Organizational Setting

The Agrifood Economics and Policy Division (ESA) conducts economic research and policy analysis to support 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. ESA provides evidence-based support to national, regional, and global policy processes and initiatives related to monitoring and analysing food and agricultural policies, agribusiness and value chain development, rural transformation and poverty, food security and nutrition information and analysis, resilience, bioeconomy, and climate-smart agriculture. The division also leads the production of two FAO flagship publications: The State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA) and The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) and provides core technical support for the FAO Global Roadmap.

Reporting Lines

The selected candidate will work under the direct supervision of the ESA Director, collaborating, as required, with other FAO divisions, Country Offices, and external partners.

Technical Focus

The Project and Partnership Specialist will support the division and the ESA Director by identifying and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders including governments, international organizations, donors, private sector entities, and research institutions as well as facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogues, joint initiatives, and strategic alliances. The Project and Partnership Specialist will support divisional work by managing the development and coordinating of the projects to advance the transformation of agrifood systems and other key areas of the divisional work.  

Tasks and responsibilities

Coordinating and supporting divisional projects on agrifood policies reform and agrifood systems transformation

•     Support divisional work with coordination of various activities around projects, elaborate and devise workplans and recruitment plans. 
•     Prepare various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analytical notes, articles and sections of reports. 
•     Coordinate the organization of workshops, webinars and other events relevant for the context of the divisional projects on agrifood policies reform and agrifood systems transformation. 
•     Participate in the selection of relevant affiliate workforce candidates and devise recruitment workplans related to this workflow. 
•     Participate in interview panels for the recruitment of affiliate personnel (but not staff members)

Managing partnerships and stakeholder engagement within divisional projects on agrifood policies reform and agrifood systems transformation

•     Identify, cultivate, and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including governments, international organizations, donors, private sector entities, and research institutions for the core areas of the work of the ESA such as policy recommendations, policy analysis for the purpose of agrifood systems transformation. 
•     Facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogues, joint initiatives, and strategic alliances to advance the global transformation of agrifood systems and other key areas of the divisional work.
•     Devise and review funding proposals and strategies for the projects related to this workflow.

Facilitate Coordination and Communication

•     Prepare technical reports, policy briefs, and strategic documents for internal and external audience.
•     Coordinate within the division to ensure alignment across different pillars of work and projects.

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

•     For Consultants: Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in international relations, public policy, communication or related fields; Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
For PSAs: University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in international relations, public policy, communication or related fields.
•     Minimum of 1 year for category C, 5 years for category B, 10 years for category A of relevant experience in partnership management, project management, public affairs and similar.
•     Working knowledge (level C) of English.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Experience in identifying potential strategic partners, building coalitions, and managing multi-stakeholder relationships across public, private, and civil society sectors. Ability to support resource mobilisation efforts through the preparation of partnership proposals, donor briefs, and concept notes.
•     Experience in supporting institutional strengthening, policy dialogue facilitation, and capacity development initiatives for government institutions, private sector, and civil society organizations.
•     Ability to assess complex situations, develop innovative solutions, and make sound recommendations.
•     Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to present complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
•     Experience at engaging and managing diverse stakeholders, negotiating, and fostering consensus.
•     Knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) would be an asset.