Senior Coordinator (Governance and Policy Support)

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission 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. The organization operates in over 130 countries and employs thousands of staff members who work collaboratively to improve agricultural productivity, enhance food security, and promote sustainable development. FAO's Governance and Policy Support Unit plays a crucial role in providing leadership and technical support in governance analysis and policy development, ensuring that governance issues are effectively integrated into FAO's strategic framework and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Senior Coordinator (Governance and Policy Support) is a pivotal role within the Governance and Policy Support Unit at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. This position is responsible for leading the governance work of the organization, providing advisory and coordination support to various units at headquarters, regional and subregional offices, and at the country level. The Senior Coordinator will advise senior management on corporate governance issues, including relations with the United Nations system and the reform of UN policy roles. The role involves close collaboration with the Office of Sustainable Development Goals and the Partnerships and UN Collaboration Division on global governance matters. The Senior Coordinator will oversee the global coordination of FAO flagship initiatives and has the lead responsibility for the Programme Priority Areas assigned by the Chief Economist, focusing on governance components within the new FAO Strategic Framework for 2022-203

• This position requires a strategic thinker who can coordinate cross-organizational efforts to improve the quality and impact of economic and social policy, particularly in areas aligned with FAO's mandates.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Coordinator will lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of assigned programmes and projects, directing the review of relevant documents and reports. This includes identifying priorities, problems, and issues to be addressed, proposing corrective actions, and liaising with relevant parties to initiate follow-up actions. The role involves coordinating programmes and reviewing assessments of issues and trends for the implementation of programmes and projects, as well as preparing impact evaluations or equivalent studies. The Senior Coordinator will supervise the preparation of various written outputs, including background papers, analyses, substantial sections of reports and studies, and inputs to publications. Additionally, the position entails directing substantive support to consultative meetings and conferences, managing outreach activities, designing and conducting training workshops and seminars, and leading field missions. The Senior Coordinator will represent the organization at international meetings and conferences, identifying and implementing strategic partnerships, advocating best practices, and developing effective working relationships with international and national stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, agricultural economics, international development, public management, social sciences, or a related field. A minimum of ten years of relevant experience in policy analysis and advice is required, including experience in developing country contexts, with a demonstrated capacity for leading significant policy change. Candidates should have a working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another FAO official language, which may include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. Competencies required for this position include a strong results focus, the ability to lead, engage, and empower others, effective communication skills, and a commitment to knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, specifically a Master’s degree or equivalent, in fields such as economics, agricultural economics, international development, public management, social sciences, or a related discipline. A PhD in a relevant field is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's qualifications for this role.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of ten years of relevant experience in policy analysis and advice, particularly in developing country contexts. Experience in programme coordination and supporting corporate or divisional level executive management within an intergovernmental organization is essential. The role requires extensive and relevant experience in governance and policy analysis, including knowledge of global issues, institutions, and governance processes related to food security and nutrition. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to plan, organize, and conduct governance and policy analysis and programme development effectively.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is a working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English. Additionally, candidates should possess intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another FAO official language, which may include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. Proficiency in multiple languages is advantageous and may enhance a candidate's competitiveness for the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is based at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, and involves full-time engagement. The Senior Coordinator will be assessed against the minimum requirements outlined in the job description, and candidates will be evaluated based on their qualifications, experience, and competencies. The role may involve international travel for field missions and participation in global governance discussions and initiatives. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO's policies and standards for international staff.