Senior Policy Specialist

The Senior Policy Specialist provides strategic leadership, technical guidance, and policy advisory support for the implementation of the Syrian Agricultural Strategy, agriculture sector recovery planning, institutional strengthening, investment programming, and coordination mechanisms under FAO’s policy-related support to the Ministry of Agriculture in Syria.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-level policy and strategic advisory support to Ministry of Agriculture and its policy-related units.
• Lead the implementation and coordination of policy support and technical assistance activities.
• Support the operationalization and implementation of the Syrian Agricultural Strategy Action Plan.
• Facilitate policy dialogue and strategic coordination with government, donors, IFIs, UN agencies, NGOs, and private sector actors.
• Oversee the development of agriculture investment pipelines and bankable programmes.
• Exercise supervisory functions over other affiliate personnel (but not staff members).
• Ensure the integration of climate resilience, nexus approaches, and evidence-based planning into all activities.
• Lead the preparation of policy papers, advisory notes, and strategic reports.
• Support the establishment of coordination platforms and technical working groups.
• Guide resource mobilization efforts and donor engagement processes.
• Support institutional strengthening and governance systems within Ministry of Agriculture’s policy-related units.
• Coordinate policy consultations, technical meetings, and stakeholder engagement processes.
• Support the development of sector planning, monitoring, and reporting systems.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in agricultural economics, development economics, public policy, rural development, or related fields; Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant professional experience in agriculture policy, governance, institutional development, or food systems.
• Working knowledge of English.
• Strong policy analysis and strategic planning skills.
• Experience facilitating multi-stakeholder policy dialogue.
• Experience in institutional strengthening and coordination.
• Demonstrated experience in resource mobilization and investment planning.
• Excellent communication, drafting, and facilitation skills.
• Working experience with UN Agencies is preferable.
• Familiarity with FAO system and standards is preferable.
• Demonstrated experience in policy reform, strategic planning, and investment programming.
• Experience working with governments, UN agencies, and development partners.
• Experience in fragile, post-conflict, or transition contexts is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of Arabic is an asset.

Skills

• Agricultural Economics
• Development Economics
• Public Policy
• Rural Development Policy
• Agriculture Policy Analysis
• Governance
• Institutional Development
• Food Systems
• Policy Analysis
• Strategic Planning
• Multi-stakeholder Policy Dialogue
• Institutional Strengthening
• Coordination
• Resource Mobilization
• Investment Planning
• Policy Reform Leadership
• Investment Programming
• Communication
• Drafting
• Facilitation
• UN Agency Collaboration
• FAO System Familiarity

Languages

English