Partnerships Specialist

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 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 FAOs 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 FAOs client support team for further assistance: IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31 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 Partnerships and UN Collaboration Division (PSU) is responsible for coordinating and overseeing the identification strengthening and stewardship of strategic partnerships with UN agencies and non-state actors (NSAs) including parliamentarians civil society academia and research institutions family farmers and Indigenous Peoples organizations and the private sector. The Division leads FAOs engagement in the UN Development System repositioning develops capacities fosters dialogues scales up programmes and advocates for FAOs corporate positions in support of FAOs Strategic Framework 2022-31 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It ensures that multi-stakeholder processes and strategic interventions globally and locally are an integral part of FAOs work and provide targeted support for successful collaboration with NSAs and UN agencies.

The UN Collaboration Unit (PSUU) provides strategic direction in fostering and deepening FAOs engagement and collaboration with the UN system. PSUU leads the Organizations engagement with the Rome-based Agencies RBAs and ensures the effective institutionalization and implementation of FAOs collaborative frameworks with other UN entities. Additionally PSUU offers policy guidance and strategic communications and monitors key developments across the UN landscape to assess opportunities to enhance collaboration.

Key functions:
Catalyze strengthen and coordinate transformative UN partnerships around the issues of food security and sustainable agrifood systems in support of the implementation of the SDGs and the FAO Strategic Framework 2022-2031
Facilitate and support FAO senior management engagement and participation in UN interagency mechanisms and other UN system-wide processes
Ensure comprehensive integration and strategic positioning of FAOs mandate and priorities into high-level UN fora in close coordination with technical divisions and decentralized offices
Coordinate FAOs provision of integrated policy support to the revitalized UN Country Teams and share knowledge and good practices on UNDS repositioning supporting its smooth implementation across FAO
Lead FAOs relationship with the Rome-based Agencies (RBAs) and oversee and support the implementation of partnership frameworks with other UN entities reporting to FAOs Governing Bodies on results

FAO International Consultants and Call Purpose

The Organization frequently engages experts to work on short-term activities as international consultants or under personal service agreements (PSA). Consultants and PSAs are engaged by the Organization to provide expertise skills or knowledge for the performance of a specific task or piece of work which is short-term by nature. The assignment may involve full-time or part-time functions. The possibility of extension is subject to satisfactory performance and depends on the resources and needs of the Organization.

The Objective of this Call is to attract suitable individuals to undertake consultancies and/or PSAs in the area of UN collaboration and multilateral partnerships:

- B Level Partnerships Specialist
- C Level Partnerships Specialist

Individuals meeting or exceeding the requirements of the Call will be included in a UN Collaboration Unit (PSUU) Roster. Specialists who are endorsed in the Roster are available for consideration whenever relevant opportunities arise matching the required profiles.

Reporting Lines

The Incumbent will work under general guidance of the Head of Unit and/or Partnerships Officer.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will be expected to contribute to at least three of the following six focus areas:
FAOs global positioning in UN inter-agency mechanisms and processes
RBA collaboration
Reporting on results
Institutional engagement with UN and the wider multilateral system
UN joint programming portfolio and PSUUs country offer
Communications events and knowledge management

Tasks and responsibilities

FAOs global positioning in UN inter-agency mechanisms and processes
PSU Partnerships Specialist B Level
- Analyze UN80 reform priorities system wide strategies and emerging mandates to identify opportunities for strengthening FAOs positioning.
- Draft technical briefs talking points and inputs for FAOs engagement in UNSDG ECOSOC and other UN coordination mechanisms.
- Coordinate internal consultations across relevant FAO units to ensure coherent and timely contributions to inter agency processes.

PSU Partnerships Specialist C Level
- Assist in compiling and synthesizing information from UNSDG ECOSOC and other UN coordination mechanisms to inform FAOs contributions.
- Support preparation of briefs talking points and background notes.
- Facilitate internal consultations by collecting unit inputs.

RBA collaboration
PSU Partnerships Specialist B Level
- Analyze joint initiatives frameworks and governance processes across the RBAs.
- Draft contributions to joint RBA statements and progress reports.
- Coordinate follow up actions with RBA counterparts.

PSU Partnerships Specialist C Level
- Assist in gathering documentation and updates on RBA joint initiatives.
- Support the preparation of RBA meeting materials.
- Compile follow up actions for RBA workstreams.

Reporting on results
PSU Partnerships Specialist B Level
- Analyze programme data and performance indicators.
- Draft contributions to FAOs UN collaboration and QCPR reporting.
- Coordinate with divisions and offices for reporting inputs.

PSU Partnerships Specialist C Level
- Assist in collecting qualitative and quantitative data for reporting.
- Support consolidation of draft reporting sections.
- Contribute to monitoring reporting cycles.

Institutional engagement with UN and the wider multilateral system
PSU Partnerships Specialist B Level
- Draft technical notes and background materials.
- Provide technical inputs to strengthen FAOs participation.
- Coordinate liaison activities across FAO divisions.

PSU Partnerships Specialist C Level
- Assist in reviewing UN partners strategic documents.
- Support institutional engagements with meeting packages.
- Contribute to liaison processes and update coordination tools.

UN joint programming portfolio and PSUUs country offer
PSU Partnerships Specialist B Level
- Analyze UN joint programming opportunities.
- Provide technical support to decentralized offices.
- Coordinate with UN agencies FAO units and governments.

PSU Partnerships Specialist C Level
- Assist in compiling information on UN joint programming.
- Support development of joint programme materials.
- Contribute to portfolio monitoring.

Communications events and knowledge management
PSU Partnerships Specialist B Level
- Analyze communication needs and propose engagement opportunities.
- Draft communication products and knowledge pieces.
- Coordinate organization of events and knowledge exchanges.

PSU Partnerships Specialist C Level
- Assist in preparing communication and knowledge materials.
- Support organization of events and workshops.
- Support knowledge management and update repositories.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in international relations development studies social sciences public administration business management law communications or any other discipline relevant to the work of the Organization. Consultants with bachelors degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
One (C level) or Five (B level) years of relevant professional experience in partnership development programme monitoring and reporting policy research inter-agency coordination multilateral or bilateral diplomacy liaison functions digital communications event management knowledge management data analysis and visualization or related field is required.
Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic Chinese French Russian or Spanish) desirable.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

Prior work experience with FAO and/or the UN systems.
Extent and relevance of experience in partnership development programme monitoring and reporting policy research inter-agency coordination multilateral or bilateral diplomacy liaison functions digital communications event management knowledge management data analysis and visualization etc.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

• 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 FAOs 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

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