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.