Learning Support Specialist

Learning Support Specialist

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

March 5, 2025March 6, 2025RomeItaly
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) About
To meet the demands posed by major global trends in agricultural development and challenges faced by member nations, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has identified key priorities on which it is best placed to intervene. A comprehensive review of the Organization’s comparative advantages was undertaken which enabled strategic objectives to be set, representing the main areas of work on which FAO will concentrate its efforts in striving to achieve its vision and global goals. An intergovernmental organization, FAO has 194 Member Nations, two associate members and one member organization, the European Union. Its employees come from various cultural backgrounds and are experts in the multiple fields of activity FAO engages in. FAO’s staff capacity allows it to support improved governance inter alia, generate, develop and adapt existing tools and guidelines and provide targeted governance support as a resource to country and regional level FAO offices. Headquartered in Rome, Italy, FAO is present in over 130 countries.
Job Description

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Position Title: Learning Support Specialist
Location: Rome
Country: Italy
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) was established in 1945 and is headquartered in Rome, Italy. 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 works in over 130 countries and has a mission to support the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. The organization employs thousands of staff members worldwide and focuses on various areas including agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and rural development. The Human Resources Division (CSH) plays a crucial role in attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse and skilled workforce, ensuring that FAO can effectively deliver on its mandate.

Job Overview:
The Learning Support Specialist position is integral to the Human Resources Division of FAO, specifically within the Learning and Performance Branch. The role involves supporting the implementation of HR's global learning portfolio, which is aligned with the latest trends and best practices in learning and development. The specialist will work closely with the Senior Human Resources Officer and the Human Resources Officer, collaborating with various FAO divisions and offices. The position requires a proactive approach to learning and development initiatives, ensuring that training programs are effectively coordinated and delivered. The specialist will also be involved in research and data compilation related to staff development activities, contributing to the overall enhancement of learning within the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Learning Support Specialist will have a diverse range of responsibilities, including but not limited to: assisting in the coordination of learning and development initiatives, supporting vendor selection and monitoring service provider deliverables, providing logistical support for workshops and training programs, researching and compiling data on staff development activities, processing training requests, and providing guidance on related policies. Additionally, the specialist will support budget tracking for various training programs, assist in training delivery, maintain records in HR and learning systems, contribute to the planning and evaluation of learning activities, and support automation and process improvement in learning and development. The role also includes providing technical support for learning platforms, contributing to the development of learning dashboards and reporting tools, and assisting in implementing career development platforms and tools. Furthermore, the specialist will be responsible for updating learning guidelines and procedures, tracking staff development funds, and responding to training inquiries.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Learning and Development, Learning Technology, Adult Education, Communication, Languages, Social Sciences, or a related field. Additionally, at least one year of relevant experience in supporting the development and delivery of learning and training programs is required. A working knowledge (level C) of English is also mandatory. Candidates should demonstrate strong organizational and project management skills, proficiency in IT software and systems, including Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and PowerApps, and experience with data analysis tools for reporting and data visualization. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong interpersonal abilities, and a proven ability to identify and implement creative solutions are essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Learning Support Specialist position includes a university degree in a relevant field such as Learning and Development, Learning Technology, Adult Education, Communication, Languages, Social Sciences, or a related area. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the principles of adult learning and effective training methodologies, which are essential for the role.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least one year of relevant experience in supporting the development and delivery of learning and training programs. This experience should ideally include working in a similar role within an organization, preferably in the context of international organizations or UN agencies, which would provide valuable insights into the specific challenges and dynamics of learning and development in a global context.

Languages:
A working knowledge (level C) of English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages would be considered an asset, particularly languages that are commonly used in international organizations, as this could enhance communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is likely to be full-time and may involve a contract duration that aligns with the needs of the organization. The role is based in Rome, Italy, and may require collaboration with international teams. Compensation and benefits will be in accordance with FAO's policies and standards, which typically include competitive salaries, health insurance, and opportunities for professional development.
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