Showing posts with label Global opportunities. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Global opportunities. Show all posts

Wednesday 20 May 2020

Rebuilding for better: Policies for post-COVID-19.

For a long time, one of the reasons deemed responsible for slow progress in the diversification efforts of economies in parts of sub-Saharan Africa was Rural-Urban Migration, which has seen large numbers of young people moving into the already crowded big cities in search of better opportunities. Informal job roles in rural communities within the agriculture value chains have been abandoned for ‘decent’ employments in cities, leaving fewer hands to produce our much-needed farm foods and resurrect our economies through the exportation of cash crops. This begs the question, ‘what happens after the coronavirus pandemic?' What will be the new normal for food production, cost of inputs and access to new markets, with jobs lost and businesses shutting their doors for good, what policies should be adopted to help us rebuild our food systems for a food-secure future.

The world found ways to move on from several plagues in the past, such as, the Black Death (1346-1353), which was said to have changed the course of Europe’s history, the Flu pandemic (1889-1890) killing over a million people, the Spanish flu (1918-1920) of over 500 million cases of which no less than one-fifth died from it, and many others. One similarity about these past incidents is that the world devised ways to re-build all that was lost and move on, but what about lessons learnt? Especially on how vulnerable and outdated our systems are.

Before the Covid-19 global pandemic, the United Nations had a global target of ending hunger and poverty (SDGs 1 and 2) among 15 other goals, by the year 2030, it was projected that the global food production will need to increase by anywhere from 25-70% between now and 2050 in order to feed our growing population. These projections from available data, informed food policies in many countries of the world and formed bases for intervention programmes in developing countries. Now, more than ever, the impact of Covid-19 on achieving sustainable development goals 1 and 2 is likely to cost us additional years than earlier planned as we have seen a rapid rise in the number of hungry children and families around the world. Local economies are halted, and countries are at the verge of falling into a recession. The affordability and accessibility to essential food items are limited in vulnerable communities, leaving many households hungry and impoverished

Post-COVID-19 will see drastic changes in many sectors around the world, for sub-Saharan Africa to build on lessons learned from this global pandemic, re-building for a better food system will require: 

  • Drawing lessons from previous events to design better policies: Policies that facilitate the transfer of food products to places where they are most needed, policies around the export of agricultural products and Fairtrade.
  • Developing standards for agriculture in emergencies: Ensuring access to food in the middle of a global pandemic was never considered by most governments of developing countries, developing a working plan for similar incidence gives us a better fighting chance against future pandemics.
  • Investing in environmental and sustainable food production research: Investing in research aimed at sustainable ways of growing our food without causing harm to our environment is vital as climate change, in a few years maybe more severe than a global pandemic.
  • Prioritizing the needs of those who grow our food: The people who grow our food are some of the poorest in our communities and the least considered for capacity building opportunities and capital incentives.
  • Appropriate budgeting for the agricultural sector: Adequate budget allocation will increase the reach of intervention programmes, capacity building and technological advancement in sub-Saharan Africa’s agriculture.
  • Resume an inquiry into existing ministries of agriculture, environment and other regulatory agencies to understand the work that they do and how this has changed over the years in line with the needs of our growing population.

Our collective effort will determine how effectively we rebuild our communities, countries and economies post-COVID-19, embracing changes we have seen as effective and modifying those that are less effective. Young people in agriculture, especially, have a role to play in building a more-resilient food sector within our different countries.


 The Author

Lilian Umeakunne

Lilian Umeakunne is a food security and livelihoods specialist devoted to making a change in African Agriculture. Follow her on social media to share your thoughts and contribute your ideas to solving Africa's greatest problem - hunger and poverty.

Handles
LinkedIn: Lilian Umeakunne
Twitter: @Lily_Umeh
Facebook: Lilian Umeakunne.

Tuesday 21 January 2020

International Climate Protection Fellowship for young climate experts from developing countries 2020.

Deadline: 1 March 2020

Submit an application, if you
  • are a future leader from a non-European transition or developing country (see list of countries)
  • are active in any of the following areas: scientific, engineering-based, legal, economic, health-related or social aspects of climate change
  • are interested in spending a year working with a host of your choice in Germany on a research-based project you have developed yourself in the field of climate protection and climate-related resource conservation

We offer you
  • a monthly fellowship of between €2,170 and €2,670, depending on your qualifications
  • individual mentoring during your stay in Germany
  • additional financial support for items such as family members accompanying you, travel expenses or a German language course
  • a three-week introductory phase, during which you will have the opportunity to make contact with other climate protection fellows and visit companies, research institutions and cultural events in Germany
  • extensive alumni sponsorship, particularly to help you sustain contact with collaborative partners in Germany during your entire professional career

Please see the Programme information (PDF | HTML) for details of the application requirements and fellowship specifications.

