Organizational Setting

Current agricultural production practices and consumption patterns in Viet Nam are following an unsustainable path, leading to adverse effects on human development, the environment and economic prosperity. Against this backdrop, there is a growing consensus on the necessity to move beyond isolated and siloed interventions towards addressing these issues as part of a complex, interconnected system. Transforming these systems demand significant structural changes, supported by shifts in mindsets and relationships among various stakeholders. Experience has shown that successful multi-stakeholder collaborations in national food systems transformation rely on dedicated, long-term expert support, coupled with catalytic policy reforms and effective co-learning. These elements are essential to support governments and their stakeholders in-country to drive transformational change in their national food systems. This integrated approach ensures that all parties are equipped with the knowledge and strategies necessary to address the complexities of food systems reform, fostering a more sustainable and equitable future.
Viet Nam, a lower-middle-income country, has demonstrated remarkable economic growth, ranking among the fastest growing economies globally since the 1980s. This rapid socioeconomic advancement has significantly reduced extreme poverty from 52 percent in 1992 to 2 percent in 2016. Alongside, notable progress has been made in reducing undernutrition and stunting, which decreased from 61.4 percent in 1980 to 19.3 percent in 2022. Despite these successes, the country faces emerging challenges: prevalence of obesity has increased sharply, doubling for women and tripling for men between 1980 and 2013. The Covid-19 crisis further exacerbated issues of food insecurity and malnutrition, particularly in northern Viet Nam among ethnic minorities and other disadvantaged groups. Furthermore, shifts towards a more intensive farming model has exerted considerable pressure on its natural resources, causing widespread soil infertility and erosion, deforestation and water pollution posing serious threats to food production, food security, rural livelihoods and decent work opportunities of the most vulnerable populations. These challenges underscore the need for sustainable agricultural practices that balance economic growth with environmental conservation and social equity.
Viet Nam is enhancing the coordination of its diverse strategies and plans governing its agrifood systems to advance nutrition, economic, social, and environmental sustainability. This commitment to a systemic approach was underscored at key international forums, including the United Nations’ Food Systems Summit (UNFSS) in 2021, and at the UNFSS 2 Stocktaking Moment in July 2023. Further emphasizing and by its commitment to sustainability, Viet Nam pledged at COP26 to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. In preparation for the UNFSS, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) led a series of dialogues that brought together national and local authorities, ministries, civil society, the private sector, academia, and international organizations. The outcome of these discussions culminated in the development of the country’s vision for sustainable agrifood systems, articulated in the National Pathway, adopted in March 2023, and known domestically as the National Action Plan on Food Systems Transformation - towards Transparency, Responsibility and Sustainability by 2030 (NAP-FST). The NAP-FST details specific goals, measurable indicators, and assigns tasks with specific outputs to specific authorities. This National Action Plan is set to significantly enhance policy coherence, program alignment, and multi-stakeholder engagement, thereby facilitating the financing and implementation of activities aimed at improving both rural and urban livelihoods and the environment.
In 2025, the Joint SDG Fund provided seed funding as an initial phase to facilitate food system transformation in Viet Nam. This joint programme, 'Incubation of innovations in partnerships and financing for agrifood systems transformation in Viet Nam', led by FAO in its implementation.
The TCP/VIE/4005 project, “Facilitating Agrifood Systems Transformation,” aims to support Viet Nam in engaging with potential donors to accelerate and strengthen the implementation of the NAP‑FST.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision by the FAO Representative, and Assistant of FAO Representative (Programme), the incumbent will work to ensure the timely providing all deliverables. Additionally, s/he will work under the technical supervision of the Programme Specialist for Soil Management and Food System and Lead Technical Officer (LTO) from FAO-RAP and in collaboration with FAO’s dedicated project staff.

Technical Focus

The Food System Transformation Specialist will conduct research to develop a background and feasibility document for the TCP/VIE/4005 project, map and engage potential donors for NAP‑FST implementation, develop the project identification note, provide inputs to concept notes and funding proposals, and contribute technical inputs to the Food Systems Partnership and its five thematic working groups.

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Conduct research and formulate a document presenting relevant background to the project and the feasibility of implementing the project in the country context. The research includes foresight exercise to assess the cost of Business as Usual, and a trade-off analysis to make a strong case for food system transformation.
•     Carry out the mapping out of donors to support the implementation of the NAP-FST. 
•     Support initial donor meetings to inform about the process and the potential for collaborations on Agri-Food System Transformation activities.
•     Develop the project identification note
•     Provide inputs into concept note and proposal of the funding projects.
•     Provide technical support to organize a workshop on food system transformation.
•     Provide technical inputs to the food system partnership including operation of its five thematic working groups (Policy & Institutions, Agroecology, Food Loss and Waste, Nutrition, Distribution & Consumption).

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•     Advanced university degree preferably in Agronomy, Food science, Environmental Policy, Economy, or related field is required
•     Minimum 8 years of experience in food system issues in Vietnam
•     Working knowledge of English and Vietnamese.
•     National of Viet Nam or resident of the country with valid work permit

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Prior experience in working on food system transformation in Viet Nam is an asset
•     Previous successful involvement in project development is an asset