Coordinator (Governance and Policy Support)

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 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 help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, make agriculture, forestry, and fisheries more productive and sustainable, reduce rural poverty, and enable inclusive and efficient agricultural and food systems. The Governance Unit (DDCGD) within FAO plays a crucial role in providing leadership in governance analysis and policy support, coordinating technical networks, and curating resources to enhance governance and policy frameworks.

Job Overview:
The Coordinator (Governance and Policy Support) will be responsible for leading and managing cross-organizational initiatives aimed at improving the quality and impact of economic and social policies within the FAO framework. This position requires a strong focus on governance analysis and the development of corporate technical and applied analyses of governance issues. The role involves coordinating the implementation of the FAO's Analytical Support Mechanism for Agrifood System Country Programming and Evidence (SCOPE), which is designed to enhance the organization's capacity to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks (UNSDCF) at the country level. The Coordinator will work closely with various technical units and decentralized offices to ensure that FAO's expertise is effectively integrated into UN programming, thereby positioning FAO as a key player in agrifood systems within the UN system. The position also entails developing and evaluating programs, conducting research, and providing substantive support for meetings and workshops.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Coordinator will be tasked with a wide range of responsibilities, including but not limited to: developing, implementing, and evaluating assigned programs/projects; monitoring and analyzing program/project development and implementation; reviewing relevant documents and reports; identifying problems and initiating corrective actions; liaising with relevant parties; ensuring follow-up actions; planning and facilitating workshops; researching and analyzing information from diverse sources; coordinating policy development and preparing impact evaluations; generating survey initiatives and interpreting responses; organizing written outputs such as background papers and reports; providing backstopping for consultative meetings; initiating outreach activities; conducting training workshops; leading complex field missions; coordinating budget-related activities; and preparing related documents and reports. Specific functions include implementing the strategic vision of SCOPE, providing technical guidance, ensuring coherence in outputs, documenting innovative approaches, formalizing coordination structures, monitoring resource use, coordinating events, representing SCOPE to stakeholders, and promoting international cooperation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an Advanced University Degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as Economics, Agriculture, International or Business Administration, Law, or International Development. A minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience in project or program management, administration, and development cooperation is required. Experience in partnership and policy development within a large multidisciplinary national or international organization is essential. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in English and have intermediate knowledge of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish).

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an Advanced University Degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in fields closely related to the work of the FAO, such as Economics, Agriculture, International or Business Administration, Law, or International Development. This advanced degree is critical for understanding the complexities of governance and policy support in the context of food security and agricultural development.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience, particularly in project or program management, administration, and development cooperation. Experience in partnership and policy development within a large multidisciplinary national or international organization is crucial. Additionally, work experience in multiple locations or areas of work, especially in field positions, is desirable, as is experience in supporting executive management within intergovernmental organizations.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with a requirement for intermediate knowledge of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish). This linguistic capability is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the international context of the FAO's work.

Additional Notes:
The position is based at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, and involves significant interaction with various stakeholders, including government officials and external consultants. The role is expected to be full-time, and candidates should be prepared for potential travel related to field missions and workshops. The position offers an opportunity to contribute to significant governance and policy initiatives within the UN system, with a focus on enhancing food security and sustainable development.