Conference Officer (Meeting Planning)

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is an international organization that leads global efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission 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. FAO operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 12,000 employees, working towards achieving food security for all.

Job Overview:
The Conference Officer (Meeting Planning) plays a crucial role in the Meeting Services Branch (CSGM) of the Governing Bodies Servicing Division (CSG) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. This position is responsible for leading the preparation, support, and coordination of various types of meetings, including in-person, hybrid, and virtual formats. The officer will manage a team that schedules and programs meetings, liaises with meeting organizers, and supervises operational support staff. The role requires a high level of organization and the ability to meet the demands of complex meetings, often outside of normal working hours. The Conference Officer will ensure that all meetings are conducted smoothly and in accordance with FAO policies and regulatory frameworks, while also promoting innovative working methods and tools to enhance efficiency.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Conference Officer include leading the coordination of high-level conferences and meetings, providing advice on conference protocols and planning requirements, and collaborating with external partners for major events. The officer will oversee on-site management of conference activities, ensuring smooth operations and coordination of all components. Responsibilities also include supervising the technical upgrade of meeting rooms, collecting and analyzing information for reports, and participating in the development of training materials. Specific functions involve coordinating the planning and delivery of FAO Sessions, reviewing and approving Session Programming Forms, resolving scheduling overlaps, organizing logistical support for meetings, preparing budget proposals for events, and managing conference facilities staff.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in social sciences, political sciences, law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, international relations, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in administration, organization, and management of major events, meetings, and conferences at national or international levels is required. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in English and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official 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 a relevant field such as social sciences, political sciences, international law, or international relations. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of international meetings and governance.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in the administration and management of major events and conferences, particularly in an inter-governmental environment. Experience in managing Governing Body sessions of a major international organization is highly desirable. Candidates should also have experience working in multiple locations or areas of work, especially in field positions.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with a requirement for intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. This linguistic capability is crucial for effective communication in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rome, Italy, at FAO headquarters. It is essential for candidates to be flexible and able to work outside of normal working hours due to the nature of the meetings. The role may involve managing budgets and overseeing staff, and knowledge of FAO's governance structure is considered a strong asset. The position may also require participation in various teams and collaboration with other divisions or offices.