Sustainable Food Systems Specialist in the Rice Sector Development Job Vacancy at Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism December 2025

Vacancies announcement (re-advertised)

Background

The Project “Food Systems Land Use and Restoration in Tanzania’s Forest Landscapes” is a child project under the GEF Food Systems, Land Use and Restoration (FOLUR) Impact Program. The 5-year project is implemented through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism as the lead Executing Agency, with the support of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) as the GEF Implementing Agency.

The key environmental problem addressed by the project is the degradation of Tanzania’s rich forest lands and wetlands and the related loss in forest health and biodiversity. This is driven by agricultural development—particularly rice production—which negatively affects ecosystem services and related livelihood and economic opportunities.

Rice production in Tanzania more than tripled between 2004 and 2015, making the country the second-largest rice producer in South-Eastern Africa. Despite this growth, the sector faces significant challenges, including small-scale production, low yields (1.5–2 t/ha), inefficient supply chains, post-harvest losses, and poor transportation networks.

The project focuses primarily on the Kilombero Valley (mainland Tanzania) and the North Unguja (Zanzibar) landscapes. It applies an integrated approach combining sustainable food systems, deforestation-free supply chains, and landscape-level restoration planning and management. This approach supports rice production while safeguarding critical ecological systems.

The project’s three main pillars

1. Integrated landscape management approach
   Develop a multi-stakeholder framework for landscape planning that balances rice production, ecosystem preservation, and restoration.

2. Sustainable and socially inclusive value/supply chains
   Improve governance frameworks, financial and market mechanisms, and incentives that drive sustainable rice value chains.

3. Landscape restoration and management activities
   Restore degraded areas and strengthen ecological services important to the rice sector.

The project emphasizes gender-responsive and socially inclusive approaches, ensuring participation of women, youth, marginalized groups, and vulnerable communities. Safeguards measures are required to prevent adverse social and environmental impacts. A Gender and Safeguards Specialist will lead the Gender Action Plan (GAP), Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), and Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) implementation.

Position: Sustainable Food Systems Specialist in the Rice Sector Development

Reports to: Project Coordinator, Tanzania Food Systems, Land Use and Restoration Project (Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, United Republic of Tanzania)
Location: Dodoma, Tanzania
Duration: 1 year, extendable to a maximum of 4 years

Major function

The specialist will provide leadership, guidance, and support for Component 2: development of sustainable and socially inclusive value/supply chains for the rice sector. This includes governance frameworks, market mechanisms, and incentives that support sustainable value chain development. The role involves oversight of delivery through the LCUs in Kilombero and Unguja and providing targeted technical support.

Key responsibilities

• Technically lead and advise on the implementation of Component 2, including:

  • Development of a policy paper on improved land tenure and water governance systems.

  • Development of a sustainable value chain development plan for the rice sector.

  • Development of guidelines, standards, and training packages for public and private actors.

  • Undertaking an opportunity analysis for private sector investments in sustainable rice production value chains.

  • Negotiation and establishment of a collaborative agreement and platform for engagement among public, private, and civil society actors.

• Advise project partners and LCUs on design and implementation of Component 2 activities.

• Collaborate with the PMU on preparing TORs for consultant recruitment and development of sub-contracts.

• Review reports and products from consultants, staff, and sub-grantees to ensure quality.

• Conduct field missions with M&E to monitor implementation and support landscape teams.

• Provide input into semi-annual and annual Project Progress Reports.

Gender mainstreaming and stakeholder engagement (Component 2 support)

• Lead and track GAP implementation across Component 2.

• Provide oversight of SEP implementation during project implementation.

• Deliver capacity-building sessions for partners and country teams.

• Participate in joint technical missions and site visits with the PMU.

• Guide and support establishment of Grievance Redress Mechanisms for both landscapes and the central PMU.

• Contribute safeguards and gender inputs to quarterly, semi-annual, and annual reports.

• Ensure lessons learned are shared through global platforms and communication materials.

Environmental and social safeguards

• Ensure bidding documents and contracts reflect environmental and social safeguard requirements as outlined in the ESMF, GAP, and SEP.

• Review activities to identify risks early and ensure mitigation measures are in place.

• Prepare site-specific Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs).

• Monitor safeguard compliance by contractors and partners.

• Provide training on safeguard requirements to PMU and LCU staff.

• Support agencies and partners in meeting government and WWF/GEF safeguard standards.

• Develop monitoring tools (checklists, templates) for safeguard implementation.

• Provide safeguards and gender oversight for field activities, exchanges, and capacity-building.

General conditions

• All applicants must be Citizens of Tanzania with age not above 50 years.

• Applicants must attach an up-to-date CV with reliable contacts.

• Applicants should apply based on the information in this advertisement.

• Applicants must attach certified copies of:

  • Postgraduate/Degree/Advanced Diploma/Diploma/Certificates

  • Corresponding transcripts

  • Form IV and Form VI National Examination Certificates

  • Professional Registration and Training Certificates (where applicable)

  • Birth certificate

• The following are not accepted:

  • Form IV and VI results slips

  • Testimonials and partial transcripts

• Applicants in Public Service should route applications through their employer.

• Retired Public Service employees should not apply.

• Provide three reputable referees with reliable contacts.

• Certificates from foreign institutions must be verified by NECTA, TCU, or NACTE as applicable.

• Applications must be signed and written in Swahili or English and addressed to:

Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism
Government City – Mtumba
Ardhi Street
P.O. Box 1351
Dodoma

• Deadline for application: 10th December, 2025

• Only shortlisted candidates will be informed of the interview date.