Liaison Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Liaison Office in Moscow is responsible for liaison with the Government of Russia, the country's civil society, media, research and educational institutions, the private sector, and the International Organizations based in the country.

This position is located at the FAO Liaison Office with the Russian Federation. It covers a range of programme support duties.

Reporting Lines

The Liaison Specialist works under the overall guidance of LOR Director, reports directly to the Liaison Officer, and works in close coordination with Liaison Office personnel.

Technical Focus

The incumbent supports effective liaison on all matters of interest to FAO with the organs and offices of the Government of Russia and other institutions, including International Organizations, local governments, Non-Governmental Organizations, United Nations agencies and academic institutions. He/she helps with monitoring developments affecting nutrition, food and agriculture in the country.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Help strengthen networks of collaboration with the Office’s counterparts;
• Assist with the establishment of relations with external government and non-government counterparts, including academic and research organizations and the civil society;
• Support the collaboration with counterpart institutions on subject matters relevant to FAO’s mandate in agriculture and rural development, forestry and fisheries, natural resources, technical cooperation and research, with a view to provide them FAO objectives, policies and programmes and to favourably impacting their views;
• Collect, analyse, and utilize data and feedback to identify opportunities to expand partnerships and improve relationships between FAO and Russian counterparts;
• Organize meetings and follow up on their outcome, including preparation of minutes, as required;
• Ensure support with efficient and effective management of FAOLOR initiatives;
• Help organize and attend, as necessary, the visits/missions of FAO officials to Russia, provide English/Russian interpretation as appropriate;
• Compile reports and conduct research about particular issues and/or events for LOR;
• Prepare timely replies to institutional and public inquiries on subjects falling within the competence of FAO;
• Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree (an advanced level degree is considered an asset) in Agriculture, Social or Political Sciences, Economics, Public Administration, International Relations or a related field relevant to the work of the Organization;
• At least three years of relevant experience in development work and /or interacting with social partners and with governments, international organisations, research institutions, civil society, and the private sector;
• Russian nationality or regular work permit or a permanent resident status in the Russian Federation
• Fluent in spoken Russian and English, perfect command of written Russian.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building effective relationship
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable
• Extent and relevance of experience in a field relevant to the work of the Organization and development work, interacting with social partners and with governments, international organisations, research institutions, civil society, and the private sector
• Knowledge of FAO’s programmes and priorities is considered an asset
• Strong sense of discipline, punctuality, respect of deadlines
• Ability to produce high-quality written outputs that do not require major corrections