Organizational Setting

The General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) is a regional fisheries management organization (RFMO) established under the provisions of Article XIV of the FAO Constitution. Its main objective is to promote the development, conservation, rational management and best utilization of marine living resources as well as the sustainable development of aquaculture in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. To this end, the GFCM formulates and recommends appropriate measures for the conservation and rational management of living marine resources and ensures these recommendations are implemented; constantly reviews the economic and social aspects of the fishing industry, recommending specific measures in connection with its development; promotes and carries out training, research and development activities, in addition to cooperation and technical assistance in fisheries-related fields; collects, publishes and disseminates information on exploitable living marine resources and on fisheries exploiting these resources; promotes programmes for marine and coastal fisheries enhancement.
The posts are either home-based or located at GFCM headquarters at Palazzo Blumenstihl (Via Vittoria Colonna 1, 00193 – Rome, Italy).

Reporting Lines

The Liaison Specialist/s report to the GFCM Programme and Liaison Officer and/or to the GFCM Executive Secretary and closely collaborate with relevant GFCM Secretariat staff.

Technical Focus 

Support to enhance institutional relations with GFCM members and partners, as well as support the internal coordination with the GFCM Technical units and overall support to the organization of the meetings of the GFCM, in line with its mandate.

Tasks and responsibilities

The key functions of the Liaison Specialist will be to:

•    Provide support, in his/her expert capacity, in managing GFCM external relations with its membership and relevant non-contracting parties, as well as with its partners, including international organizations and relevant stakeholders from the civil society and the private sector, to enable their involvement in and contribution to the GFCM work and mandate;
•    Support corporate actions towards efficient and effective liaison between the GFCM Secretariat and focal points, experts, representatives, etc. to enhance collaboration on technical issues pertaining the work of GFCM, to stimulate participation and active contribution to GFCM processes;
•    Contribute to the implementation of the GFCM 2030 Strategy by supporting relevant strategic/transversal activities in coordination with relevant teams;
•    Provide technical inputs and assist in liaison matters linked to strategic planning, resources management and the implementation of the GFCM workplan, by participating, as appropriate, in relevant meetings;
•    Oversee the streamlining of institutional communication, including in the context of liaison/meetings with high-level representatives, by preparing briefs, concept notes and delivering messages to varied audiences;
•    Participate in resource mobilization efforts and ensure follow-up of partnership opportunities;
•    Represent the GFCM, as appropriate, in relevant international and regional fora;
•    Help strengthen cooperation and liaison mechanisms with headquarters, decentralized offices and other UN agencies as well as assist in the coordination with GFCM subregional technical units;

The key functions of the Liaison Specialist (meetings) will be to: 

•    Contribute to the planning, organization and follow-up of GFCM meetings and events by managing logistical aspects and participation of speakers, experts and representatives, monitoring expected technical contributions, assisting technical teams in the dissemination of relevant material;
•    Support the coordination and implementation of meeting-related actions in designated venues by liaising with relevant offices and service providers, providing technical inputs in the preparation of Letters of Agreements (LoAs) with hosting Members when relevant, and ensuring smooth execution;
•    Regularly update relevant repositories, databases and management tools with documents, information and material, and produce as needed relevant analyses, summaries or catalogues of material for internal or external purposes;
•    Catalogue GFCM projects’ assets, including equipment delivered in the field, and ensure appropriate visibility and branding have been applied according to donor guidelines;

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    For Subscribers and consultants, university degree in international relations, business administration, law, project management, economics, natural resources management or any other related field relevant to the Organization.
•    Five years of relevant experience for the Liaison Specialist. One year of relevant experience for the Liaison Specialist (meetings).
•    For Subscribers, working knowledge of English (Level C) or of another FAO official language. For Consultants, working knowledge (Level C) of English, French or Spanish and limited knowledge (Level B) of one of the other two or Arabic, Chinese, or Russian.

FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills 

Liaison Specialist 
•    Excellent writing and language skills
•    Proven capacity for diplomacy
•    Experience working in sensitive and fast-moving contexts, preferably at an international level and/or in the Mediterranean and Black Sea region

Liaison Specialist (meetings)
•    Excellent drafting skills
•    Experience in meetings’ organization, preferably at an international level
•    Excellent organizational skills
•    Excellent computer skills (MS Office essential and design software an asset)

Selection Criteria 

All 
•    Level of experience in working with international and intergovernmental organizations or projects, possibly in the Mediterranean and/or Black Sea
•    Good working knowledge of English. Knowledge of Arabic, French or Spanish will be an asset
•    Ability to work on multiple projects, meet deadlines and ensure quality output
•    Thoroughness, reliability, communications skills, sense of diplomacy and tact