Organizational Setting

The General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) is a regional fisheries management organization (RFMO) established under the provisions of Article XIV of the FAO Constitution. Its main objective is to promote the development, conservation, rational management and best utilization of marine living resources as well as the sustainable development of aquaculture in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. To this end, the GFCM formulates and recommends appropriate measures for the conservation and rational management of living marine resources and ensures these recommendations are implemented; constantly reviews the economic and social aspects of the fishing industry, recommending specific measures in connection with its development; promotes and carries out training, research and development activities, in addition to cooperation and technical assistance in fisheries-related fields; collects, publishes and disseminates information on exploitable living marine resources and on fisheries exploiting these resources; promotes programmes for marine and coastal fisheries enhancement.

The posts are either home-based or located at GFCM headquarters at Palazzo Blumenstihl (Rome, Italy).

Reporting lines

The Liaison Specialist/s report to the GFCM Programme and Liaison Officer and closely collaborate with relevant GFCM Secretariat staff.

Technical focus

Support to internal liaison mechanisms, overall support to the organization of GFCM meetings and contribution to the development and maintenance of relevant liaison portals and tools.

Tasks and responsibilities

The key functions of the Liaison Specialist will be to:

•     Provide support, in his/her expert capacity, in managing GFCM external relations with its membership and relevant non-contracting parties, as well as with its partners, including international organizations and relevant stakeholders from the civil society and the private sector, to enable their involvement in and contribution to the GFCM work and mandate;
•     Support corporate actions towards efficient and effective liaison between the GFCM Secretariat and focal points, experts, representatives, etc. to enhance collaboration on technical issues pertaining the work of GFCM, to stimulate participation and active contribution to GFCM processes;
•     Contribute to the implementation of the GFCM 2030 Strategy by supporting relevant strategic/transversal activities in coordination with relevant teams; 
•     Provide technical inputs and assist in liaison matters linked to the implementation of the GFCM workplan, by participating, as appropriate, in relevant meetings and preparing briefs, concept notes and delivering messages to varied audiences;
•     Participate in resource mobilization efforts and ensure follow-up of partnership opportunities;
•     Help strengthen cooperation and liaison mechanisms with headquarters, decentralized offices and other UN agencies;

The key functions of the Liaison Specialist (meetings) will be to:

•     Contribute to the planning, organization and follow-up of GFCM meetings and events by managing logistical aspects and participation of speakers, experts and representatives, monitoring expected technical contributions, assisting technical teams in the dissemination of relevant material;
•     Support the coordination and implementation of meeting-related actions in designated venues by liaising with relevant offices and service providers, providing technical inputs in the preparation of Letters of Agreements (LoAs) with hosting Members when relevant, and ensuring smooth execution; 
•     Regularly update relevant repositories, databases and management tools with documents, information and material, and produce as needed relevant analyses, summaries or catalogues of material for internal or external purposes;
•     Support the migration of meetings related information from the old GFCM website to the new one.
•     Perform any other related duties as required.

FAO Standards and guidelines:

•     Liaison with OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, aligned messaging, and appropriate review and clearance processes.
•     All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including:
FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31: https://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/en   
FAO social media policy and guidelines: https://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia    
Social Media Branding Guidelines: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044en  
FAOSTYLE https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb8081en  
FAO terminology http://www.fao.org/faoterm  
FAO Names of Countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/en   
Story guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (available to staff). 
•     Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     Advanced University degree from an institution recognized by the international Association of Universities (IAU) UNESCO (for consultants) or technical specialization (only for PSA) in international relations, business administration, law, project management, economics, natural resources management or any other related field relevant to the Organization. 
•     Five years of relevant experience for the Liaison Specialist. One year of relevant experience for the Liaison Specialist (meetings).
•     Working knowledge (level C) of English.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

Liaison Specialist

•     Excellent writing and language skills 
•     Proven capacity for diplomacy
•     Experience working in sensitive and fast-moving contexts, preferably at an international level and/or in the Mediterranean and Black Sea region

Liaison Specialist (meetings)

•     Excellent drafting skills
•     Experience in meetings’ organization, preferably at an international level
•     Excellent organizational skills
•     Excellent computer skills (MS Office essential and design software an asset)

Selection Criteria

All 
•     Level of experience in working with international and intergovernmental organizations or projects, possibly in the Mediterranean and/or Black Sea 
•     Good working knowledge of English. Knowledge of Arabic, French or Spanish will be an asset  
•     Ability to work on multiple projects, meet deadlines and ensure quality output 
•     Thoroughness, reliability, communications skills, sense of diplomacy and tact