The UN Agency with responsibility for supporting food and agriculture worldwide
Closing date: 11 Feb 2010
Location: Kenya - Nairobi
The FAO-managed Food Security and Nutrition Analysis Unit (FSNAU) produces a range of analytical products which are currently utilized by various donors, UN agencies and International NGOs to develop projects and programmes.
It is widely acknowledged that the quality of information – including its objectivity, and the breadth and depth of analysis on food security and nutritional issues, has resulted in a much better and integrated understanding of the food security and nutrition situation in Somalia.
The development of the Integrated Phase Classification (IPC) tool has further extended the clarity and integration of key information and analysis for the benefit of decision makers.
In contrast, the process by which food security and nutrition responses are formulated remains relatively unclear, unstructured and uncoordinated. This is despite recent improvements in the production of the annual Consolidated Appeal Process, coordinated by OCHA.
The creation of a Response Analysis Unit (RAU), separate from but closely linked to the FSNAU, OCHA and various coordinating structures for Somalia, will make a major contribution to improving this situation.
Responsibilities
The Food Security Response Analyst will work as Team Leader in a team of three persons located within an autonomous unit housed in (hosted by) the FAO Somalia office in Nairobi, Kenya.
He/she will be responsible for facilitating food security response options processes which occur:
Closing date: 11 Feb 2010
Location: Kenya - Nairobi
The FAO-managed Food Security and Nutrition Analysis Unit (FSNAU) produces a range of analytical products which are currently utilized by various donors, UN agencies and International NGOs to develop projects and programmes.
It is widely acknowledged that the quality of information – including its objectivity, and the breadth and depth of analysis on food security and nutritional issues, has resulted in a much better and integrated understanding of the food security and nutrition situation in Somalia.
The development of the Integrated Phase Classification (IPC) tool has further extended the clarity and integration of key information and analysis for the benefit of decision makers.
In contrast, the process by which food security and nutrition responses are formulated remains relatively unclear, unstructured and uncoordinated. This is despite recent improvements in the production of the annual Consolidated Appeal Process, coordinated by OCHA.
The creation of a Response Analysis Unit (RAU), separate from but closely linked to the FSNAU, OCHA and various coordinating structures for Somalia, will make a major contribution to improving this situation.
Responsibilities
The Food Security Response Analyst will work as Team Leader in a team of three persons located within an autonomous unit housed in (hosted by) the FAO Somalia office in Nairobi, Kenya.
He/she will be responsible for facilitating food security response options processes which occur:
- after major food security assessments
- in relation to regular humanitarian appeal processes and
- after sudden onset or otherwise unusual situations (e.g. Tsunami).
The key regular processes include:
- The post-Deyr FSNAU assessments (February)
- The mid-year CAP review (May)
- The post-Gu FSNAU assessments (September)
- The CAP process (July – November)
In order to perform this role effectively the Food Security Response Analyst will be required to undertake the following tasks:
- Introducing a clear technical process for the analysis of the appropriateness and the feasibility of food security response options.
- Introducing a transparent consultative process with key stakeholders for applying the tools. The objective of this will to generate consensus around what are the most appropriate responses, who should be implementing them and when should they be implemented.
- Integrating the technical and the consultative processes within existing institutional systems and processes whilst at the same time asking questions of these systems as appropriate.
- Playing a core role in facilitating and producing key Response Analysis outputs. These will be defined during the initial stages of the assignment but are expected to include:
- An integrated response options action plan (IRAP).
- Advocacy materials which show very clearly the difference between appropriate and feasible responses to given food security problems and issues.
This is a demanding position which requires a mixture of technical competence, analytical rigour and strong interpersonal skills (including communication skills and coalition building).
The successful candidate will be familiar with the various challenges involved in translating food security information into relevant and effective programming, and will have the “soft skills” necessary to generate consensus in politically charged environments.
The successful candidate will have a minimum of a Masters degree in a relevant field (economics, agricultural economics, development studies, rural development, anthropology, agronomy).
In addition, he/she will have had at least seven years experience in either food security analysis and/or programming – ideally a mixture of both.
Indeed, preference will be given to those candidates who have had experience in and can demonstrate an understanding of both food security analysis and project / programme formulation.
Knowledge of food security and nutrition in Somalia, and the international institutions involved in this will be an advantage.
How to apply
Interested persons should send an up to date copy of their curriculum vitae together with a covering letter by e-mail with the heading “RAU Food Security Response Analyst” to:
Graham.Farmer @ fao.org
cc: Neil.Marsland @ fao.org
The successful applicant expected to take up his/her position as soon as possible and by no later than March 1 2010.
