Regional Food Security Specialist – Livelihoods

Chemonics International Inc., a leading international consulting firm based in Washington, D.C., seeks experienced professionals for USAID’s Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET III), the world’s premier provider of high quality food security analysis and early warning. Created in response to the 1984 famines in East and West Africa, this $200 million, five-year activity (2012-2016) aims to collaborate with international, regional, and national partners to provide timely and rigorous early warning and analysis of potential, emerging, and/or evolving food security issues in order to inform appropriate humanitarian response. The project currently covers 31 countries with plans to expand over the next three years. This is a regional position that will be based in one of the FEWS NET country offices in East Africa.

Chemonics International Inc. is looking for individuals who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of people around the world and demonstrate leadership, versatility, and integrity in their work. Interested candidates should send their CV and cover letter to: fewsnetlivelihoods@gmail.com by November 15, 2012.

Position Description

FEWS NET food security analyses, early warning of threats to food security, and food assistance decision-support depend on the understanding of livelihoods and household economies. The Regional Food Security Specialist-Livelihoods (RFSS/L) will work with the Regional Technical Manager (RTM), the regional team, the country teams in the region, and partners to design, execute, and coordinate regional activities in livelihoods and HEA.  The RFSS/L will contribute to providing high-quality and effective early warning of threats to food security and support efforts to mitigate food insecurity and prevent food crises through the provision of actionable food security analysis. The RFSS/L will support the preparation of regional decision-support products, provide technical assistance and guidance to country teams, and strengthening capacity to conduct relevant livelihoods analysis both inside and outside FEWS NET.

The main activities of the RFSS/L will include, but are not limited to:

Monitoring, analysis, and reporting: Support national offices in the region in maintaining a knowledge base composed of, at a minimum, livelihood zone profiles, sub-national seasonal monitoring calendars, and technical databases relevant to maintain livelihoods profiles and/or baselines; provide technical coverage according to the regional seasonal monitoring plans; in collaboration with the RTM, provide high quality and effective early warning of threats to food security and supporting efforts to mitigate food insecurity and prevent food crises through the effective communication of actionable food security analysis; fulfil monthly reporting requirements including drafting food security outlooks and updates and providing regular briefings to the US Government and other partners; and, contribute to remote monitoring of non-presence countries in the region, including directly carrying out remote monitoring activities.

Technical capacity development and guidance: Provide guidance and ad hoc technical assistance to the region and to the project in livelihoods, household economic analysis (HEA), and food security analysis; design, coordinate, and implement technical activities to maintain and update the livelihoods knowledge base for the region; support national office in collecting, archiving, analyzing and sharing food security data and information; assist the RTM in executing technical activities including regional scenario development, livelihoods analyses, and other areas of food security analysis; collaborate with regional, and international partners in food security monitoring and analysis through the implementation of the Integrated Phase Classification (IPC) protocols and other IPC compatible tools that include vulnerability assessments, chronic food insecurity assessments, etc.; and, work in coordination with the RTM to design and implement capacity strengthening activities in the region, focusing on building livelihoods analysis skills.

Leadership, representation, and liaison: Participate in strategic planning for the region, assisting the RTM in coordinating regional activities, and overseeing livelihoods activities in the region; liaise with regional partners in exchange of information and promote a dialogue on livelihoods issues pertaining to food security, early warning, and preparedness; contribute to activities undertaken outside FEWS NET that aim to enhance capabilities in livelihoods monitoring and analysis, early warning, and food assistance decision-support; seek collaboration with regional partners to enhance the quality and impact of livelihoods work; and, work with USAID missions to support broad food security efforts including Feed the Future programs; and assist the RTM in carrying out other technical, management, and representational functions of the regional office upon request.

Qualifications

·         At minimum, a Master’s Degree in a discipline that is directly relevant to food security analysis

·         At least ten years of relevant country or regional experience in early warning/food security information systems, food security analysis, livelihoods, as well as other related fields;

·         GIS applications and mapping skills;

·         Excellent computer skills;

·         Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, coordinating with partners and stakeholders;

·         Supervisory, management, and donor coordination experience; and

·         Excellent analytical and report-writing skills.

·         Excellent command of English;

·         Ability to speak local languages other than the national language will be an asset.

Only candidates qualified for the position will be contacted.