Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31 by supporting the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

The position is located within the Agrifood Systems and Food Safety Division (ESF), Economic and Social Development Stream. The contract can be based at the FAO headquarters or remotely (home based). The Division supports a coordinated approach to the development of food systems, including inter alia, engagement in global level dialogue, platform and initiatives, the strengthening of food safety and quality at national, regional and international levels, the development of sustainable food value chains, reductions in food loss and waste and the implementation of the urban food agenda.

Reporting Lines

The consultant / PSA will perform his/her duties under the overall guidance of the Senior Food Safety Officer, ESF and work in close collaboration with the Food Safety Officer(s), and in consultation with other relevant ESF technical officers.

Technical Focus 

The Programme and Knowledge Specialists will provide essential coordination and operational support for ESF’s global engagement and regional/country work, including conference management, outreach and advocacy, project support, data analysis and reporting.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Coordinate and provide day-to-day support for ongoing food safety programme/project activities.
•    Contribute to the planning, design and facilitation of major events and knowledge-sharing activities, such as international conferences and high-level meetings.
•    Ensure efficient internal communications with FAO headquarters, decentralized and regional offices.
•    Coordinate and actively participate in regular team meetings to follow up on action points.
•    Guide assigned teams and affiliated workforce to ensure the timely delivery of inputs and the effective implementation of activities.
•    Contribute to the preparation and production of high-quality content and knowledge products (factsheets, infographics, news items, email announcements, social media messaging, etc.), tailored to various audiences.
•    Support outreach and promotion of food safety activities and projects by sharing knowledge materials through relevant channels, ensuring they are widely disseminated to target audiences.
•    Assist in engaging with stakeholders and build partnerships to support global food safety networking and advocacy efforts.
•    Provide support in compiling, analyzing, summarizing and presenting information/data on specific programmes/projects and related topics.
•    Draft or contribute to development of relevant reports, assisting in editing and publication processes through the FAO Publication Workflow System.
•    Perform other related duties as required.

FAO Standards and guidelines:

Liaison with the OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, appropriate review and clearance processes.

All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including:
FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31: https://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/en
FAO social media policy and guidelines: https://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia
Social Media Branding Guidelines: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044en
FAOSTYLE: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb8081en
FAO terminology http://www.fao.org/faoterm
FAO Names Of Countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/en
Story guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (available to staff).

Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    University degree in social science, communication, international relations, governance or any other field relevant to the work of the Division.
•    Two years of relevant experience in conference management, outreach and advocacy, programmes/project support, data analysis and/or reporting.
•    Working knowledge of at least one official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Spanish, Russian) is mandatory for Consultants,and/or working knowledge of English (Level C) is required for this position of the work for PSA Subscribers.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Work experience in more than one location or area of work.
•    Very good knowledge of MS Office and Excel applications.
•    Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
•    Ability to conduct data analysis.
•    Experience in organizing global and international events.
•    Good knowledge of FAO standards and guidelines.
•    Ability to multitask and work effectively in a team environment.
•    Strong organizational and planning skills and commitment to discretion and confidentiality.
•    Excellent interpersonal skills to collaborate across different levels and diverse teams in the Organization
•    Working experience in UN agencies and/or other international organizations.

Selection Criteria

•    An advanced degree in relevant disciplines is an asset.
•    Relevant experience in one or more areas related to planning, programming, communications, or administrative management is considered an asset.
•    Knowledge of additional languages is considered an asset.
•    Ability to work accurately under pressure, with strong attention to detail.
•    Independent with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet all deadlines.
•    Proficiency in corporate electronic databases and systems would be an asset.
•    Understanding of the functioning of UN agencies and the UN system is considered an asset.