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. The incumbent operates independently and takes decisions on work priorities.

Supervision received is focused on the quality of work outputs, in particular the meeting of timelines and the quality of advice given to counterparts.

Technical Focus

The incumbent supports effective liaison on all matters of interest to FAO with the federal governmental and legislative entities of Russia, namely line ministries and agencies, parliament and other institutions, including offices of United Nations agencies, local governments, non-governmental and civil society organizations, and research community. He/she helps with monitoring developments affecting agrifood sector in the host country.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Help strengthen networks of collaboration with the Office’s counterparts; • Assist with furthering the Office´s relations with the Government (including upper and lower houses of the parliament, and their relevant committees; regional and municipal authorities and self-government bodies) and non-government counterparts, including research institutions/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, explaining and advocating FAO's mission, objectives, policies and programmes; • Support the Office fundraising activities by preparing draft communications to the Russian donor on FAO appeals and financing needs, as required; • Provide support to partners in participation at FAO's flagship activities, e.g. One Country-One Priority Product, Hand-in-Hand Initiative, etc; • Assist the Liaison Office with Food Systems Summit follow-up activities; • Collect, analyse, and utilize data and feedback to identify opportunities to expand partnerships and improve relationships between FAO and Russian counterparts; • Compile and maintain a database of respective contacts; • Organize meetings and follow up on their outcome, including technical support and preparation of minutes, as required; • Ensure support with efficient and effective management of FAOLOR initiatives, including press conferences and symposia on International Days, Years and Decades related to FAO's mandate, as required; • Help organize and attend, as necessary, the visits/missions of FAO officials to Russia, accompany and 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, as requested; • Perform other duties as assigned by the Liaison Officer and the Director.

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 five 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; • Working knowledge (Level C) of Russian and English. • Russian nationality or regular work permit or a permanent resident status in the Russian Federation

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

Selection Criteria

• All candidates should possess computer/word processing skills. • Fluent spoken and perfect command of written Russian and English