Meeting Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is an agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. Established in 1945, FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide, employing approximately 12,000 staff members. The organization aims to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to its strategic objectives and operations, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life.

Job Overview:
The Meeting Specialist position is situated within the Meetings Services branch (CSGM) of FAO, which is responsible for the scheduling and programming of all types of meetings, including physical, virtual, and hybrid formats. The role involves supporting the coordination and planning of meetings with various secretariats and external organizers, ensuring that all logistical and audio-visual needs are met. The Meeting Specialist will work closely with the Conference Officer to facilitate the efficient planning and execution of meetings, which includes monitoring requests for meetings organized by external entities and providing necessary support for both in-house and external meetings. This position requires a sound understanding of policies and procedures related to meetings and interpretation, as well as the ability to prepare and monitor online and hybrid meetings to ensure proper conditions for interpretation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Meeting Specialist will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: supporting operations for meetings and conferences at FAO Headquarters; monitoring the corporate mailbox and liaising with meeting organizers and attendees; ensuring effective communication and sharing of information with critical in-house corporate services; liaising with internal units such as the Protocol Unit and Embassies to ensure smooth organization of high-level events; addressing meeting attendees upon arrival and providing relevant information; collecting and analyzing data to create reports on meeting attendance; reporting to the Conference Officer and meeting organizers on logistics and service needs; facilitating communication between attendees and organizers; coordinating internal activities for non-FAO meetings; providing support for virtual meetings with interpretation; and monitoring virtual and hybrid meetings to ensure sound conditions for interpretation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements: For Consultants, an advanced university degree in International Relations, Interpretation, Social Sciences, Political Sciences, law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">International Law, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level degree with two years of relevant experience may be considered. Candidates with a Master's degree must have at least one year of relevant experience, while those with a Bachelor's degree must have a minimum of three years of relevant experience in fields such as International Relations, Interpretation, Social Sciences, Political Sciences, International Law, Economics, or Agriculture. For PSA Subscribers, a secondary school education and at least one year of relevant experience are required. Additionally, candidates must possess a working knowledge (level C) of English, French, or Spanish.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in fields relevant to the work of the FAO, such as International Relations, Interpretation, Social Sciences, Political Sciences, International Law, or Economics. A first-level degree may be considered if accompanied by relevant experience. For PSA Subscribers, a secondary school education is necessary.

Experience:
The level of experience required for the Meeting Specialist position varies based on the educational background. Candidates with a Master's degree must have a minimum of one year of relevant working experience, while those with a Bachelor's degree must have at least three years of relevant experience in related fields. Experience in meeting servicing activities within an intergovernmental environment is particularly desirable, as is work experience in multiple locations or areas of work, especially in field positions.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge (level C) of English, French, or Spanish. Additionally, limited knowledge (level B) of Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish would be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The job posting does not specify a deadline for applications. The position may involve working in a full-time capacity, and candidates should be prepared for the possibility of international recruitment. Compensation and benefits details are not provided in the job description.