Conference Officer (Meeting Planning)

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• 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 persons 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.

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Organizational Setting

The Governing Bodies Servicing Division (CSG) provides the Secretariat of the Conference and the Council and supports all Governing and Statutory Bodies of FAO. It houses the Multilingualism expertise of the Organization, delivering corporate language goods and services. CSG also provides Protocol and Meetings services to the Organization and sustains liaison and communication with Members.

The Meeting Services Branch (CSGM) carries out the scheduling and programming of all Governing and Statutory Body meetings of the Organization. It is responsible for overseeing and supporting the planning and provision of logistical facilities for the conduct of all such physical, hybrid and virtual meetings.

The position is located in the Meeting Services Branch (CSGM) in the Governing Bodies Servicing Division (CSG) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

This function requires the ability to meet the multiple demands of complex meetings, often held outside normal working hours.

Reporting Lines

The Conference Officer (Meeting Planning) reports to the Director, CSG.

Technical Focus

Lead the preparation, support and coordination of in-presence, hybrid and virtual meetings. Manage the team responsible for scheduling and programming of meetings, liaison with meeting and conference organizers. Supervise operational support to meetings, coordination of meeting support staff and the promotion of innovative working methods and tools.

Key Results

Delivery of operations directly related to the conference/sessions, including non-FAO meetings.

Key Functions

• Leads the coordination of high-level conferences, meetings and other events, ensuring the effective and efficient delivery of services in accordance with FAO policies and regulatory framework.
• Provides advice and guidance on conference protocols, planning requirements and the overall execution of events.
• Collaborates with external partners, such as broadcasting and/or production companies, involved in the preparation of major events.
• Oversees the on-site management of conference activities, ensuring smooth operation and coordination of all event components.
• Supervises the technical upgrade of meeting rooms.
• Collects and analyses information for inclusion in statutory and/or management reports.
• Researches and analyses policy and service delivery issues, maintains operational statistics and prepares related reports.
• Participates in the development of training and related training materials and promote best practices and capacity development at headquarters and the Decentralized Offices.
• Participates in CSG teams, leads working groups and/or collaborates with other Divisions/Offices/Centres on short-term assignments.

Specific Functions

• Coordinates the planning and delivery of FAO Sessions, ensuring compliance with established procedures and timely inclusion in the Programme of Work and Budget (PWB) as well as reporting through the Programme Implementation Report (PIR).
• Reviews and approves Session Programming Forms (SPFs) for FAO Sessions, ensuring timely submission in accordance with established deadlines and proper clearance by all services concerned.
• Identifies and resolves scheduling overlaps and operational constraints; liaises with meeting secretariats to amend/modify SPFs and ensures availability of all requested services.
• Organizes pre-session and in session support arrangements, including venue setup, audiovisual systems, logistical coordination for Governing Bodies and other meetings at headquarters.
• Prepares cost estimates and budget proposals for non-FAO events.
• Manages Conference facilities staff and coordinates related administrative operations, including planning and maintenance of the messenger roster.
• Liaises with relevant units to ensure the provision and functionality of meeting rooms, Information technology (IT) systems, office equipment and provision of audio-visual support as required.
• Prepares planning submissions for budgetary resources for meeting-related activities.
• Identifies, pilots and promotes innovative working tools, to enhance efficiency and quality of conference support services.
• Performs other duties as required.

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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced University degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in social sciences, political sciences, international law, international relations or another field relevant to the work of the Organization.
• Seven years of relevant experience in administration and/or organization and management of major events, meetings, conferences at a national and/or international level.
• Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication