Job Title: Food Systems Action Development Expert
Job Posting Date: 19 May 2026
Closing Date: 3 June 2026
Duty Station: Freetown, Sierra Leone
Duration: 2 months
Contract Type: Personal Services Agreement
Organization: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Organizational Unit: FAO Representation in Sierra Leone
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is recruiting a Food Systems Action Development Expert based in Freetown, Sierra Leone, to support the development of a National Food Systems Action Plan. The assignment will contribute to ongoing efforts to strengthen food and nutrition security, climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods in Sierra Leone.
Organizational Context
FAO, in collaboration with UNICEF, WFP and WHO, is supporting the implementation of the Joint United Nations Nutrition Programme in Sierra Leone.
Within this framework, FAO is providing technical support for the preparation of inputs to a National Food Systems Action Plan, aligned with the Feed Salone Strategy, United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework priorities, national development frameworks and food systems transformation priorities.
The selected expert will provide analytical, technical and documentation support under the supervision of FAO technical teams and government counterparts.
Reporting Lines
The consultant will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Sierra Leone and the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative for Programme.
The expert will also coordinate closely with the National Technical Coordinator, the Lead Technical Officer and designated technical focal points from relevant institutions.
Technical Focus
The assignment focuses on:
- Food systems assessments;
- Policy and strategy reviews;
- Analysis of technical information;
- Drafting and consolidation of technical inputs;
- Preparation of analytical documents for the Food Systems Action Plan;
- Support to food security, nutrition-sensitive agriculture and climate-resilient production.
Main Responsibilities
The Food Systems Action Development Expert will support diagnostic and analytical work by reviewing existing food systems studies, national policies, strategies, Food Systems Dialogues outputs and relevant sector reports.
The expert will compile and summarize findings related to food systems constraints, opportunities, investment priorities and policy alignment issues.
The role also includes supporting stakeholder consultation processes by preparing technical materials, compiling stakeholder inputs, drafting meeting notes and ensuring proper documentation of feedback received during consultations.
The consultant will contribute to the analysis of food production, processing, distribution, consumption systems, nutrition-sensitive agriculture and market systems.
Under the guidance of the National Technical Coordinator and Lead Technical Officer, the expert will support the drafting and consolidation of technical sections of the National Food Systems Action Plan, including priority interventions, investment areas, implementation considerations and indicative timelines.
Policy, Monitoring and Validation Support
The assignment also includes preparing technical information on food safety, climate-resilient production, value chains and nutrition-sensitive agriculture.
The expert will assist in preparing draft monitoring indicators, tracking matrices and reporting templates. He or she will also support the technical and logistical preparation of validation workshops and help consolidate comments received during the validation process.
Required Qualifications
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Advanced university degree, Master’s or PhD, in Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Food Systems, Nutrition, Development Studies or a related field;
- At least 10 years of relevant experience in strategic planning, food systems or agricultural policy, and multi-sectoral programme development;
- Working knowledge of English;
- National of Sierra Leone or resident of the country with a valid work permit.
FAO Core Competencies
Candidates will be assessed against the following FAO core competencies:
- Results focus;
- Teamwork;
- Communication;
- Building effective relationships;
- Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
Technical and Functional Skills
The ideal candidate should demonstrate strong expertise in food systems analysis and transformation frameworks, policy analysis, national strategy formulation and results-based management.
Strong analytical, writing and reporting skills are required, along with the ability to deliver high-quality outputs under tight timelines.
Experience with international organizations such as FAO, other UN agencies or the World Bank is considered highly desirable.
Important Information for Applicants
FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
All selected candidates will undergo reference and background checks. Appointment will be subject to medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements and security clearance.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply through the official FAO recruitment portal by completing their online profile and attaching a motivation letter.
Deadline: 3 June 2026
Location: Freetown, Sierra Leone
Duration: 2 months
