Senior Policy and Programme Specialist

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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 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’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through its 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 Senior Policy and Programme Specialist will provide policy and programme support for the implementation, coordination and monitoring of a portfolio of projects, with a primary focus on the project "Support to Mediterranean Dialogue to Tackle the Food Crisis." The incumbent will also support the implementation of FAO Food Coalition initiatives, including efforts to strengthen the resilience of agrifood systems to shocks, working closely with relevant technical teams and the budget holder to ensure effective delivery of project outputs and results.
The position is located in the Office of the FAO Chief Economist, at FAO headquarters.

Reporting Lines

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

Technical Focus

Provide overall technical, coordination, project and programme support to Office of the Chief Economist in line with selected activities, objectives and priorities of the Office of the Chief Economist.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Coordinate and lead the implementation, and operational delivery of programme and project activities, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and donor requirements.
• Facilitate collaboration across technical units and departments to mobilize expertise, resources, and strategic partnerships in support of programme objectives.
• Design, develop, and implement policy-related initiatives, including policy dialogue processes and multi-stakeholder engagement mechanisms at national, regional, and global levels.
• Support the implementation of policy recommendations aimed at strengthening sustainable and inclusive agrifood systems.
• Monitor programme and project implementation, including progress against work plans, budgets, contractual arrangements, and contribute to timely reporting for management and funding partners.
• Coordinate administrative and operational processes related to project delivery, including partnership agreements, procurement actions, consultant management, and contractual documentation.
• Prepare technical and briefing materials, reports, presentations, and other knowledge products to support decision-making, policy engagement, and programme visibility.
• Maintain effective communication and collaboration with government counterparts, development partners, research institutions, private sector actors, and other stakeholders to promote programme objectives and ensure coordinated implementation.
• Represent the programme in internal and external meetings, conferences, and events, and contribute to knowledge exchange and partnership-building efforts.
• Participate in recruitment and talent management processes, including serving on evaluation panels and supporting selection procedures in accordance with organizational policies.
• Perform other related duties as required to support the effective delivery of programme and organizational priorities.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum 10 years of relevant working experience.
• Advanced University degree 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 or equivalent working experience. Consultants with bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• Working knowledge of English is requested. Limited knowledge (B) of another FAO official language is an advantage.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Extent and relevance of experience in project management and policy support related to food security, nutrition and agrifood systems.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize the work
• 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.

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 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.

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

• 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.

• 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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