Policy Officer Food Security
The Netherland’s embassy in Khartoum is supporting the democratic transition in Sudan in different ways. One of the ways to contribute to social economic stability and development is investing in the agricultural sector, in particular in expanding the options and improving the livelihoods of small holder farmers in rainfed areas in Sudan. Combating hunger and malnutrition and improving agricultural production and employment opportunities belong to the priorities of the Dutch foreign policy.
The Netherlands Embassy in Khartoum is a medium-sized Embassy which covers Sudan, Eritrea, Chad and CAR. The Embassy has 21 staff, of whom 6 expat staff from the Netherlands. The Embassy focuses on a.o. migration, good governance and Rule of Law, economic development, empowerment of women and youth and human rights.
A food and nutrition security programme has recently been added to priorities. This programme will focus on the rainfed agricultural areas in Sudan. Therefore, we are looking for a dynamic policy officer to both shape the focus of the NL FNS programme as well as overseeing its implementation. The policy officer food and nutrition security will be primarily responsible for making the NL FNS and water programme a success, a.o. in ensuring linkages with realising policy objectives on water and climate. We are looking for an enthusiastic and pro-active personality, able to operate independently and with political sensitivity. Building on prior experience and knowledge, the policy officer is able to report clearly and analytically on the developments of agricultural development and natural resource management in Sudan. Furthermore, she or he is able to seek synergies with the other focus areas of the Netherlands in Sudan and will not hesitate to express ideas or new approaches to that effect. The candidate has a well-developed sense for responsibility and ownership and is able to independently manage and administer project activities.
Duties and Responsibilities:
• The policy officer is responsible for preparing, developing, monitoring and evaluating policy concerning the theme food and nutrition security (FNS), water and climate. The FNS programme will start in 2020 and will last at least until 2022.
• Following up, reporting on agricultural development and natural resource management, by actively seeking synergies with adjacent NL priorities such as the livelihoods component of reception in the area/migration, socio-economic empowerment of women and youth, humanitarian aid and private sector led economic growth.
• Building and maintaining a strong network of Sudanese experts, international organizations, NGOs and development partners within the area of food and nutrition security.
• Contributing to effective donor coordination regarding FNS, strengthening the effectiveness of the new Sudan International Partners Forum and enhance efficiency in ways of working of the subordinated groups on food security, nutrition and the Scaling up nutrition initiative (SUN).
• Coordinate NL efforts on land rights and identifying possibilities for agro cooperation with Sudan in the framework of other NL programmes.
• Taking into account water and natural resource management and make sure FNS programme closely ties into programmes and approaches on livelihoods/migration, private sector led development and empowerment of women and youth.
• Advocacy regarding governance in the agricultural sector from member based associations to government policy.
• Being flexible in taking up other responsibilities if the context requires this.
Qualifications and Skills required:
• Relevant Master’s degree;
• At least 5 years of experience with relevance to agricultural and development, preferably on rainfed agriculture;
• Affinity with making markets work for the poor, private sector economic growth and strengthening the organization degree of small holder farmers;
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to express her/himself clearly, both in spoken and written English and Arabic;
• Ability to effectively work in a diverse team;
• Affinity with Dutch values regarding equality, tolerance and inclusiveness.
• Possession of the following competences: networking, planning/organizing, cooperation, creativity, politically sensitive, culturally sensitive.
What we offer:
Starting date January, 2020 Two-year contract offered, with possibility of extension. Indicative salary USD 2.800,– gross.
Application procedure:
- Cover letter marked “Policy Officer Private Sector Development”;
- Updated Curriculum Vitae;
- Names and contact details of at least two references;
- Diplomas and transcripts of records are not to be included in the application at this stage;
- Candidates selected on a short list will be informed within two weeks after the submission deadline. If you have not received any information from the Embassy, you are NOT selected for an interview. There is no need to call the embassy for additional information.
How to Apply
The application shall be submitted by e-mail to the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Khartoum, [email protected] with reference to ‘vacancy policy officer’.
Submission deadline: November 21, 2019
Preselected candidates will be contacted before December 1 2019.
