Youth Affairs Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO's mission is to support the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agri-food systems, contributing to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The organization focuses on improving production, nutrition, the environment, and the quality of life for people, leaving no one behind. FAO also emphasizes the importance of gender equality and youth empowerment in its initiatives, particularly through its Office of Youth and Women (OYW).

Job Overview:
The Youth Affairs Specialist will play a crucial role in the Office of Youth and Women (OYW) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. This position involves developing and executing strategies and action plans for the World Food Forum (WFF) tracks, programs, and workstreams. The incumbent will focus on youth empowerment in agrifood systems transformation, addressing areas such as policy, innovation, education, culture, and outreach. The role requires collaboration with various partners to amplify messages and events related to the WFF, as well as the creation and adaptation of content for different activities. The Youth Affairs Specialist will also manage key events, engage with external partners, and oversee the measurement and reporting of WFF activities. This position is integral to promoting transformational leadership for gender equality and youth empowerment within FAO's initiatives and enhancing advocacy for youth and women in agrifood systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Youth Affairs Specialist include coordinating and collaborating with partners to amplify the messages and events of the World Food Forum (WFF). The incumbent will create and adapt various content types, such as presentations, articles, and videos, to support key meetings and events. They will manage the preparation and organization of WFF key events, including drafting concept notes and follow-up communication materials. The role also involves leading engagements with external partners, co-leading planning and management of WFF tracks, and overseeing the measurement and reporting of WFF activities. Additionally, the Youth Affairs Specialist will co-manage a team of volunteers and interns, develop new initiatives to boost youth inclusivity, and support the WFF Coordinator with other tasks as needed. Short missions to field offices may also be required to support campaign-related tasks.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must hold an advanced degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in political science, business administration, marketing, international development, or related fields. For those with a bachelor's degree, two additional years of relevant professional experience are required. PSA Subscribers must have the relevant educational background, which may include specific academic or technical qualifications depending on the Terms of Reference (ToRs). A university degree is not automatically required. Candidates should also have at least one year of relevant experience for PSA.SBS category C, two years for Consultant category C, five years for category B, or ten years for category A, specifically in developing advocacy platforms, running events, leading marketing and communications, or managing programs in youth and/or food-related organizations or development agencies similar to FAO.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced degree in political science, business administration, marketing, international development, or related areas relevant to the work of the FAO. For candidates with a bachelor's degree, it is necessary to have two additional years of relevant professional experience. The educational qualifications should be from institutions recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO, ensuring that the candidates possess the necessary knowledge and skills to fulfill the responsibilities of the role effectively.

Experience:
The level of experience required for the Youth Affairs Specialist position varies based on the category of the consultancy. For PSA.SBS category C, a minimum of one year of relevant experience is required. For Consultant category C, two years of experience is necessary. For category B, five years of relevant experience is needed, and for category A, ten years of experience is required. The experience should be in developing advocacy platforms, running events, leading marketing and communications, or managing programs in youth and/or food-related organizations or development agencies similar to FAO. This ensures that the candidate has a solid background in the relevant fields and can contribute effectively to the organization's goals.

Languages:
A working knowledge (C level) of English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, limited knowledge (B level) of a second FAO language, such as French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian, is considered an asset. Proficiency in multiple languages can enhance communication and collaboration within the diverse international environment of FAO, making it easier to engage with various stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rome, Italy, at the FAO headquarters. It is important to note that the role may involve short missions to field offices as required to support campaign-related tasks. The position is likely to be full-time, and candidates should be prepared to engage in a dynamic and collaborative work environment. Compensation and benefits details are typically provided during the recruitment process, and candidates may be assessed against FAO's core competencies, including results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing.