Technical Advisor
JOB TITLE: Technical Advisor for the Government of Indonesia’s Food Supply Chain Adaptation Mechanism Development
TYPE OF CONTRACT: International Consultant (WAE-when actually employed)
UNIT/DIVISION: WFP Country Office Indonesia
DUTY STATION (City, Country): Jakarta and home-based
DURATION: 65 days during the period 1st May until 31st August 2023; of these 30 days (including travel) will be in Jakarta, from 1st to 30th July 2023, mission to HQ
Date of Publication: 14 April 2023
Deadline of application submission: 21 April 2023
Background:
Indonesia is the fourth largest country in the world by population with 270 million people, projected to reach 319 million by 2045. It is the largest economy in Southeast Asia and the 10th biggest economy in the world. A member of the G20, Indonesia has experienced sustained economic growth and rapid development over the past decades. It had gained upper-middle income country status in 2020, and then lost it and became again lower-middle income in 2021. Notwithstanding these improvements, the country faces challenges related to the impact of rapid urbanization, inequality, climate change and degradation of natural resources, and securing access to food, adequate nutrition, and water and sanitation.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching and lasting impacts on Indonesia’s health, economic, social, and environmental sectors. Over the past three years, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruptions in the supply of different goods and medical supplies and exacerbated by the global geopolitical situation and rising prices of crude oil and food commodities in early 2020, it contributed to disruptions in supply and demand in Indonesia, particularly of raw materials for the national food and non-food industries. These challenges have led to increasing uncertainty in supply and demand in terms of availability and affordability of essential food and non-food commodities.
To address these challenges and mitigate its prolonged impacts, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) Indonesia has collaborated closely with the Government of Indonesia’s (GoI) Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs (Kemenko PMK). In this context, WFP conducted a study in 2020 aimed at understanding how the supply chains of certain “essential goods” were disrupted during COVID-19, and what strategies are needed to prevent this in future. Complemented through a series of policy dialogues held jointly with government partners throughout 2021 and 2022, this approach is intended to identify the wider context of supply chain and its role in mitigating the negative impact of shocks on Indonesia’s food systems and ultimately food security of all Indonesians.
Food supply chain scoping study
With a view to identify the areas where WFP can optimize its support to the Government of Indonesia with food system transformation, WFP together Kemenko PMK conducted a food supply chain scoping study in late 2022. This study examined various initiatives aimed at strengthening of food supply chains to achieve sustainable, equitable and reliable food system. WFP specifically explored how the food supply chain enables access to a healthy and affordable diet to all Indonesians at all times, assessing Government’s strategies, policies, and operational context to address any current or potential challenges.
The scoping study resulted in the following main findings:
(i) Efficient, sustainable and resilient supply chains are critical to the success of Indonesia's food system transformation.
(i) Significant levels of supply chain adaptation are required to develop the levels of efficiency, sustainability and resilience required by supply chains to ensure the supply of foods required for a healthy diet.
(ii) To optimize its impact, supply chain adaptation will have to be prioritized, coordinated and monitored by the GoI.
(iii) It should be possible to integrate supply chain prioritization information with current GoI information tools used to manage food systems.
(iv) There is significant interest from stakeholders in [supporting] the systematic production and utilization of data that can inform the prioritization of supply chain transformation
In line with the main findings, WFP continues to support the Government of Indonesia in adapting its supply chains and translating the above recommendation into concrete plans and actions.
Accountabilities/ Responsibilities:
# |
Item |
Additional information |
1 |
A policy briefing or similar document for the Coordinating Ministry of Human Development and Cultural Affairs (Kemenko PMK) on food supply chain adaptation mechanism |
The policy brief should describe the potential areas of interest of the Kemenko PMK in taking forward the proposed food supply chain adaptation mechanism (i.e. potential linkages with Kemenko PMK’s mandates in disaster management, social welfare and health sectors). |
2 |
A summary of process for the incorporation of the supply chain adaptation mechanism or relevant key recommendations into the next Government Medium-Term Development Plan. |
This information will be used to support Kemenko PMK to establish ownership and responsibilities for the development and utilization of the food supply chain adaptation mechanism. It will lay out the government's strategic vision and strategy in transforming the food system by describing the important role of the supply chain. |
3 |
Inputs for a draft policy brief for the Ministry of National Development Planning Agency (BAPPENAS) on food supply chain adaptation mechanism. |
The details of the policy brief will be considered and agreed in a meeting of stakeholders – the culmination of the previous consultations – and used by BAPPENAS as inputs to the RPJMN 2024-2029 medium plan, as the justification for the food supply chain adaptation mechanism development to support delivery of the food transformation pathway. |
4 |
Identify the future role for WFP in the development of the food supply chain adaptation mechanism, and develop a strategic approach for the supply chain function and a funding proposal as required. |
This will require supporting BAPPENAS to plan the development of the food supply chain mechanism, as well as agreeing where WFP can add value, in the first instance. Preparing a WFP funding proposal on this basis will likely include meetings with relevant potential donors and partners. |
5 |
Research / briefing / concept papers regarding the future of associated AA activities and functions. |
Additional outputs to be agreed during the project as resource and time permits. |
With support from the WFP Indonesia Country Office:
1. Lead coordination with relevant key stakeholders to establish common understanding and consensus on how the food supply chain adaptation mechanism could be tested and implemented, including the proposed government’s development roadmap, change process and potential support from WFP.
2. Guide the COs advocacy efforts and support to the government in establishing a food supply chain coalition to implement a food supply chain adaptation mechanism.
3. Provide technical advice to the government and the coalition partners to plan and actualize the proposed food supply chain adaptation mechanism concept.
4. Design and facilitate related policy dialogues to support the development and implementation of food supply chain adaptation mechanism.
5. Develop and draft specific concept notes and/or funding proposals for project testing and implementation, to both WFP and GoI.
6. In addition, provide support to WFP for designing and developing other inter-related areas of its Anticipatory Action (AA) function as agreed with the Head of Unit.
7. Internal liaison with WFP’s Food System, Supply Chain and other relevant units in the regional offices and HQ.
Experience:
At least 20 years of professional experience in international supply chain and food systems
• Experience with policy analysis and strategic planning processes
• Work experience with WFP and/or other UN agencies involved in food supply chain and food systems in development contexts in Indonesia
• Work experience with international organizations, donors, foundations, private sector and the Government of Indonesia
• Experience with multi-stakeholder consultations or processes
Knowledge & Skills:
•Excellent understanding of supply chain management both in the commercial and humanitarian field in the context of strengthening the national food systems
• Understanding of food system and supply chain in Indonesia
• Excellent understanding of social protection, disaster and climate risk management within the context of strengthening food systems
• Excellent understanding of WFP’s mandate, food systems and supply chain policies, strategies, and programming
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent professional communication skills and ability to summarize huge amounts of information and synthesize the main points
• Excellent analytical skills
• Excellent writing skills
• Advocacy and networking skills with a broad range of stakeholders including government, private sector, civil society, academia, NGOs and development partners
• Advanced computer skills with proficiency in Windows, Microsoft Office
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams
• Tact and diplomacy
Languages: Fluency in English
Travel:
A one-month travel to Jakarta/Indonesia (1st until 30th July 2023) is part of this assignment.