Programme Specialist
Support the planning and delivery of high-level events for FAO.
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Overview
Support the planning and delivery of high-level events for FAO.
You have:
- University degree or technical degree/certificate from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in agricultural economics, business administration, development economics, political science, social sciences, other area relevant to FAO work.
- At least 1 year of relevant experience in agricultural economics, business administration, development economics, political science, social sciences, other area relevant to FAO work.
- Working knowledge of English (level C)
- Limited knowledge (intermediate - level B) of another FAO official language is an advantage.
- Knowledge of Italian would be considered an asset.
Organizational Setting
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.
The World Food Forum (WFF) and Investment Week are high-profile, multi-stakeholder events convened annually by FAO in Rome, bringing together governments, private sector actors, civil society, and youth delegates to advance global food systems transformation. The Programme Specialist will work under the close guidance of the Senior Technical Officer, DDCE, contributing to the planning and delivery of both events. The role offers hands-on exposure to UN conference processes and multi-stakeholder coordination, and requires a proactive attitude, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, politically sensitive environment.
The position is located in the Office of the Chief Economist, DDCE, FAO HQ.
Reporting Lines
The Programme Specialist reports to the Senior Technical Officer and works in close collaboration with the Office of the Chief Economist and relevant divisions/unit and decentralized offices.
Technical Focus
Provide overall technical, coordination and programme support to Office of the Chief Economist in line with selected activities and objectives of the stream of the Chief Economist including the Hand-in-Hand Initiative Investment Forum.
Tasks and responsibilities
• Support the organization of key high-level events including participant registration, preparation of agendas, supporting materials and documents, and logistical arrangements. • Provide operational support to the Chief Economist’s programme portfolios including maintaining and supporting the preparation of workplans, budget, timelines, and deliverable tracking. • Contribute to reporting, budget planning and briefing processes by preparing summaries and supporting materials in line with FAO standards. • Support maintenance and updating of programme, event, and content tracking tools to support monitoring, reporting, and knowledge management processes. • Support update and content verification of website and internal platform using FAO systems, while facilitating internal coordination and knowledge sharing through digital workflows. • Perform other duties as required
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• University degree or technical degree/certificate from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in agricultural economics, business administration, development economics, political science, social sciences, other area relevant to FAO work. • At least 1 year of relevant experience in agricultural economics, business administration, development economics, political science, social sciences, other area relevant to FAO work. • Working knowledge of English (level C)
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus • Teamwork • Communication • Building Effective Relationships • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Extent and relevance of experience in governance, political economy and policy support related to food security, nutrition and agricultural development. • Demonstrated knowledge of international working and communications practices, and governance and business structures found in developing countries. • Ability to plan and organize work, deliver results and meet deadlines. • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Selection criteria
• Limited knowledge (intermediate - level B) of another FAO official language is an advantage. • Knowledge of Italian would be considered an asset.
Potential interview questions
| How have you managed competing priorities in a fast-paced environment? | This assesses your ability to handle multiple tasks effectively. | Describe a specific situation where you successfully prioritized tasks and met deadlines. |
| Can you provide an example of a time you contributed to a successful project or event? | The interviewer wants to understand your hands-on experience in project management. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you ensure effective communication within a team? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe your experience with reporting and budget planning. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What techniques do you use for monitoring and tracking project deliverables? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you approach knowledge sharing in a team setting? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you discuss your experience with event organization? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What challenges have you faced when working in a politically sensitive environment? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
Added 1 month ago
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Updated 1 month ago
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Source:
fao.org
