Organizational Setting

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 United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve food security and nutrition. FAO’s goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to lead active and healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide. FAO Country Offices, operating under overall corporate guidance and in line with the FAO Strategic Framework, provide policy advice and technical support to countries in FAO’s mandated areas. They work through partnerships, resource mobilization and active country programmes to deliver technical assistance, strengthen national capacities and provide core services, while fully observing international standards of accountability and results-based management. The offices deliver on national programmatic priorities as articulated in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs), aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources.

In Papua New Guinea, FAO implements a portfolio of country-level Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) projects that provide targeted, timely and demand-driven technical assistance to support national priorities in agriculture, food security, nutrition, livelihoods and sustainable agrifood systems. The TCP portfolio supports capacity development, evidence-based policy and programme formulation, stakeholder coordination, and the delivery of practical field-level interventions. TCP implementation is carried out under the overall leadership of the FAO Head of Office in Papua New Guinea and in close coordination with programme, operations and technical teams, ensuring strong project cycle management, alignment with national strategies and FAO corporate frameworks, effective partnerships, knowledge sharing and accountable use of resources.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is supporting the Department of Agriculture and Livestock and the Autonomous Bougainville Government through the Department of Primary Industry (DPI) to develop and review policy frameworks that are essential for strengthening the Primary Industry. Under FAO’s Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP), FAO will support the Government in policy design, planning, developing and reviewing key policy instruments.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the Head of Office for FAO PNG, direct supervision of the National Project Management Specialist with technical guidance from the Head of Programme and administrative guidance from the National Operations Officer, in close collaboration with relevant project personnel and other FAO PNG team members, the incumbent will work closely with the relevant technical divisions in the Agriculture Sector.

Technical Focus

Support policy analysis and development for the agriculture sector. This includes reviewing existing policies, consulting stakeholders, and preparing strategic implementation action plans.

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Develop an individual workplan outlining expected deliverables, key activities, and timelines for the assignment.
•     Conduct a comprehensive desktop review to inform the development of the Plans, including analysis of existing policies, legislation, strategies, and relevant best practices.
•     Prepare and submit a finalized desktop review report consolidating findings and policy implications 
•     Plan and provide inputs to stakeholder consultations and coordination meetings with government agencies, private sector, development partners, farmer organizations, and other relevant stakeholders to inform policy development.
•     Produce a stakeholder consultation report summarizing key inputs, recommendations, and consensus areas.
•     Prepare initial draft (zero draft) of the policy frameworks, integrating findings from the desktop review and insights gathered through stakeholder consultations.
•     Facilitate a policy validation workshop to review, refine, and build consensus on the draft policy frameworks.
•     Revise and finalize the policy frameworks based on feedback from the validation workshop.
•     Present the finalized policy frameworks to key government stakeholders for endorsement

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•     University degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Science, Economics, Development Studies, Agriculture, Sustainable Development or related field. An advanced degree (Master’s) in a relevant field is an advantage
•     Five (5) years of proven experience in policy analysis, formulation and review
•     Working knowledge of English
•     National of Papua New Guinea

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 related to policy review, consultations, and development of strategic plans
•     Extent and relevance of experience working with government institutions and stakeholders in policy related work in the agriculture and policy sector, including collaboration with different departments and partners to support policy review, consultations, and development of strategic plans
•     Extent and relevance of experience working with the UN system, international organizations is highly desirable
•     Extent and relevance of experience in drafting, reviewing, and revising policies, strategies, and legislative frameworks
•     Familiarity with PNG policy frameworks and National development strategies in the agriculture sector is desirable
•     Familiarity with and understanding of national policy development cycles and consultation processes
•     Familiarity with and Knowledge of public sector governance systems
•     Ability to conduct evidence-based policy analysis and generate policy options
•     Strong qualitative and quantitative research skills
•     Ability to align policies with national development priorities and SDGs
•     Ability to facilitate multi-stakeholder consultations
•     Strong report writing and policy brief development skills
•     Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
•     Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION