Junior Liaison Specialist

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FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

• 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
• FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.

Organizational Setting

The Liaison Office with the United Nations in Geneva is responsible for the liaison with the Government of Switzerland, the country’s civil society and the International Organizations based in Geneva, Switzerland. Considering the presence of a large number of international organizations, Member States and Non-Governmental Organizations, which provides a significant platform for engagement and partnership with key stakeholders, the Liaison Office i) ensures that relevant FAO Governing body decisions and the overall work of the organization are brought to the policy dialogues, mechanisms and relevant discussions in Geneva; ii) promote and raise awareness on FAO’s technical work and activities, among Member States and Organizations in Geneva, and the general public; iii) serve as the focal point for Member States that are accredited to FAO from Geneva.

The position is located in Geneva, Switzerland

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the Director of the FAO Liaison Office, and under the direct supervision of the LOG Liaison Officer responsible for rural transformation and gender equality, and in close coordination with the leader of the Right to Food team in Rome.

Technical Focus

Ensure achievement of the Liaison Office’s objectives with efficient coordination and support to activities related to the Organization’s mandate.

Tasks and responsibilities
Champion FAO’s contribution to the 2030 Agenda through its 2022-31 Strategic Framework.
•    Supporting liaison tasks in close collaboration with the Rural Transformation and Gender Equality Division (ESP), support the organization of specific ESP/LOG thematic dialogues, in particular in the framework of the Right Food Series, in partnership with a variety of agencies (OHCHR, ILO, IOM, among other);
•    Supporting liaison tasks in strengthening the visibility of FAO´s work on gender equality and rural women´s empowerment, in particular under the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026.

Engage in Geneva-based deliberations through the monitoring, analysing, informing and reporting to strategically position the Organization in line with its mandate. 
•    Supporting liaison tasks in collaboration with HQs technical divisions and offices of FAO’s interventions for the three yearly sessions of the Human Rights Council (HRC), including preparatory materials for technical divisions and organization of side events when relevant;
•    Supporting liaison tasks of Geneva-based mechanisms, forums and processes related to migration, decent rural employment, indigenous peoples, and gender.

Connect FAO and relevant international Geneva and Switzerland actors, to advance the implementation of FAO´s Strategic Framework. 
•    Supporting liaison tasks in strengthening the ongoing partnership with Geneva-based agencies (OHCHR, ILO, IOM, UNICEF, among other) on issues related to rural transformation and gender equality, including migration, decent rural employment, and right to food.

Right to Food capacity-strengthening and information management.  
•    Supporting liaison tasks on Geneva-based events, meetings and dialogues related to the right to food and rights-based approaches:
•    Supporting liaison tasks with the Group of Friends of the Right to Food, updating the database of members and keeping track of participation, as well as activities related to the RTF Team;
•    Participate in the organization of events and meetings related to the Group of Friends;
•    Supporting liaison tasks of the Right to Food Team newsletter, social media content, webpages, and related initiatives;
•    Performing other related office duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    University degree in Agriculture, Social or Political Sciences, Law, Economics, Public Administration, International Relations or related field relevant to the work of the Organization
•    Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of one of the other official languages of the Organization (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) for consultants. Working knowledge of English for PSA.SBS.
•    At least 6 months of relevant experience in development work and /or designing and managing projects, interacting with social partners and with governments, international organisations, research institutions and civil society

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 is an advantage
•    Knowledge about FAO, mandate, priorities, and programmes
•    Strong understanding of using communication skills as a key output of his/her work
•    Depth of knowledge of FAO’s programmes and priorities is considered a strong asset
•    Technical and analytical ability in analysing and summarizing different paper, briefs and reports

Selection Criteria

•    Advanced University degree in Agriculture, Social or Political Sciences, Law, Economics, Public Administration, International Relations or related field relevant to the work of the Organization would be an asset.
 

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

 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing).
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help or have queries, please contact: [email protected]
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
• Only language proficiency certificates from UN accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT) will be accepted as proof of the level of knowledge of languages indicated in the online applications.
• For other issues, visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. 

HOW TO APPLY

• 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
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
•  We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

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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