Senior Policy Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.
FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level. 
The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources. 
Specifically, FAO Country Offices: 
(i) advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate;
(ii) provide technical assistance and deliver core services; 
(iii) assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation; 
(iv) position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and 
(v) ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.

The position is located in the FAO Country Office in Syria.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Syria Arab Republic (SAR), the Senior Policy Specialist will report to the Deputy FAO Representative. The Senior Policy Consultant will also work closely with the Assistant FAOR (Programmes) and Senior Policy Experts in FAO RNE, including close coordination with the BLRS Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) and BLRS Project Manager (PM).

Technical Focus

Provides strategic leadership, technical guidance, and policy advisory support for the implementation of the Syrian Agricultural Strategy (SAS), agriculture sector recovery planning, institutional strengthening, investment programming, and coordination mechanisms under FAO’s policy-related support to the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) in Syria.

Tasks and responsibilities

• • Provide high-level policy and strategic advisory support to MoA and MoA’s policy-related units.
• • Lead the implementation and coordination of policy support and technical assistance activities.
• • Support the operationalization and implementation of the SAS Action Plan.
• • Facilitate policy dialogue and strategic coordination with government, donors, IFIs, UN agencies, NGOs, and private sector actors.
• • Oversee the development of agriculture investment pipelines and bankable programmes.
• • Exercise supervisory functions over other affiliate personnel (but not staff members).
• • Ensure the integration of climate resilience, nexus approaches, and evidence-based planning into all activities
• • Lead the preparation of policy papers, advisory notes, and strategic reports.
• • Support the establishment of coordination platforms and technical working groups.
• • Guide resource mobilization efforts and donor engagement processes.
• • Support institutional strengthening and governance systems within MoA’s policy-related units.
• • Coordinate policy consultations, technical meetings, and stakeholder engagement processes.
• • Support the development of sector planning, monitoring, and reporting systems.

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 agricultural economics, development economics, public policy, rural development, or related fields; Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• • Minimum 10 years of relevant professional experience in agriculture policy, governance, institutional development, or food systems.
• • Working knowledge of English

FAO Core Competencies

• • Results Focus
• • Teamwork
• • Communication
• • Building Effective Relationships
• • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• • Strong policy analysis and strategic planning skills.
• • Experience facilitating multi-stakeholder policy dialogue.
• • Experience in institutional strengthening and coordination.
• • Demonstrated experience in resource mobilization and investment planning.
• • Excellent communication, drafting, and facilitation skills.
• • Working experience with UN Agencies is preferable
• • Familiarity with FAO system and standards is preferable

Selection Criteria

• • Demonstrated experience in policy reform, strategic planning, and investment programming.
• • Experience working with governments, UN agencies, and development partners.
• • Experience in fragile, post-conflict, or transition contexts is highly desirable.
• • knowledge of Arabic is an asset.