The closing date for applications is 1 March 2020. 20 fellowships can be granted.


The World Food Programme (WFP) PD summer internship opportunity for young Nigerians (Duty Station - Abuja) Stipend $300 per month).

Application Deadline: 12 February 2020.




The World Food Programme (WFP) is the leading humanitarian organization saving lives and changing lives, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. We are currently seeking to fill for candidates to participate in the PD Summer Internship Programme 2020 in the Policy and Programme Department (PD).

The position will be based in Programme Unit, in WFP Nigeria Office. The internship will be typically for the period of at least 3 months during May/June to August/ September 2020.


Brief description of WFP resilience activities, in the Programme Unit, Abuja, Nigeria

Nigeria is a federal constitutional republic. It is the most populous country in Africa and the seventh most populous country in the world. Nigeria has over 500 ethnic groups. The crisis-induced by non-state armed groups remains the principal driving factor of instability in northeast Nigeria. Since 2010, they have increasingly expanded their operational capabilities. In May 2013 a state of emergency was declared by the Government in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States.

There are 2 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) reported to be in Nigeria (IOM/DTM Round 27), of which the majority are in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States. The June 2019 Cadre Harmonisé (CH) reports nearly 3 million people in need of food assistance in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States. WFP operations are focused on crisis response to prevent deterioration of food and nutrition security, reduce malnutrition and minimize gender inequalities. WFP activities are concentrated in rural areas of north-eastern Nigeria that are more vulnerable and food insecure.

 

General Information


  • Title of Post: PD Summer Intern
  • Unit: Programme Unit
  • Supervisor: Head of Programme
  • Duration: At least 3 months (May/June to August/September 2020)

 

Duties and responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Programme, the PD Summer Intern will perform the following duties:

  • Analyse and synthesize data for Programme activity reporting
  • Assist in standardizing the Programme unit’s internal periodic reporting package
  • Assist in designing standard background narrative for each planned activity under the Nigeria Country Strategy Plan that informs donor proposals and/or activity reporting
  • Support the reporting and improvement of Programme information storage and dissemination
  • Perform any other duty as required


Qualifications and experience

  • Currently enrolled in a master’s degree programme OR a recent graduate of a master’s degree (graduated within the last 6 months)
  • Excellent English verbal and writing skills
  • Proficiency in graphic design and the ability to present information clearly and concisely through visual data analysis
  • Strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills;
  • Excellent IT skill with knowledge of report writing software such as Microsoft Publisher or Tableau required
  • Proactive, motivated, innovative and adaptable individual, who is capable to take initiative
  • Ability to function comfortably in a cross-cultural team environment, handle multiple assignments and meet deadlines

Working Languages

Working knowledge of English (proficiency/level C) is required.


Supervision (Level/Methods of Supervision)

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Programme, the incumbent will be provided with close mentoring, guidance and technical supervision. Performance planning and reviews, as well as learning and development discussions, will be an elemental part of the supervision. The Deputy Country Director will be the second-level supervisor. With the support of a comprehensive induction package and assignment of a buddy/mentor, the intern will rapidly become a productive member of the team.


Training components

Throughout their assignment WFP interns have access to an industry-leading learning platform, we learn. Depending on opportunities and availability of funds, he/she may participate in WFP workshops or seminars, as appropriate.


Learning Elements

At the end of the assignment, the Intern should have:

  • General understanding of WFP’s work in the Nigeria Office, as well as at the corporate level, on commitments to supporting programme activities to achieve Zero Hunger
  • Very good understanding of each Programmatic activity under the Nigeria Country Strategy Plan, programmatic analysis and the knowledge management for activities of the Nigeria Office
  • A deeper knowledge of the Programme unit’s role in implementing activities under the WFP Nigeria Country Strategy Plan informed by a PowerPoint Presentation
  • Development of good information and knowledge management skills


Information on the Country of Assignment

  • Living conditions in Abuja, Nigeria

With over 182 million people, Nigeria is the most populated country in Africa and the seventh-largest in the world. The annual growth rate of the population is approximately 2.7 per cent, and more than half the population are under 30 years of age. The road network in Abuja (FCT) is very good and almost all roads are motorable during the entire year. The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport is accessible to and from all other airports in the country.

Criminality is a major factor that negatively affects the security situation in the Abuja (FCT). There are no identifiable criminal gangs in Abuja, though criminality has become a norm in the city and its environs partly due to social-economic factors and the lack of the capacity of the Security Forces to deal with the situation. Protests in Abuja by labour unions, religious-affiliated groups such as the Islamic Movement in Nigeria and other identifiable civil society groups are likely. Although major terrorist activities/attacks have not been recorded in Abuja (FCT) since 2015, Terrorism is still a lingering factor of insecurity.

There are UN approved hospitals and pharmacies available within the city and details are available at the WFP Office in Abuja.

 

Terms and Conditions:

  • The PD intern will be paid a monthly stipend of approximately USD 360 per month as a contribution towards basic subsistence costs.
  • WFP is not responsible for living expenses, arrangements for accommodation, necessary visas and related costs.
  • WFP will reimburse travel ticket for candidates who are nationals of developing countries and are pursuing their studies in their home country.
  • WFP will recognize candidates’ educational credentials from recognised institutions that have been certified by competent international or national authorities such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) or Ministries of Education.
  • Candidates who bear any of the following relations to WFP staff members are not eligible to apply: sons, daughters, brothers or sisters.



FAO/Hungarian Government Scholarship Programme 2020/2021 (Funded).

Deadline: 28 February 2020

Description of the programmes and application procedures
The following Master of Science degree courses are being offered in English for the 2020-21 Academic Year:
  • MSc in Food Safety and Quality Engineering (Szent István University)
  • MSc in Horticultural Engineering (Szent István University)
  • MSc in Animal nutrition and feed safety (Kaposvár University)
Universities
The following universities and faculties are participating:
  • Szent István University, Faculty of Food Science
  • Szent István University, Faculty of Horticultural Science
  • Kaposvár University, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Conditions
Courses will be offered provided the minimum number of students is reached.
The scholarship will cover:
  • application and tuition fees throughout the study period with basic books and notes; 
  • dormitory accommodation; 
  • subsistence costs;
  • health insurance.
All of the above-mentioned costs are financed by the Hungarian Government, according to the Agreement between FAO and Hungary in 2007.
The scholarship covers student costs only; family members are not supported within the frame of this programme.

List of eligible countries
Residents (who must be nationals) of the following countries are eligible to apply for the Scholarship Programme:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo*, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon,  Madagascar, Mali, Myanmar, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Namibia, Nigeria, North Korea, North Macedonia, Palestine, the Philippines, Republic of Cabo Verde, Serbia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen.
*References to Kosovo shall be understood to be in the context of Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999).
Application and selection process
The selection process as described below applies to scholarships beginning in September 2020.
Student selection will take place in two phases:
Phase 1: FAO will pre-screen candidates and submit applications to the Ministry of Agriculture of Hungary that will send them to the corresponding University as chosen by the applicants. Students must submit only COMPLETE dossiers. Incomplete dossiers will not be considered. Files without names will not be processed.

Phase 2: Selected candidates may be asked to take a written or oral English examination as part of the admission procedure. The participating Universities will run a further selection process and inform each of the successful candidates. Student selection will be made by the Universities only, without any involvement on the part of FAO. Selected students will also be notified by the Ministry.
Candidates will be selected on the basis of the following criteria:
  • Citizenship and residency of one of the eligible countries 
  • Excellent school achievements
  • English language proficiency (for courses taught in English)
  • Motivation
  • Good health
  • Age (candidates under 30 are preferred)
Application procedure
Interested applicants should prepare a dossier to be sent by E-MAIL (to REU-Scholarship@fao.org) consisting of:
  • Application form duly completed
  • A recent curriculum vitae
  • A copy of high school/college diploma and transcript/report of study or copy of the diploma attachment
  • A copy of a certificate of proficiency in English
  • Copies of relevant pages of passport showing expiration date and passport number
  • A letter of recommendation
  • Statement of motivation
  • Health Certificate issued by Medical Doctor
  • Certificate of Good Conduct issued by a local police authority.
All submitted documents must be in ENGLISH. Documents submitted in any other language will not be accepted. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that documents are duly translated and certified by a competent office; and that each document is saved with a name that identifies what it is.
Deadlines:
Applications will only be considered if those are sent by email and arrive between 

15 January 2020 and 28 February 2020
Important notes
As the number of scholarships is limited, interested applicants are strongly encouraged to E-MAIL their applications as soon as possible.

Applicants who were not selected in previous years may re-apply to the 2021-2022 Programme. These applicants will have to submit the complete dossier once again by E-MAIL ONLY.
Please note that the duration of the scholarship cannot be extended or postponed.
Please be informed that the master courses will only start if sufficient number of applications will be received.
A Scholarship Study Contract will be signed between the selected student and the Ministry of Agriculture of Hungary (MoAH), which is the donor of the program, at the time of first-semester registration.
Applicants wishing to explore external funding opportunities to cover the travel costs may do so at their own initiative. However, in view of the length of the process, applicants wishing to apply for 2020 scholarships are strongly encouraged to E-MAIL their application while they endeavour to identify funds or pending confirmation that such funds will be granted.
All queries concerning the programme or the application process should be E-MAILED to FAO at:
For details, pls read the related documents
Would you have additional questions, pls contact 

Tuesday 7 January 2020

Universities Fighting World Hunger 2020 Summit.

