Programme 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 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 has a workforce of more than 12,000 employees. FAO plays a crucial role in supporting the transformation of agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, contributing to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Job Overview:
The Programme Specialist position is integral to the planning and delivery of high-profile events such as the World Food Forum (WFF) and Investment Week, which are convened annually by FAO in Rome. This role involves working closely with the Senior Technical Officer and the Office of the Chief Economist to provide technical, coordination, and program support. The position requires a proactive approach, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced and politically sensitive environment. The Programme Specialist will gain hands-on experience in UN conference processes and multi-stakeholder coordination, contributing to the advancement of global food systems transformation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Specialist will be responsible for a variety of tasks including: organizing key high-level events, managing participant registration, preparing agendas and supporting materials, and handling logistical arrangements. Additionally, the role involves providing operational support to the Chief Economist’s program portfolios, which includes maintaining workplans, budgets, timelines, and tracking deliverables. The specialist will contribute to reporting and budget planning processes by preparing summaries and supporting materials in accordance with FAO standards. They will also support the maintenance and updating of program, event, and content tracking tools to facilitate monitoring, reporting, and knowledge management. Furthermore, the role includes updating and verifying content on the FAO website and internal platforms, while promoting internal coordination and knowledge sharing through digital workflows. Other duties may be assigned as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree or a technical degree/certificate from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in fields such as agricultural economics, business administration, development economics, political science, social sciences, or other areas relevant to FAO's work. Additionally, candidates should have at least one year of relevant experience in these fields. A working knowledge of English at level C is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree or a technical degree/certificate from an accredited institution in areas pertinent to FAO's mission, such as agricultural economics, business administration, development economics, political science, or social sciences. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of food security and agricultural development.

Experience:
The position requires at least one year of relevant experience in fields such as agricultural economics, business administration, development economics, political science, or social sciences. This experience should ideally involve governance, political economy, and policy support related to food security and agricultural development, providing the candidate with the necessary skills to contribute effectively to FAO's objectives.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at level C is mandatory for this position. Additionally, limited knowledge (intermediate - level B) of another FAO official language is considered an advantage. Knowledge of Italian would also be regarded as an asset, enhancing communication within the organization and with stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rome, Italy, and is likely to be a full-time role. The Programme Specialist will be involved in high-level events and will need to navigate a politically sensitive environment, requiring strong organizational and communication skills. The role may involve international collaboration and engagement with various stakeholders, including governments, private sector actors, and civil society.