Agrifood Systems Associate Officer

Details
Mission and objectives
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) works to achieve a world free from hunger and malnutrition by transforming agrifood systems, so they become more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. FAO's vision is a sustainable and food-secure world for all.

FAO's mission is to support countries in

• Eradicating hunger, food insecurity, and all forms of malnutrition.
• Improving agricultural productivity and sustainability.
• Reducing rural poverty.
• Creating inclusive and resilient food systems.
• Ensuring the sustainable management of natural resources for current and future generations.

FAO's Agrifood Systems Objectives
FAO's Strategic Framework 2022-2031 focuses on transforming agrifood systems through Four Betters approach:

• Better Production

Promote sustainable and efficient agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and food value chains while increasing productivity and supporting small-scale producers.

• Better Nutrition

End hunger and improve food security by ensuring access to safe, nutritious, and affordable diets for all people.

• Better Environment

Protect ecosystems, biodiversity, land, water, and climate through sustainable agricultural practices and environmentally responsible food systems.

• Better Life

Reduce inequalities, create decent rural livelihoods, promote economic growth, and improve the wellbeing of communities, especially vulnerable populations, while leaving no one behind.

Context
The Agrifood Systems assignment is implemented within the framework of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)'s Strategic Framework 2022-2031, which seeks to transform agrifood systems to become more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. The assignment contributes directly to FAO's vision of achieving a world free from hunger and malnutrition while advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to poverty reduction, food security, nutrition, environmental sustainability, and rural development.

The role is situated in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment that supports the design, implementation, monitoring, and coordination of programmes and projects aimed at strengthening agrifood systems. The successful candidate will contribute to initiatives that improve agricultural productivity, enhance food security and nutrition, promote climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural practices, strengthen value chains, and support rural livelihoods.

The assignment typically involves close collaboration with technical specialists, programme teams, government counterparts, development partners, research institutions, civil society organizations, private sector actors, and farming communities. Working within a diverse and international team, the incumbent will support evidence-based planning, stakeholder engagement, partnership development, knowledge sharing, and programme delivery to achieve sustainable development outcomes.

This opportunity offers candidates the chance to contribute to high-impact development work, engage with key national and international stakeholders, and gain experience in addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges, including food insecurity, climate change, rural poverty, and sustainable natural resource management. Through their work, candidates will help advance FAO's "Four Betters" agenda: Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment, and a Better Life, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Task description
Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative and the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative responsible for Programmes, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: