Administrative Review Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has its headquarters in Rome, Italy, and operates in over 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 works with governments, civil society, and the private sector to improve agricultural productivity, enhance food systems, and promote sustainable management of natural resources.

Job Overview:
The Administrative Review Officer position is situated within the Office of the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director-General at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. This role is pivotal in providing legal and administrative support to the Deputy Director-General, particularly in responding to requests for administrative review. The officer will be responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable rules and regulations, maintaining confidentiality, and managing a range of complex HR and legal matters. The position requires a strong understanding of public law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, the law of the international civil service, and international administrative law. The officer will also play a key role in improving workplace culture and relationships within the organization, making this position integral to the operational support capacity of FAO.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Administrative Review Officer will undertake a variety of key functions, including: receiving and processing correspondence, pleas, evidence, and documentation related to administrative review requests; verifying compliance of submitted documentation with applicable rules; issuing notifications regarding administrative review requests; providing substantive and procedural advice; establishing and maintaining electronic case files while ensuring confidentiality; identifying and managing complex HR and legal issues; drafting summaries of relevant facts and arguments; advising the Deputy Director-General on applicable regulations and policies; preparing draft replies to administrative review requests; supporting initiatives to enhance workplace culture; reviewing and recommending updates to the FAO Manual; and performing any other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in law. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in law combined with two additional years of relevant work experience and completion of a professional qualification to practice law in a national/state jurisdiction may be accepted. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of seven years of legal experience relevant to the functions of the position, including experience in an international setting and in reviewing and advising on administrative and employment law matters.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree in law. In cases where candidates hold a first-level university degree in law, they must also have completed a professional qualification to practice law in a national/state jurisdiction and possess two additional years of relevant work experience. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary legal knowledge and skills to perform the duties of the Administrative Review Officer effectively.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least seven years of legal experience that is relevant to the functions of the Administrative Review Officer. This experience should include work in an international context, particularly in reviewing and advising on administrative and employment law. Experience in managing and advising on administrative cases related to the internal justice system of international organizations is also crucial, as is experience in drafting legal and policy documents on complex matters.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at a proficient level (C) is mandatory, along with a limited knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) at an intermediate level (B). Additionally, proficiency in French is highly desirable, which would enhance the candidate's ability to communicate effectively within the organization and with stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rome, Italy, at the FAO headquarters. It is important to note that the role may involve working with sensitive information and requires a high level of confidentiality. The position is full-time, and candidates will be assessed against the minimum requirements outlined in the job description. The FAO offers a dynamic work environment and the opportunity to contribute to global efforts in food security and agricultural development.