, and emerging needs within target communities and project locations.
* Support the preparation of communication materials and contribute to advocacy and awareness-raising activities showcasing project achievements and promoting sustainable agrifood systems.
* Participate in UN Volunteer initiatives and support the promotion of volunteerism, inclusion, diversity, community engagement, and the principle of leaving no one behind, particularly for women, youth, vulnerable groups, and rural communities.

During the first month of the assignment, the UN Volunteer will work closely with his/her direct supervisor to finalize an agreed-upon work plan. The work plan should outline key objectives and activities and include regular check‑ins with the supervisor to review progress and receive performance feedback.