Young Professional Officer (Small Island Developing States - SIDS)

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, which was established in 194

• The FAO's mission is to 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 organization operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of approximately 12,000 employees. The FAO Liaison Office in Geneva plays a crucial role in liaising with the Government of Switzerland, civil society, and international organizations, ensuring that FAO's work is integrated into policy dialogues and discussions in Geneva.

Job Overview:
The Young Professional Officer (SIDS) position is designed to facilitate policy dialogue, partnerships, and knowledge exchange on agrifood systems transformation specifically for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The officer will engage with Permanent Missions and regional groupings to support the design and delivery of multi-stakeholder initiatives that address security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, resilience, climate change, and sustainable development challenges unique to SIDS. The role requires integration of SIDS priorities across FAO's thematic workstreams, leveraging evidence and communication tools to enhance the organization's impact in these regions. The officer will report to the Liaison Officer in charge of Rural Inclusive Transformation and work closely with the Office for SIDS, LDCs, and LLDCs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Young Professional Officer will be responsible for a variety of key functions including: analyzing relevant technical, social, economic, environmental, and technological information for input into various documents; maintaining records and updating databases and web pages; providing technical support to various projects; collaborating in the development of training tools and materials; organizing workshops and seminars; participating in meetings, consultations, and conferences; and producing required materials. Specific functions include supporting sustained interaction with SIDS Permanent Missions, assessing organizational efforts to strengthen agrifood systems in SIDS, engaging with SIDS geographical groups, organizing the SIDS Solutions Dialogue Series, contributing to the quarterly SIDS Digest, preparing for technical meetings and events, liaising with FAO workstreams, and performing other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as Agriculture, Natural Resources Management, Social or Political Sciences, Economics, Public Administration, or International Relations. Additionally, candidates should have at least one year of relevant experience in development work or project management, including engagement with development partners, governments, and international organizations. Proficiency in English and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, specifically a Master's degree or equivalent, in fields related to agriculture, natural resources management, social or political sciences, economics, public administration, or international relations. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of the work involved in supporting SIDS and FAO's mission.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of one year of relevant experience in development work or in designing and managing projects. This experience should include engagement with development partners, governments, international organizations, research institutions, and civil society. Work experience in multiple locations or areas of work, including field positions, is considered desirable.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge of English (proficiency - level C) and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) at an intermediate proficiency level (level B). This language proficiency is crucial for effective communication and collaboration within the international context of the FAO.

Additional Notes:
Candidates must be 32 years of age or younger as of 31 December of the year of application. The position is likely to be full-time, and while specific details regarding contract duration and compensation are not provided, it is important to note that the FAO typically offers competitive salaries and benefits in line with UN standards. The role is based in Geneva, Switzerland, which is a hub for international organizations, providing a unique opportunity for engagement and partnership.