Agriculture and Food Security Expert (AU)

Organizational Context

NORCAP is a global provider of expertise to improve aid and protect people affected by crises and climate change. With expertise spanning the humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding sectors, NORCAP collaborates with local, national, and international partners to find solutions that meet the needs of vulnerable populations.

NORCAP’s mission is to:

• Support humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding initiatives that protect and empower people
• Improve impact at global and local levels through joint projects with partners and stakeholders
• Provide expertise and build capacity to enable partners to meet the needs of people in fragile situations and crises
• Strengthen the global system through support for leadership, coordination, and policy development
• Build bridges between the humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding sectors

NORCAP is currently recruiting two Agriculture and Food Security Experts to be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The experts will be responsible for coordinating the development and implementation of policies, frameworks, strategies, and programs related to food and nutrition security under the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable (DARBE) at the African Union Commission (AUC).

The African Union (AU) was established in 2002 as a pan-African continental body charged with spearheading Africa’s rapid integration and sustainable development. The AU’s headquarters are located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Only applicants from AU member states will be considered for this position.

Job Purpose

The Agriculture and Food Security Experts will provide technical support in the preparation and implementation of programs developed under DARBE’s strategic plan. They will ensure effective coordination and implementation, liaise with member states and other stakeholders, prepare reports and budgets, and contribute to the development of strategies, policies, and plans related to food and nutrition security.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate the development and implementation of policies, frameworks, strategies, and programs related to food and nutrition security
• Identify and coordinate actions to impact food security in a post-COVID environment
• Support the implementation of food security and nutrition policies, strategies, and programs
• Develop work plans and prepare reports on the implementation of AU decisions and policies
• Initiate and maintain platforms for high-level political engagement on food and nutrition security
• Contribute to continental food security and nutrition reporting and scorecards
• Build partnerships and consensus on the food security and agriculture agenda
• Undertake capacity building and outreach activities on early warning and remedial strategies
• Represent the Commission at international meetings and conferences
• Provide support in documenting and sharing best practices
• Work with AUDA-NEPAD and RECs to strengthen member states’ capacity

Required Skills and Experience

• Master’s degree in agriculture, social sciences, economics, or related field (or bachelor’s with 10+ years of relevant experience)
• Minimum 7 years (3 at expert level) of experience in continental-level food systems and agricultural transformation
• Excellent interpersonal, planning, organizational, and diplomatic skills
• Proficiency in English; knowledge of other AU languages (Arabic, French, Portuguese) is an advantage
• Strong competencies in strategic insight, change management, risk management, relationship building, accountability, learning orientation, and communication