Senior Policy Specialist – Agriculture Strategy

About the role

The Senior Policy Specialist will provide high‑level policy and strategic advisory support to the Syrian Ministry of Agriculture, leading the implementation of the Syrian Agricultural Strategy and related recovery initiatives. The role requires coordination with government, donors, UN agencies, NGOs and private‑sector actors to drive sustainable agrifood system transformation.

Key responsibilities

• Provide high‑level policy and strategic advisory support to the Syrian Ministry of Agriculture and its policy units.
• Lead the implementation and coordination of the Syrian Agricultural Strategy Action Plan and related recovery planning.
• Facilitate multi‑stakeholder policy dialogue with government, donors, UN agencies, NGOs and the private sector.
• Oversee the development of agriculture investment pipelines and bankable programmes, integrating climate‑resilience and nexus approaches.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree in agricultural economics, development economics, public policy, rural development or related field (or bachelor’s plus two additional years of experience).
• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in agriculture policy, governance, institutional development or food systems.
• Working knowledge of English; knowledge of Arabic is an asset.
• Experience working in fragile, post‑conflict or transition contexts and with UN agencies is highly desirable.

Required skills

• Policy analysis and strategic planning.
• Resource mobilization and investment programming.
• Institutional strengthening and coordination.
• Facilitation of multi‑stakeholder policy dialogue.