Programme Specialist

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply;
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

Organizational Setting

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

The World Food Forum (WFF) and Investment Week are high-profile, multi-stakeholder events convened annually by FAO in Rome, bringing together governments, private sector actors, civil society, and youth delegates to advance global food systems transformation. The Programme Specialist will work under the close guidance of the Senior Technical Officer, DDCE, contributing to the planning and delivery of both events. The role offers hands-on exposure to UN conference processes and multi-stakeholder coordination, and requires a proactive attitude, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, politically sensitive environment.

The position is located in the Office of the Chief Economist, DDCE, FAO HQ.

Reporting Lines

The Programme Specialist reports to the Senior Technical Officer and works in close collaboration with the Office of the Chief Economist and relevant divisions/unit and decentralized offices.

Technical Focus

Provide overall technical, coordination and programme support to Office of the Chief Economist in line with selected activities and objectives of the stream of the Chief Economist including the Hand-in-Hand Initiative Investment Forum.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Support the organization of key high-level events including participant registration, preparation of agendas, supporting materials and documents, and logistical arrangements.
• Provide operational support to the Chief Economist’s programme portfolios including maintaining and supporting the preparation of workplans, budget, timelines, and deliverable tracking.
• Contribute to reporting, budget planning and briefing processes by preparing summaries and supporting materials in line with FAO standards.
• Support maintenance and updating of programme, event, and content tracking tools to support monitoring, reporting, and knowledge management processes.
• Support update and content verification of website and internal platform using FAO systems, while facilitating internal coordination and knowledge sharing through digital workflows.
• Perform other duties as required

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree or technical degree/certificate from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in agricultural economics, business administration, development economics, political science, social sciences, other area relevant to FAO work.
• At least 1 year of relevant experience in agricultural economics, business administration, development economics, political science, social sciences, other area relevant to FAO work.
• Working knowledge of English (level C)

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Extent and relevance of experience in governance, political economy and policy support related to food security, nutrition and agricultural development.
• Demonstrated knowledge of international working and communications practices, and governance and business structures found in developing countries.
• Ability to plan and organize work, deliver results and meet deadlines.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Selection criteria

• Limited knowledge (intermediate - level B) of another FAO official language is an advantage.
• Knowledge of Italian would be considered an asset.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency

• FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing)
• Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For more information, visit the FAO employment website
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp

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