Job Description Senior Advisor on Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture
Primary Location
: United Arab Emirates-Abu Dhabi
Organizational Setting
FAO’s Subregional Office for Gulf Cooperation Council States and Yemen (SNG) is responsible for developing, promoting, overseeing and implementing agreed strategies for transforming food, agriculture and rural development priorities. It also develops and maintains relations with subregional wide institutions. The Subregional Office is a subsidiary of FAO Regional Office for Near East and North Africa region.
The post is located in the FAO Subregional Office for the Gulf Cooperation Council States and Yemen (SNG) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Reporting Lines
The Senior Advisor on Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture reports to the Subregional Coordinator of SNG in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates to ensure corporate technical coherence and quality.
Technical Focus
To provide expertise in enhancing food security, promoting sustainable agriculture, and conserving biodiversity in the UAE.
Tasks and responsibilities
• To provide strategic advice and technical expertise on food security, sustainability, and biodiversity conservation issues in the UAE and the Middle East region.
• To collaborate with FAO teams and partners in developing and implementing innovative strategies and solutions for enhancing food production, promoting sustainable agriculture practices, and conserving biodiversity.
• To engage with government agencies, academia, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to promote dialogue, knowledge sharing, and capacity building in the areas of food security and sustainable agriculture.
• To represent FAO in relevant meetings, conferences, and events, and contribute to advocacy efforts aimed at raising awareness and mobilizing support for food security and sustainability initiatives.
• Provide strategic guidance and technical support to FAO programs and projects related to food security, sustainable agriculture, and biodiversity conservation.
• Conduct research, analysis, and assessments on key issues and trends in food security, agriculture, and biodiversity conservation in the UAE and the Middle East region.
• Develop and review policies, strategies, and action plans aimed at enhancing food security, promoting sustainable agriculture practices, and conserving biodiversity.
• Facilitate capacity building activities, workshops, and training sessions for government officials, agricultural stakeholders, and community groups on sustainable agriculture and food security.
• Foster collaboration and partnership with government agencies, academic institutions, NGOs, and other stakeholders to support FAO's objectives in food security and sustainable agriculture.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and communication materials to disseminate findings, best practices, and lessons learned from FAO initiatives in the field of food security and sustainable agriculture.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• For COF: Advanced university degree in agriculture, environmental science, veterinary science, or related disciplines.
• For PSA: University degree in agriculture, environmental science, veterinary science, or related disciplines.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in food security, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and policy development.
• Working knowledge of English and Arabic is required.
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work
• Extent and relevance of experience in providing strategic advice and technical support on food security and sustainable agriculture issues, preferably at the national or regional level.
• Extent and relevance of experience in Strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders and foster collaboration.
• Experience working with international organizations, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations in the field of agriculture and food security is highly desirable.
• Experience in NENA region
FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing) Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at For more information, visit the 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:
FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT
