National Policy Specialist

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• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination　　
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

Organizational Setting

The 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 Country Offices, which are headed by an FAO representative and working to implement the corporate Strategic Framework at country level, offer policy advice and technical assistance to countries to develop policies, programmes, and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural sector in a sustainable manner to ensure zero hunger in the country. 
The FAO Representation in Bangladesh (FAOBD) is providing technical assistance to the Government of Bangladesh to facilitate the implementation of the Agriculture Sector Transformation Programme (ATP), under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA). This initiative is funded by the Gates Foundation (GF) and is anticipated to be executed over a period of 38 months. The project aims to encourage investment in the crop sector and enhance the innovative technologies in line with agricultural transformation towards sustainable agro-economic growth in Bangladesh. The specific objectives, are to:
•    Conducting policy, institutional, and investment gap analyses to inform an effective action plan for agriculture sector transformation.
•    Identifying and establishing effective pathways for prioritizing and coordinating resources and partnerships.
•    Enhancing collaboration with the private sector.
•    Improving the scale and efficacy of investments in agrifood system research and innovation.
•    Strengthening institutional capacity and system.
•    Facilitating the piloting and scaling of catalytic technologies.

The National Policy Specialist will contribute to the development of policy-informed, climate-resilient, and practically implementable investment blueprints for six regions that promote agricultural transformation, with emphasis on environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and market responsiveness. The incumbent will play a key role in producing biennial policy notes for DAE under MoA.

Reporting Lines

The National Policy Specialist is a SC9 position (National Technical Expert). Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Bangladesh, the Deputy FAO Representative, Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) and direct supervision of the Technical Advisor (TA), the incumbent will work closely with the National Project Coordinator, FAOBD’s Technical Assistance team, relevant government institutions, and other stakeholders.

Technical Focus

The technical focus of the assignment focuses on regional agricultural policy and investment planning, emphasizing the development of evidence-based investment blueprints for six agro-ecological zones. It includes integrating agro-ecological and socio-economic analysis, providing policy advisory support, and coordinating with key stakeholders to mobilize investments aligned with national priorities. Additionally, the incumbent will undertake the preparation of six evidence-based policy notes for DAE and MoA, ensuring they offer actionable recommendations informed by data, impact assessments, and alignment with national strategies.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Actively participate in the development of regional investment plans for the six hotspots, integrating socio-economic, agro-ecological, climate risk and market profiles aligned with ATP and BDP2100 priorities.
•    Review and align relevant national policies, strategies, and sectoral plans to ensure policy coherence in investment planning.
•    Assist in policy and institutional analysis to identify gaps and enabling reforms for investment implementation in each agro-ecological zone.
•    Provide technical input in developing a roadmap for resource mobilization by identifying and engaging with domestic and international partners and stakeholders.
•    Contribute to the preparation of a strategic investor engagement framework, based on diagnostics, prioritization criteria, and feasibility considerations.
•    Support data collection and validation from primary and secondary sources, in collaboration with other national consultants and technical experts.
•    Facilitate stakeholder consultations in all six zones, ensuring inclusion of local governments, farmer organizations, private sector, and NGOs.
•    Prepare briefing notes, working papers and presentations for technical meetings, inter-ministerial consultations, and donor engagement.
•    Develop policy notes for DAE and MoA, including identifying priority topics, reviewing existing policies, collecting relevant data, and conducting socio-economic and environmental impact assessments to inform evidence-based, inclusive, and actionable policy recommendations.
•    Provide technical advisory support to DAE, MoA, and stakeholders, including guidance on policy implementation, and strategies to address emerging challenges such as climate change, food security, and market access.
•    Perform any other related tasks as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    Advanced university degree in public policy, agricultural economics, rural development, or related discipline
•    Minimum of 09 years of progressively responsible experience in agricultural policy, investment planning, or development projects, preferably in Bangladesh
•    Working knowledge of English (level C);
•    National of Bangladesh

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Strong expertise in agricultural policy analysis, public investment planning, and development of regional investment strategies
•    Familiarity with the institutional roles of MoA, DAE, BARC, NARS, and other relevant government and research agencie
•    Strong skills in data interpretation, report writing, and preparation of policy briefs and technical documents
•    Understanding of diagnostic tools (e.g., MAFAP, TAPE), with the ability to translate its findings into bankable investment plans and facilitate multi-stakeholder engagement strategies
•    Excellent understanding of agro-ecological and socio-economic contexts in Bangladesh, particularly in relation to agricultural transformation
•    Demonstrated capacity to coordinate with government agencies, private sector, and development partners
•    Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary and multi-agency teams

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• 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 http://www.whed.net/  
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/ 
•  Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. 

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions. 

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO 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.

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