Job Description National Market Systems Specialist
Primary Location
: Jordan-Amman
Organizational Setting
Agrifood systems around the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region are facing multiple challenges such as climate change, hunger and malnutrition, degraded natural resources among others, while at the same time contributing to several of these challenges. Recent geopolitical events have drawn attention to the urgent need to transform agrifood systems in NENA towards more sustainable, inclusive and resilient systems. RNE supports NENA member countries in the transformation of agrifood systems by making food value chains more competitive, sustainable, inclusive and resilient and is the lead technical unit for the MSD project.
The overall goal of the MSD project is to assess, understand and improve the functioning and performance of agrifood market systems in pilot communities in Syria and Jordan, as an entry point to strengthen the resilience of local communities and vulnerable groups by fostering economic empowerment, social cohesion and sustainable use of natural resources while facing protracted crisis.
The target local communities and vulnerable groups (migrants, internally displaced people, asylum seekers, women, people with disabilities, young people, etc), as well as the intervention areas, will be identified during the assessment phase under high consideration of safety and security rules.
Reporting Lines
The specialist will be based in the Jordan country office, working with the relevant personnel from the FAO Jordan Country team and under the overall supervision of the FAO representative in Jordan. He/She will work under the technical guidance of the Value Chain & Market Systems Specialist in RNE and in close collaboration with relevant FAO staff and government stakeholders and relevant FAO technical teams in RNE and HQ.
Technical Focus
The National Specialist will be responsible for the smooth implementation of the MSD project, Specifically, the National incumbent will:
Tasks and responsibilities
Liaising and networking
• Establish and facilitate a participatory governance mechanism (National Task Force)
• Support the secretariat responsibilities for the MSD National Task Force and participate in National Task Force meetings
• Support communication with Government counterparts and other stakeholders on behalf of the MSD project
• validate the findings of the community-based assessment after year one of the project through a workshop
• share lessons learned and knowledge products from Syria and Jordan on implementing community-based market systems development projects in context sensitive regions towards the end of the project
Contribute towards achieving the project outputs
• Contribute towards the preparation of the methodology for community-based MSD assessment
• Contribute towards training the local service provider on the methodology for community-based MSD assessment
• Support the local service provider carry out the community-based MSD assessment
• Support the local service provider introduce pilot market innovations
• Contribute towards the development of lessons learned and knowledge products
Project monitoring and quality assurance
• Establish and implement a MEAL framework
• Monitor project progress against the work plan and performance against objectives
• Carry out quality assessment of reports prepared by service providers before submission to the the Value Chain & Market Systems Specialist in RNE
Carry out monitoring visits to the target communities
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• University degree in sustainable development, economics, business, social studies, or other related areas to the assignment
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in collection and data analysis, monitoring and evaluation related to food systems, food security, climate action, climate adaptation, and mitigation
• Working knowledge of English
• National of Jordan or resident in the country with a valid work permit
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Familiarity with Jordan’s work in local community context .
• Excellent writing skills, excellent interpersonal skills with liaising with different stakeholders and presenting ideas and exchanges
Selection Criteria
• Experience in value chain, supply chain, market systems, financial analysis
FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing). Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help or have queries, please contact: Careers@fao.org Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Only language proficiency certificates from UN accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT) will be accepted as proof of the level of knowledge of languages indicated in the online applications. For other issues, visit the FAO employment website: Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
HOW TO APPLY
• To apply, visit the recruitment website at and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.
If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance:
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