Young Professional Officer (Nutrition And Food Systems)

Job Description - Young Professional Officer (Nutrition And Food Systems) (2601931)Job Description 2601931 Young Professional Officer (Nutrition And Food Systems) Job Posting: 15/Sep/2026Closure Date: 07/Oct/2026, 6:59:00 PMOrganizational Unit: SFWJob Type: Staff positionType of Requisition: ProfessionalGrade Level: P-1Primary Location: Senegal-DakarDuration: Fixed-term: two years with possibility of extensionPost Number: 2008730CCOG Code: 1I02IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal deviceThe length of appointment for internal FAO candidates will be established in accordance with applicable policies pertaining to the extension of appointments._____________________________________________________________________________________________________• 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 persons 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 staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization. FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through 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. Organizational Setting The FAO Subregional Office for West Africa (SFW) supports Member Nations and subregional institutions in addressing food security, nutrition, agriculture and rural development priorities across West Africa. In line with FAO's Strategic Framework 2022-31, SFW contributes to the transformation of agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable. SFW facilitates the adaptation and implementation of FAO corporate strategies and programmes at country and subregional levels, ensuring alignment with national priorities and regional frameworks led by Regional Economic Communities (RECs) such as ECOWAS, MRU, UEMOA and CILSS. The Office hosts a multidisciplinary team of technical experts across key sectors, including crop and livestock production, fisheries and aquaculture, forestry, land and water management, pastoralism, and climate resilience. Through this integrated approach, SFW provides technical and policy support to its 15 Member Countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.SFW supports countries in their efforts to reduce poverty, improve food security and nutrition, and strengthen resilient livelihoods, with particular attention to vulnerable populations, including women and youth. Its work promotes sustainable agricultural practices, strengthens value chains, enhances access to markets, and fosters climate-resilient agrifood systems. Guided by the Four Betters, better production, better nutrition, better environment and better life, leaving no one behind. SFW contributes to delivering transformative impact at scale. This includes mobilizing partnerships, supporting investment opportunities, and advancing innovative and data-driven solutions.For a Young Professionals Programme context, nutrition and agrifood systems transformation are central to SFW's operations, with a focus on improving dietary quality, promoting sustainable food systems, and addressing the root causes of food insecurity. SFW supports countries in mainstreaming nutrition into policies and programmes, with particular attention to vulnerable populations and evidence-based, integrated solutions aligned with FAO's Four Betters. The YPP will be based at the FAO Subregional Office for West Africa in Dakar, with travel to countries in the subregion, where relevant. The position is located in the Subregional Office for West Africa (SFW) in Dakar, Senegal. Reporting Lines The Young Professional Officer (Nutrition and Food Systems) reports to the Agribusiness Officer at SFW, under the overall guidance of the Subregional Coordinator for West Africa. The YPP will work in close collaboration with technical teams at SFW, FAO Country Offices, the Regional Office, relevant Headquarters units, and regional partners. Technical Focus The position contributes to FAO’s collaborative efforts with partner to support the design, implementation and monitoring of nutrition-sensitive and nutrition-focused programmes, projects and policy initiatives in West Africa, including: Integration of nutrition into agriculture and food systems programming;Contribution to analytical work, policy support and capacity development;Strengthening of multisectoral coordination mechanisms on nutrition;Knowledge generation and dissemination on nutrition and food systems. Key Results Research, technical analysis and project related services to support the delivery of assigned projects, products and services. Key Functions Analyses relevant technical social, economic, environmental, and technology information, data and/or statistics for input in various documents.Maintains records and updates databases and web pages.Provides technical support to various projects.Collaborates in the development of training tools and materials and the organization of workshops/seminars, etc.Participates in the organization and follow-up of meetings, consultations and conferences, the production of required materials and the provision of information and assistance to partners. Specific Functions Supports the Integration of Nutrition into SFW Programmes and Projects:Assists in integrating nutrition-sensitive agriculture and food systems approaches into FAO programmes and projects in West Africa.Contributes to the formulation of project concept notes, proposals and provides technical inputs to strengthening the integration of nutrition considerations in regional and national interventions.Supports the alignment of project documents with national nutrition priorities, FAO global frameworks, the SDGs, WHA Nutrition Targets and the UN Decade of Action on Nutrition, as required.Provides Technical Support to Country Offices and Field Teams:Supports SFW and FAO Country Offices in reviewing project proposals, implementing nutrition-sensitive interventions and preparing technical notes.Assists with technical backstopping missions and preparation of field visit materials, data collection tools and follow-up reports.Supports the organization of regular meetings of Nutrition focal points in SFW region for information sharing, capacity building, Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (MEL), and fostering joint efforts to improve nutrition in the sub region.Strengthens Multi-Sectoral Approaches and CoordinationAssists in strengthening multisectoral collaboration among agriculture, health, social protection, education and environment sectors to promote integrated nutrition strategies.Supports the review and enhancement of national and subregional coordination mechanisms involving RECs such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Permanent Interstate Committee for Drought in the Sahel (CILSS), the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) and other partners.Contributes to the development of national and subregional nutrition action plans, ensuring a holistic food systems approach.Performs Other Duties as Required. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING Minimum Requirements Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Nutrition or a related field, such as Food Science, Food Security, Agriculture, Food Technology, and Public Health, integrating nutrition into agriculture.One year of relevant experience in nutrition-sensitive programming, food security, agricultural development or related fields, preferably in developing countries.Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish). Competencies Results FocusTeamworkCommunicationBuilding Effective RelationshipsKnowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement Technical/Functional Skills Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable.Extent and relevance of experience in collecting and analysing technical information and data.Extent and relevance of knowledge and experience in related fields such as policy and programme initiatives in strengthening nutrition and agrifood systems.Extent and relevance of experience in the preparation, editing and revision of technical/scientific documents and in organizing meetings and workshops.Extent and relevance of experience in strengthening nutrition and agrifood systems.Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of French is considered an asset. NB Please note that candidates should be 32 years of age or younger as of 31 December of the year of application. The Young Professionals Programme (YPP) is a recruitment initiative targeted for talented, qualified professionals who are mainly nationals of non- and under- represented countries. Priority consideration will be given to candidates from Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and developing countries in general, to start a career as an international civil servant with FAO. _________________________________________________________________FAO staff are expected to adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency._________________________________________________________________ GENERAL INFORMATIONExtension of fixed term appointments is based on certification of performance and availability of fundsFAO reserves the right not to make an appointment.Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. CONDITIONS OF SERVICEA competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click on the following link: https://commonsystem.org/cp/default.asp Other benefits, subject to eligibility, include:• Dependency allowances• Rental subsidy• Education grant for children• Home leave travel• 30 working days of annual leave per year• Pension fund entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund• International health insurance; optional life insurance• Disability protection FAO encourages a positive workplace culture to increase inclusivity and diversity within its workforce. FAO applies measures in which all staff members contribute equally and in full to the work and development of the Organization. This includes: • elements of family-friendly policies• flexible working arrangements• standards of conduct._________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________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/cspFAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT