Specialist on Policy Matters and Corporate Relations

Organizational Setting

The Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (RLC) is responsible for guiding FAO's response to regional priorities in food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of the Organization's priority activities in the region. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the region and, in collaboration with departments and divisions at headquarters, formulates, promotes and monitors FAO's strategic response to regional priorities. It also advises on the incorporation of these priorities into the Organization's Programme of Work and Budget and implements approved programmes and projects in the region, monitors the degree of implementation of programmes and identifies problems and shortcomings.

The Specialist will support control arrangements related to corporate relations, management and communication and advocacy matters taking into FAO’s policies and procedures.

Reporting Lines

The Specialist will work under the general supervision of the Senior Regional Political Affairs and Liaison Officer.

Technical Focus

The Specialist´s focus will be on corporate communication, international relations, economics, and public policy.

Tasks and responsibilities

Working within the ADG´s Cabinet and under the direct supervision of the Senior Regional Political Affairs and Liaison Officer, the Specialist will have tasks and responsibilities for providing strategic advocacy and policy matters support, as well as management support, including:

- Provide a roadmap by outlining and supporting the implementation of strategies to ensure opportunities are transformed into action, including liaising with counterparts across the Region and in Headquarter divisions, as required. - Provide substantive inputs to the Cabinet Coordinator in preparation for inter-governmental meetings, including concept notes, strategic analysis, think pieces, briefs, and reporting on policy matters. - Follow up regional engagement with key stakeholders, including governments, donors, civil society, private sector, international organizations, and the media. - Support the revision and preparation of essential advocacy products for ADG’s high-level agenda in collaborations with responsible officers/teams. - In collaboration with the Office of Communication, support the implementation of a communication and liaison strategy to strengthen relations with key stakeholders and partners by enhancing and safeguarding corporate relations and supporting operationally to achieve outcomes. - Ensure the efficient functioning of the Regional Leadership Team (RLC) and RLC Management Team (RMT), including preparation of the agenda and coordination of supporting documentation, adequate record of decisions follow up actions, and providing guidance on expectations and specific products or processes to be delivered. - Exceptional familiarity and application of FAO communication standards and clearance processes in all documents prepared, including FAO terminology and FAO brand and policy book, among others. - Other tasks that may be assigned by the Cabinet Coordinator for the smooth functioning of the ADG´s office and overall management of the region

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in social sciences, corporate communication, politics, international cooperation and relations. • At least 5 years of relevant experience in in strategic relations, partnerships and policy strategies, research on cooperation or development issues, with focus on policy analysis, advisory services and corporate communication. • Working knowledge - proficient (level C) of Spanish and intermediate (level B) of English.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus • Teamwork • Communication • Building Effective Relationships • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• English proficiency (Level C) is desirable • Advance University degree is desirable. • Work experience supporting and advising strategic direction, management and priority setting in an international environment. • Experience working in a developing regional and country context, desirable in a strategic policy capacity and institutional relations with the UN, other international organizations and governments; • Experience in UN inter-agency collaboration and coordination is an asset.