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, as well as 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

•    In close collaboration with the Rural Transformation and Gender Equality Division (ESP), support the organization and delivery of specific ESP/LOG thematic dialogues within the new Right Food Series, as well as within the existing Social Protection Dialogue Series, in partnership with a variety of agencies (OHCHR, ILO, IOM, among other) and draft related reports.
•    Provide support in strengthening the visibility of FAO´s work on gender equality and rural women´s empowerment, as one of the cross-cutting issues, that is also prominent in the FAO Strategic Framework

Engage in Geneva-based deliberations through the monitoring, analysing, informing and reporting to strategically position the Organization in line with its mandate

•    In close collaboration with HQs technical divisions and offices, assist in the preparation and reporting of FAO’s interventions for the three yearly sessions of the Human Rights Council (HRC), including overall summary reports and support to organization of side events during the HRC, with specific focus on those side events focused on Right to Food;
•    Participate in and report on deliberations of Geneva-based mechanisms, forums and processes related to migration, decent rural employment, social protection, and rights-based approaches.

Connect FAO and relevant international Geneva and Switzerland actors, to advance the implementation of FAO´s Strategic Framework

•    In close collaboration with the RTF team of ESP and the UN Partnership and Collaboration Division (PSU), support the organization and delivery of advocacy webinars on the Right to Food (and rights-based approaches) in the context of UN Programming for FAO Representatives in the field
•    Provide assistance in strengthening the ongoing partnership with Geneva-based agencies (OHCHR, ILO, IOM, among other) on migration, decent rural employment, social protection and rights-based approaches related to FAO’s mandate.

Right to Food monitoring, capacity-strengthening, and information management

•    Support the RTF team in strengthening the RTF global monitoring and analysis by organizing meetings with relevant actors and assisting the RTF Team with research on available indicators at country and global levels, collecting and compiling information regarding the status of progress of countries and identifying a set of minimum requirements and corresponding indicators;
•    Support the capacity-strengthening on RTF by the RTF Team, including the development of materials and organization of regional webinars for FAO technical divisions, FAORs, FAO ROs and COs, in close collaboration with PSU and ESP;
•    Support the information management of 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 events and meetings related to the Group of Friends and monitoring of the right to food, and respond to other requests related to both activities, when appropriate.
•    Performing other related office duties as required.

 

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    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
•    At least 1 year 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
•    Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of one of the other official languages of the Organization (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

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

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements