CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST - VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT : 2601511
Senior Policy Specialist
Job Posting: 28/Sep/2026
Closure Date: 12/Oct/2026, 9:59:00 PM
Organizational Unit : FNSYR - FAO Representation in Syria
Job Type: Non-staff opportunities
Type of Requisition : Consultant
Grade Level : N/A
Primary Location: Syrian Arab Republic-Damascus
Duration : 6 months renewable depending on project funds availability
Post Number : N/A
- 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 is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.
FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level. The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources. Specifically, FAO Country Offices: (i) advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO's mandate; (ii) provide technical assistance and deliver core services; (iii) assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation; (iv) position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and (v) ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.
The position is located in the FAO Country Office in Syria.
Reporting Lines
Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Syria Arab Republic (SAR), the Senior Policy Specialist will report to the Deputy FAO Representative. The Senior Policy Consultant will also work closely with the Assistant FAOR (Programmes) and Senior Policy Experts in FAO RNE, including close coordination with the BLRS Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) and BLRS Project Manager (PM).
Technical Focus
Provides strategic leadership, technical guidance, and policy advisory support for the implementation of the Syrian Agricultural Strategy (SAS), agriculture sector recovery planning, institutional strengthening, investment programming, and coordination mechanisms under FAO's policy-related support to the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) in Syria.
Tasks and responsibilities
- Provide high-level policy and strategic advisory support to MoA and MoA's policy-related units.
- Lead the implementation and coordination of policy support and technical assistance activities.
- Support the operationalization and implementation of the SAS 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 MoA's policy-related units.
- Coordinate policy consultations, technical meetings, and stakeholder engagement processes.
- Support the development of sector planning, monitoring, and reporting systems.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum 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
FAO Core Competencies
- Results Focus
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Building Effective Relationships
- Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
- 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
Selection Criteria
- 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.
Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing)
- Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list
- 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 more information, visit the FAO employment website
- Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
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
- 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/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.
- 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.
If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO's client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp
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