Youth Affairs Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is a specialized agency 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, and to promote sustainable agriculture and rural development. The organization is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and works closely with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to implement its initiatives and programs.

Job Overview:
The Youth Affairs Specialist position is crucial for the Office of Youth and Women (OYW) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. The incumbent will be responsible for developing and executing strategies and action plans for the World Food Forum (WFF) tracks, programs, and workstreams. This role requires a strong focus on youth empowerment in agrifood systems transformation, addressing policy, innovation, education, culture, and outreach. The specialist will coordinate with various partners to amplify the messages and events of the WFF, create and adapt content for different activities, and manage the preparation and organization of key events. The position also involves leading engagements with external partners and overseeing the measurement and reporting of WFF activities. The Youth Affairs Specialist will play a vital role in promoting transformational leadership for gender equality and youth empowerment within FAO's initiatives, ensuring that the voices of youth and women are heard and acted upon in the agrifood systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Youth Affairs Specialist will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including: coordinating and collaborating with partners to amplify WFF messages and events; creating and adapting content such as presentations, articles, and videos; managing the preparation and organization of key WFF events, including drafting concept notes and follow-up communication materials; leading engagements with external partners, including private sector companies and influencers; co-leading planning and management of WFF key tracks; overseeing the measurement and reporting of WFF activities; co-managing a team of volunteers and interns; developing new initiatives to boost youth inclusivity; supporting the WFF Coordinator in various tasks; and undertaking short missions to field offices as needed. The specialist will also ensure compliance with FAO standards and guidelines in all communication materials and activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet specific qualifications to be considered for the Youth Affairs Specialist position. For consultants, an advanced university degree in political science, business administration, marketing, international development, or a related discipline is required. Those with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. For Personal Services Agreements (PSAs), a university degree or technical degree/certificate in a relevant field is necessary. Additionally, candidates must have at least one year of relevant experience for category C, five years for category B, or ten years for category A, in developing advocacy platforms, running events, leading marketing and communications, or managing programs in youth and/or food-related organizations or development agencies similar to FAO. Working knowledge of English is mandatory, and limited knowledge of a second FAO language is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Youth Affairs Specialist position includes an advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in fields such as political science, business administration, marketing, international development, or any other discipline relevant to the work of the organization. For PSAs, a university degree or technical degree/certificate in a relevant field is required. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of youth empowerment and agrifood systems transformation.

Experience:
The level of experience required for the Youth Affairs Specialist position varies by category. For category C, at least one year of relevant experience is necessary; for category B, five years of experience is required; and for category A, ten years of relevant experience is needed. Candidates should have experience in developing advocacy platforms, running events, leading marketing and communications, or managing programs in youth and/or food-related organizations or development agencies similar to FAO. This experience is crucial for effectively executing the responsibilities of the role and contributing to the organization's mission.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for the Youth Affairs Specialist position. Additionally, limited knowledge of a second FAO language, such as French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian, is considered an asset. Proficiency in multiple languages can enhance communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders and partners in the global context of FAO's work.

Additional Notes:
The Youth Affairs Specialist position is based in Rome, Italy, at the FAO headquarters. The role may involve short missions to field offices to support campaign-related tasks as required. Candidates will be assessed against the minimum requirements outlined in the job description, and the position may involve working closely with various FAO divisions and partners to ensure the successful execution of activities. The position is likely to be full-time, and candidates should be prepared to engage in a dynamic and collaborative work environment focused on youth empowerment and gender equality.