Organizational Setting

The key mission of the FAO Representation in Somalia, which is led by FAO Representative (FAOR), is to assist and support the national government to develop policies, strategies and programme aimed at accelerating the Implementation and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in FAO’s global mandate and Strategic Objectives. More specifically, FAO’s response aims to address national needs and priorities in achieving food security, reducing hunger and malnutrition, developing agricultural, fishery and forestry sectors, and ensuring the sustainable use of environmental and natural resources and respond to recurrent emergencies. The current portfolio of activities of the FAO Representation in Somalia includes a wide scope of technical support interventions ranging from policy support through livestock and crop production, to natural resource management, Nutrition, value chain, food security analysis and water and land information management. FAO is also implementing several emergency, resilience-building, and development interventions, with the support of its five field offices and close to 400 staff in partnership with the Federal and State line ministries.

Reporting Lines

The position is under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Somalia, and the direct supervision of the Nutrition and Food Systems Specialist.

Technical Focus 

The Incumbent will provide crucial program support in the implementation of food fortification activities with FAO Somalia’s nutrition portfolio. S/he will be expected to support the RECOVER project team and works closely with Agriculture and Fisheries sectors to deliver on the RECOVER project food fortification interventions. This will require close collaboration with other FAO units and government authorities, where s/he will be expected to provide technical expertise in delivery of interventions in line with FAO and USAID’s guidelines.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Collaborate with local producers, farmer groups/cooperatives, and private actors to identify opportunities for food fortification and enrichment.
•    Conduct preliminary studies to assess the current situation, gaps, and feasibility of local production of fortified foods.
•    Provide technical assistance and training to local millers, government and project staff on fortification processes, quality control, and compliance with food safety standards.
•    Support the development of local fortification policy frameworks through government and Scaling up Nutrition Movement (SUN).
•    Develop promotional messages and campaigns to stimulate demand for fortified foods.
•    Monitor and evaluate the impact of fortification activities on the availability, access, and consumption of fortified foods among target communities.
•    Establish linkages with humanitarian sector actors such as WFP to promote the uptake of fortified products through school feeding programs and food voucher interventions.
•    Support procurement and distribution of fortification inputs (premix purchase, milling equipment etc) to the millers through linkages with the private sector.
•    Perform any other duties as assigned.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    University Degree in nutrition, food science, public health, or equivalent field from a recognized institution.
•    At least 6 years of relevant experience with 1st level degree or 4 years of working experience with master’s degree in food fortification, nutrition programming, or related field.
•    Working knowledge (level C) of English and Somali.
•    Nationals of Somalia.

FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Demonstrated experience working with local producers, cooperatives, and private sector actors in food value chains.
•    Technical knowledge and skills in food processing techniques, food safety standards, and quality assurance practices relevant to fortification and enrichment of food products.
•    Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
•    Knowledge of the cultural, social, and economic context of Somalia, including understanding of local dietary practices, food preferences, and market dynamics.
•    Experience in capacity building, including training and mentoring of local stakeholders.
•    Understanding of national and international nutrition policies, guidelines, and frameworks related to food fortification and nutrition programming.
•    Experience in behaviour change communication strategies, including social marketing, community mobilization, and participatory approaches.
•    Experience in establishing and managing partnerships with the private sector, civil society organizations, and government agencies.
•    Research and evaluation skills, including experience in conducting assessments, data analysis, interpretation, and reporting of findings.
•    Experience working with USAID and/or USAID- funded projects is desirable.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION