Multistakeholder Partnership Specialist

Organizational Setting

The FAO Livestock Environmental Assessment and Performance (LEAP) Partnership is a dynamic multistakeholder initiative committed to improving the environmental performance of livestock supply chains while ensuring their economic and social viability. The partnership develops comprehensive guidelines and methodologies to assess the environmental performance of livestock supply chains. The objective is to provide stakeholders with the tools and insights needed to shape evidence-based policy measures and business strategies, ultimately driving positive change within the livestock sector. The Partnership encourages dialogues and facilitates collaboration among diverse stakeholder groups, including governments, the private sector, academia, NGOs and civil society organizations.

Hosted by the FAO Animal Production and Health Division, the Secretariat ensures that the FAO LEAP activities are grounded in international best practices. As a central coordinating body of the Partnership, the Secretariat provides technical and administrative support to the FAO LEAP partners. In addition, it facilitates the work of Technical Advisory Groups (TAGs), guiding the content development of the guidelines and ensuring their alignment with FAO and the Partnership's mission.

Reporting Lines

The Multistakeholder Partnership Specialist reports to the Livestock Policy Officer and LEAP Secretariat Manager under the overall guidance of the Chief of the Livestock Innovation, Climate and Post-Harvesting Solutions Branch (NSAL).

Technical Focus

The incumbent will serve as a full member of the Secretariat of the FAO LEAP Partnership, providing technical and administrative support to strengthen its governance, coordination, knowledge sharing, outreach and work programme delivery. The role will advance multistakeholder collaboration for sustainable livestock and agrifood systems, with a focus on environmental assessment and performance. It will support the coordination, dissemination and uptake of FAO LEAP guidelines, technical reports, methodologies, tools and good practices; facilitate science–policy–practice dialogue; contribute to technical communication, knowledge management and capacity development; and strengthen engagement with governments, research institutions, international organizations, civil society, producer organizations, the private sector, financial institutions and other relevant partners. The incumbent will also help identify and promote emerging scientific, policy and partnership opportunities for sustainable livestock transformation, including digital innovation, environmental data, sustainable finance and responsible private-sector engagement.

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Support the day-to-day coordination and delivery of the LEAP Partnership work programme, including follow-up on agreed actions, workplans, timelines and deliverables.
•     Assist with the coordination, preparation, review, editing, dissemination and uptake of LEAP guidelines, technical reports, policy briefs, e-learning courses, methodologies, tools, presentations and other knowledge products.
•     Support training, technical guidance, webinars and other capacity-development activities that promote the global use of LEAP guidelines, tools and good practices.
•     Map key stakeholders and build lasting relationships with LEAP Steering Committee members and partners across the public, research, private and civil society sectors, including producer organizations and financial institutions.
•     Assist with the preparation and follow-up of meetings of the LEAP Steering Committee, Technical Advisory Groups, Scientific Advisory Group and other Partnership bodies.
•     Support the organization and facilitation of technical consultations, expert meetings, webinars, workshops, LEAP global conferences, the FAO Livestock Conference and other events involving LEAP partners and external stakeholders.
•     Help identify strategic partnership opportunities, engage donors, prepare concept notes and project proposals, and coordinate related fundraising and partnership-development activities.
•     Maintain accurate, accessible and up-to-date records of partners, contacts, meetings, workplans, technical outputs, correspondence and other Secretariat documentation.
•     Perform other relevant technical, coordination, communication and administrative duties as needed to support the effective operation of the FAO LEAP Partnership Secretariat.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

For Consultants:

•     For Consultants: Advanced University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Agricultural, Biological, Animal, Environmental, Food, Social or Veterinary Science, Livestock Engineering, Agronomy, Natural Resource Management, Agricultural or Development Economics, International Development or Relations, international or Public Policy, Programme or Project Management, Business or Public Administration, Partnership Development Management, Public Relations or Affairs, Communications, or another field directly relevant to the work of FAO and multistakeholder partnerships. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.

•     For PSA Subscribers: University degree or technical specialization in Agricultural, Biological, Animal, Environmental, Food, Social or Veterinary Science, Livestock Engineering, Agronomy, Natural Resource Management, Agricultural or Development Economics, International Development or Relations, international or Public Policy, Programme or Project Management, Business or Public Administration, Partnership Development Management, Public Relations or Affairs, Communications, or another field directly relevant to the work of FAO and multistakeholder partnerships.

•     At least 1 year (Category C) or 5 years (Category B) of relevant experience in multistakeholder partnership coordination, project coordination or management, including engagement with governments, research and/or academic institutions, international organizations, civil society, private-sector actors and/or development partners.
•     Working knowledge of English (Level C)

FAO Core Competencies

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

Selection criteria

•     Knowledge of a second FAO language is an asset