Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized technical agency of the United Nations.  The FAO mission is to work toward the eradication of hunger and strive for food security for everyone as stated in the 2030 Agenda.  The FAO’s Strategic Framework aspires to transform agri-food systems so that they are more efficient, inclusive,  resilient, and sustainable. The ultimate goals of these efforts include better production, better nutrition, better environment, and better lives, while leaving no one behind.

The Global Action (GA) on Green Development of Special Agro-Products (SAPs), themed as “One Country One Priority Product” (OCOP) was launched in Sep 2021. It is developed with the focus on supporting the Members for the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agri-food systems through the green development of the SAPs. The OCOP includes four thematic areas covering the different value chain processes: i) green production, ii) green storage, iii) green processing, and iv) green marketing. Each thematic area includes a range of key elements with examples of associated green technologies and innovations, which Members can use as a comprehensive, but not exhaustive source of reference.
Under the overall framework of OCOP initiative, building on the rich experience on SAPs development in Asia and the Pacific region, RAP’s OCOP aims to 1) promote regional knowledge sharing on diversified SAPs and related SAPs innovation, and 2) support countries to develop and improve priority-product value chain for nominated SAP, particularly for rural populations and smallholders. Sustainable and inclusive technologies and innovation throughout the process of production, post-harvest, processing, marketing and trade, and consumption of SAPs will be documented, demonstrated, and disseminated through local, regional, and international platforms. In addition, active multi-actors compilation, matchmaking and engagement of private sector will be blended with the strengthened public regulatory, policy, extension, and incentive services. The coordinated partnerships will be established to create synergy with other FAO regional priorities and overall SDG goals. Implementation of the OCOP will involve multi-disciplinary teams depending on country’s needs in Asia and the Pacific.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of Senior Policy Officer and regional coordinator on OCOP, in close coordination with the OCOP task force and FAO Representations, as well as the officials of the FAO RAP member countries who are responsible for the implementation of OCOP in respective countries.

Technical Focus 

•    challenges and solutions on agri-food system transformation;
•    value chain development of special agricultural product;
•    policy, institution, science, technology, innovation that are relevant to agricultural product production, processing, marketing, trade and consumption.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Provide research and policy support on food security and nutrition and agri-food systems, including global challenges and trends affecting agri-food systems, identifying opportunities and entry points for Special Agricultural Products (SAPs) development with focus on poor rural areas;
•    Conduct desk review on existing literature, database and country submission on sustainable and inclusive innovation and best practices on SAPs development in terms of production, post-harvest management, processing, marketing and consumption;
•    Provide technical assistance on the identification and application of innovation for SAP production, post-harvest handling, processing, marketing, trade and consumption to address key challenges and obstacles of SAP development;
•    Survey, analyze and prepare knowledge products on OCOP in the Asia-Pacific region, such as country briefs, case studies, videos and other technical materials;
•    Provide day-to-day update of database and content management of the regional knowledge platform on OCOP, including information gathering and synthesis  of questionnaire,  as well as presents inputs on country experiences and innovative solutions related to product production, processing, marketing and consumption;
•    Compile and consolidate data and information on key SAPs stakeholders in the region;
•    Contribute to the coordination, knowledge sharing, networking, capacity building, partnership building and resource mobilization for OCOP initiative;
•    Contribute to the organization of the OCOP meetings, consultations, seminars, workshops and events;
•    Prepare minutes, talking points, presentations, notes, reports, communication, outreach and promotional materials related to OCOP;
•    Perform other duties if and when required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    University degree in agriculture, food security and nutrition, economics, agriculture policies, trade, food science, value chain, environment, natural resources, law, or other closely related fields.
•    Required years of experience in food security and nutrition, agri-food system transformation, agriculture policies, trade, food science, agricultural product development relevant to production, processing, marketing, trade and consumption:
COF.REG level A: minimum 12 years
COF.REG level B: minimum 5 years
COF.REG level C: minimum 1 year
PSA.SBS level A: minimum 15 years
PSA.SBS level B: minimum 5 years
PSA.SBS level C: minimum 1 years
•    Working knowledge (level C) of English, and limited knowledge (level B) of one of the others, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese and Russian. For PSA, working knowledge of English.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Analytical capacity on complex issues related to food security and nutrition, agri-food system transformation;
•    Knowledge and experience on value chain development of agricultural product;
•    Knowledge on policy, institution, science, technology, innovation that are relevant to agricultural product production, processing, marketing, trade and consumption;
•    Proficiency in knowledge products and technical reports preparation;
•    Experience in programme coordination and project implementation;
•    Good organizational skills and experience in event organization;
•    Demonstrated writing and communication skills;
•    Computer skills in Office applications including Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint;
•    Analytical capacity and technical experience on product development relevant to agricultural production, processing, marketing, trade and consumption;
•    Experience in handling database and content management;
•    Experience in event organization, reports writing and presentation preparation visually;
•    Ability to work in multicultural environment.