Are you working in food and Agriculture?

Then plan to attend the upcoming Universities Fighting World Hunger Summit 2020 at the University of Kentucky, USA.

“Universities Fighting World Hunger (UFWH) is a global higher education movement focused on educating, mobilizing and organizing students, faculty and administrators in the war against hunger. With a UFWH chapter at UK, we are honored to have accepted an invitation from Auburn University and the United Nations World Food Programme to host the 15th anniversary UFWH Summit at the University of Kentucky. Learn more about how you can take action and start a UFWH chapter at your college and how UFWH originated at Auburn University”.

Read more...

Tuesday 17 December 2019

Apply for the 2020 HG4RR Exchange Programme.

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Deadline: 15 January 2020.
The main objective of the Home Gardens for Recovery and Resilience (HG4RR) Network is to establish an international network of experts (researchers and practitioners) to advance our knowledge on topics related to home gardens, resilience, food security, emergencies and interventions. In facilitating research exchange and building capacity, the HG4RR network aims to study how informal small-scale home gardening acts as a coping strategy tool to strengthen the food security and resilience of vulnerable households living under extreme uncertainty and susceptible to negative shocks. In addition, we aim to better understand the effects home gardens might have beyond material outcomes (access to food), such as on improved livelihoods or women’s empowerment.
The research stays can last up to two months, and you do not need to have published to apply for funding. 

Thursday 21 November 2019

Become a contributor towards actualising Food and Nutrition Security in sub-Saharan Africa

Deadline: 23rd November 2019


Apply to join the next generation of change makers who are working to actualise Food and Nutrition Security in sub-Saharan Africa through informed knowledge and information sharing. We are currently taking applications for contributors on our new food security blog, www.grow4peace.co.uk. The focus is on discussions around achieving food and nutrition security in sub-Saharan Africa.

Themes:

Nutrition
Food security
Food technology
Food safety
Agri-tech
Crop production
Soil science
WASH
Climate Change
Advancing rural livelihoods etc.

This is also a hub for global opportunities in the relevant areas.
NB. This is not a paid position
The benefits are endless.

Click for more information or to register your interest 

Win $2M Food System Vision Prize for Innovation in Food Futures 2050.


Deadline: January 31, 2020

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Join the  Food System Vision Prize, launched by the Rockefeller Foundation and powered by SecondMuse and OpenIDEO.

 Do you have an idea that could change our food future? we’re looking for Visions that answer the question: How might we envision regenerative and nourishing food futures for 2050?

As a Food System Vision Prize participant (a.k.a. Visionary) you will be tasked with developing a concrete and actionable Vision for your chosen place—town, state/province, region, bioregion, watershed, or country—through a systems approach.

A Grand Prize of $200,000 USD each will be awarded to up to 10 Top Visionary Teams. Finalists will also receive entry into an Accelerator, and gain access to advisors and resources from The Rockefeller Foundation. 



Wednesday 20 November 2019

Apply: Enhancing capacity to apply research evidence in policy for youth engagement in agribusiness and rural economic activities in Africa research grant


Deadline: 19 December 2019
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The Capacity Development Office is pleased to announce the “Enhancing capacity to apply research evidence in policy for youth engagement in agribusiness and rural economic activities in Africa” research grant funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The grant will award 30 research fellowships in year 2020. Fifty fellowships were awarded in 2018 and 2019, and this is the third and last call for applications.
The fellowship is for young academics, professionals and students at the post-course work/research stage of their programs for the study of Youth Engagement in Agribusiness and Rural Economic Activities in Africa.
Eligibility Criteria
  • Applicants must be young Africans.
  • The research will be carried out in the following countries: Benin, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Senegal, and Zambia.
  • Applicants must not be more than 40 years old at the time of application.
  • Applicants must be young scholars at a research institute or university in Africa or a student registered in a PhD or Master’s program in recognized universities in Africa, majoring in agricultural economics, agribusiness, economics or a related social science field, and must have finished their university course work.
  • Applicants must be able to conduct research in the target countries.
  • The duration of the research should not exceed 6 months.
Awards
  • Awards for Research Grants are up to $10,000 (Proposals with a reasonable higher budget can also be selected depending on the quality of the research proposal).
  • Grantees will be supervised by IITA’s socio-economics scientists in close collaboration with their national/university supervisors.
  • Grantees will be offered training on research methodology, data management, and scientific writing.
  • Grantees will be offered training on production of research evidence for policy-making.