POSITION SUMMARY:

The Regional Food systems Advisor will be based in the regional president’s office to work under the guidance of the regional president advisor for food system & nutrition and will be responsible for the food system agenda. He/she will have functional responsibility to the National Senior Food system and agriculture advisor, Alive & Thrive Ethiopia based at the MOA, Addis Ababa. In a harmonized manner with the region's action plans, the Regional Food systems Advisor will also work closely with the regional multi-sector nutrition Advisor based in the regional president’s office and other food systems implementing partners to ensure the regional multi-sectoral EFS and nutrition coordination.

The Regional Food systems Advisor will provide hands-on technical support and coaching to the members of the food and nutrition directorates/offices, food and nutrition focal persons of the NSA and relevant actors and stakeholders of EFS in the region to effectively plan, budget for, and implement food systems. The regional food system Advisor will help the region to identify low-performing directorates in the regional agriculture bureau and other relevant bureaus and provide them with the on-the-job technical support they need to strengthen the food system in their bureaus. This could include strengthening their competencies, support systems, or work environment. The regional-food system Advisor will be working very closely with the regional president advisor and the multi-sector nutrition advisor.

Essential Job Functions/Roles and Responsibilities:

1. Support in assessments and planning

Support mainly the regional food system-relevant entities to develop food system action plans that are tailored to the findings of the comprehensive capacity assessment done for each region.

Ensure that developed action plans are clearly monitored and followed up to identify progress against a set target.

2. Support in capacity building and institutional development

Based on the regional annual action plans, build the capacity of the staff in the region to ensure that the region has budgeted for food systems-related activities in their decentralized annual work plans

Support strengthening of nutrition structure in the bureau of agriculture by advocating for the placement of food science professionals and nutritionists and support enhancing their competencies on the agri-food system through coaching, on-the-job training, mentoring of junior staff, and ensuring access to relevant information and other online help.

Support various directorates in the relevant bureaus to implement effective food systems in general and agri-food systems in particular programs that are aligned with and promote operationalizing the food systems roadmap in context-specific interventions for increased productivity and access to diverse, safe nutrient-dense foods, and their consumption among women and children by maintaining the environmental health and social inclusion.

Harmonized with the bureau’s plans, and organized field visits and exchanges in the regions to facilitate cross-sectoral planning and learning around the implementation of agri-food activities.

3. Support in the strategic use of data

Support the relevant bureaus’ work in the adaptation of the -food systems monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework.

Support in refining the M&E framework of the food systems roadmap and enhancing the functionality of regional data platforms.

Build the capacity of the nutrition structure in monitoring agri-food systems interventions using program impact pathways that link agriculture to food security and nutrition as well as poverty reduction.

4. Support the regional FSN council establishment

Works closely with the regional president’s office, regional health bureau, and other FNS sectors in the regional multi-sector coordination.

Supports the transition of partner-supported coordination to the government-budgeted structure.

Job Requirements

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Education:

Master’s Degree or above in Food (science, technology, engineering), Agricultural Sciences (Plant Sciences, Animal sciences), Agricultural Economics, Rural Development, Livelihoods, or a closely related discipline.

Experience:

· At least 7 years of relevant technical and managerial experience working in the field of food and agriculture systems and/or livelihoods.

Experience working with the government, especially with BOA is highly required.

Experience working under the National Nutrition Program framework; ability to work well with different leaders of the food and agriculture system, and at the community level.

Experience in program planning and management with an emphasis on managing for results.

Demonstrated ability in organizing supportive supervision and review meetings with government stakeholders and partners.

Proven experience in monitoring and reporting on activities.

Skills:

Strong initiative and self-motivation

Ability to work effectively in a team consisting of people with different technical backgrounds and with varying levels of technical training

Ability to assess priorities, and manage a variety of activities

Demonstrated supervisory, interpersonal, and networking skills, including the ability to facilitate relationships and partnerships

Evidence of critical thinking and problem-solving skills to plan, organize, and manage resources for the successful completion of projects

Good knowledge of agricultural policy and strategies

Strong organizational skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills (in Local language & English).

Experience of working in the region in relevant sectors.

Excellent writing, and communication skills in English, including strong presentation skills to report results to regional stakeholders.

How to Apply

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

FHI360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. FHI360 is committed to providing equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or status as a veteran concerning policies, programs, or activities.

To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the ethio-jobs website: CLICK HERE

Deadline: March 1, 2023

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

“Women Applicants are Highly Encouraged to Apply.”

Regional Food Systems Advisor