Introduction

The Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) is an integrated set of activities funded by the United States (U.S.) government and is intended to provide timely, accurate, evidence-based, and transparent food insecurity early warning information and analysis. Created in 1985 in response to famines in East and West Africa, FEWS NET provides global coverage of acute food insecurity. FEWS NET’s work is implemented across several mechanisms by a team of partners that includes the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the University of California-Santa Barbara’s Climate Hazards Center (UCSB-CHC), University of Maryland’s Department of Geographical Sciences, American Institutes for Research (AIR), and Chemonics International (Chemonics). Chemonics implements FEWS NET’s Decision Support Team (DST), which is charged with providing integrated monitoring and analyses of current and forecast acute food insecurity in countries worldwide to support the U.S. government’s policy and programmatic decisions. The DST operates through a Washington-based technical office, regional FEWS NET offices, and national staff presence in sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America, and eastern Europe.

FEWS NET’s objective is to produce timely, evidence-based decision support to enable the efficient allocation of humanitarian assistance on the basis of need.

Based on an in-depth understanding of local livelihoods, FEWS NET monitors information and data on factors that affect food security, such as conflict, weather and agroclimatology, crops, pasture, markets and trade, and nutrition. The FEWS NET DST produces regular reports, including Food Security Outlooks and Outlook Updates, emergency alerts, market and price updates, and targeted analyses. FEWS NET makes reports available at www.fews.net and distributes them globally to governments, relief agencies, and other organizations engaged in humanitarian response and development programs.

The eighth phase of FEWS NET began in 2024. The work of the FEWS NET DST relies on close collaboration with international, regional, and national partners on food security-related data and information gathering and analysis. Major activities include joint monitoring and assessments, data sharing and exchanges, collaborative analysis and reporting, and support of local and regional food security networks.

Position Description

The Regional Technical Senior Specialist-Network Development and Communications (RTSS-NDC) plays a crucial role in the FEWS NET project by supporting the project’s network development activities, supporting capacity development of project staff, and supporting implementation of project communications activities and guidance. They also serve as training leaders on the project, providing support to foundational trainings for DST staff within the region. Under the leadership and coordination of the Network Development (ND) Advisor, and in coordination with the Knowledge Management, Communications and Capacity Development (KMCCD) Senior Specialist in the Home Office, the RTSS-NDC will facilitate the development of training programs, mentorship initiatives, and resources intended to build the capacity of FEWS NET DST staff. The RTSS-NDC will support unilateral and multi-partner engagements, including with the IPC and Cadre Harmonisé. Leveraging the RTSS-NDC’s ability to capacitate and communicate FEWS NET’s approach, methods, and analysis with non-FEWS NET audiences, the RTSS-NDC will also provide field- and HO-based technicians with communications support in the region, including in service of communications with U.S. government regional and country-level colleagues.

Responsibilities

The main responsibilities of the RTSS-NDC include, but are not limited to:

• Supporting implementation of regional and national network development strategies to identify sources of data and information that could be of use to FEWS NET and negotiate access to these information sources.

• Collaborating with the ND Advisor and regional and country offices to ensure network development activities align with project goals and objectives

• Periodically review the network and partnership landscape including advising RTLs and CTLs on new potential partnership options to cover identified FEWS NET information gaps.

• Working with the NCD Advisor to evaluate the impact of network development activities and adjusting strategies and programs as necessary to maximize effectiveness

• Coordinating with other agencies, institutions, and organizations to leverage resources, share best practices, and avoid duplication of efforts

• Working with the ND Advisor, Regional Technical Lead (RTLs), and Country Technical Leads (CTLs) to develop strategic annual workplans aimed at effectively meeting contractual deliverables, commitments and deadlines through collaborative and efficient processes, particularly those related to network development, internal capacity development, and project communications and representation.

• Assisting U.S. government counterparts at regional and country level in interpreting FEWS NET DST analysis

• Providing the regional office and country offices with communications support, development and completion of communications products, and training on writing and communications

• Supporting country and regional offices in reviewing briefings for regional and country embassy staff.

• Supporting KMCCD Senior Specialist, RTL and CTLs in facilitating identification of training needs and coordinating with relevant staff to meet these needs.

• In coordination with the KMCCD Senior Specialist, RTL and CTLs, supporting design and delivery of training and mentorship programs focused on all aspects of FEWS NET’s analysis, reporting, decision support and operations

• Closely collaborating with other FEWS NET mechanisms as needed and appropriate

Qualifications

• Fluency in written and spoken English is required; Arabic is highly desirable. Additional skills in other languages relevant to the region are desirable.

• Education and experience in a discipline relevant to food security (e.g., PhD and at least two years of relevant experience; Master’s degree and at least four years of relevant experience; Bachelor’s degree and at least six years of relevant experience) is required

• Experience in capacity development, training, or mentorship roles, preferably in the field of food security or a related area is required

• Experience identifying and developing approaches to creating capacity development solutions in analysis of acute food insecurity is desirable

• Relevant work experience includes food security analysis, network development activities, food security capacity development, and collaboration within food security networks

• Strong understanding of data analysis, interpretation, and decision-making in food security is required

• Deep commitment to improving food security conditions and collaborating with partners in efforts to mitigate threats to food security is required

• Experience with remote collaboration tools and strategies are an advantage

• Excellent writing, editing, and presentation skills with internal and external audiences are required

• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work well with US and field-based, local staff via telephone, e-mail, and other remote means, are required

• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite, are required

Location and Reporting

The strong preference is for the RTSS-NDC to be based in Amman, Jordan. Highly qualified candidates who live in and have work authorization in one of the following countries may also be considered: Afghanistan, Yemen, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Burma and Nepal. This position works under the supervision of the Network Development Advisor. The RTSS-NDC will collaborate and coordinate with sectors and offices across the FEWS NET DST, the FEWS NET Hub, and FEWS NET’s external partners. International travel will also be required, security and public health conditions permitting.

How to apply

Application Instructions

Please apply here by May 24, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET. No telephone inquiries, please. Chemonics will contact short-listed candidates.

Chemonics is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.

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