National Ecosystem of Support Mapping Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) leads international efforts to improve food security and nutrition through the transformation of more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems.

Through the Accelerating Food Systems Transformation through a Scalable Success Model (SSM) initiative, FAO is supporting countries to accelerate implementation of their National Food Systems Pathways through strengthened evidence, policy coherence, stakeholder coordination and investment planning. In Kiribati, FAO is supporting the Government, through the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Agricultural Development (MELAD) and the National Food Systems Convener, to undertake a National Food Systems Needs Assessment, Ecosystem of Support Mapping, development of a nationally validated Stakeholders' Action Plan (2026–2030), and the convening of a National Food Systems Dialogue. 
These activities will strengthen national coordination by identifying key stakeholders, existing initiatives, partnerships and coordination mechanisms that contribute to implementation of the Kiribati National Food Systems Pathway.

FAO is seeking a qualified national specialist to support implementation of the Ecosystem of Support Mapping and related food systems coordination activities.

Reporting Lines

The National Ecosystem of Support Mapping Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Subregional Coordinator for the Pacific Islands and the direct supervision of the Policy Officer of the FAO Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands. The Specialist will work in close technical collaboration with relevant FAO technical officers and, through FAO, the United Nations Food Systems Coordination Hub.

Technical Focus

The assignment will provide technical support for implementation of the Ecosystem of Support Mapping to identify, document and analyse food systems stakeholders, initiatives, partnerships, coordination mechanisms and support services contributing to implementation of the Kiribati National Food Systems Pathway.

The Specialist will prepare the Ecosystem of Support Mapping and associated technical documentation, provide technical inputs to the Stakeholders' Action Plan (2026–2030), and support preparation and documentation of the National Food Systems Dialogue.

Tasks and responsibilities

Under the guidance of the supervising officer, the Specialist will:

• Review relevant project documentation, reference materials and technical guidance.
• Prepare an Inception Report outlining the proposed methodology, workplan and implementation schedule.
• Attend FAO-led inception meetings in a technical support capacity, including documenting discussions and incorporating agreed revisions into the workplan, methodology and expected outputs, under the guidance of the Lead Technical Officer. Apply the agreed Scalable Success Model methodology and assessment tools to implement the Ecosystem of Support Mapping.
• Compile, organize and analyze information relating to existing food systems initiatives, stakeholders, partnerships and coordination mechanisms.
• Prepare and revise the Ecosystem of Support Mapping Report based on FAO technical review and guidance.
• Provide technical inputs to the development of the Stakeholders' Action Plan (2026–2030).
• Prepare technical and administrative materials required for the National Food Systems Dialogue.
• Support coordination of activities associated with the National Food Systems Dialogue under the guidance of FAO.
• Document technical discussions agreed actions and recommendations arising from the National Food Systems Dialogue.
• Prepare the National Food Systems Dialogue Summary Report.
• Support incorporation of agreed recommendations into the final project outputs.
• Prepare an Assignment Completion Report summarizing activities undertaken, outputs delivered and recommendations for follow-up implementation.
• Perform any other related duties consistent with the objectives of the assignment, as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University Degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Agriculture, Development Studies, Public Policy, Economics, Environmental Management, Natural Resource Management, Social Sciences or a related field.
• At least five (5) years of relevant professional experience in stakeholder engagement, institutional analysis, partnership coordination, food systems, development planning or related field.
• Working knowledge of English (Level C)
• National of Kiribati or resident of 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

Essential

• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder mapping, institutional analysis, partnership coordination or related fields.
• Experience undertaking stakeholder, institutional or ecosystem assessments and preparing technical reports.
• Experience compiling, analysing and synthesising information from multiple stakeholders, programmes and institutions.
• Strong analytical, coordination and technical writing skills.
• Good understanding of food systems transformation, stakeholder engagement and multi-sectoral coordination.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Desirable

• Experience supporting stakeholder coordination, partnership development or multi-sectoral collaboration initiatives.
• Familiarity with FAO or other United Nations programme implementation modalities.
• Previous professional experience working in Kiribati or other Pacific Island countries.