Senior Liaison Officer

1A101A10

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented member nations and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold our values. FAO has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and FAO, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
• The incumbent may be re-assigned to different activities and/or duty stations depending on the evolving needs of the Organization.

Organizational Setting
The Liaison Office with the United Nations in Geneva (LOG) is responsible for the liaison with the Government of Switzerland, the country's civil society and the International Organizations based in Geneva, Switzerland. Considering the presence of a large number of international organizations, Member States and Non-Governmental Organizations, which provides a significant platform for engagement and partnership with key stakeholders, the Liaison Office i) ensures that relevant FAO Governing body decisions and the overall work of the Organization are brought to the policy dialogues, mechanisms and relevant discussions in Geneva; ii) promotes, and raises awareness of, FAO's technical work and activities among Member States, organizations in Geneva and the general public; iii) serves as the focal point for the 15 Member States that are accredited to FAO from Geneva and the two from Berlin.

The position is located in LOG in Geneva, Switzerland.

Reporting Lines
The Senior Liaison Officer reports to the Director of the Liaison Office, Geneva, Switzerland.

Technical Focus
Developments in the context of multilateral trading system with regard to the World Trade Organization as well as other Geneva based trade institutions and country representations in the areas of trade and food security.

Key Results
Leadership, technical and policy expertise for the planning, development and implementation of office work, projects, products, and services in accordance with FAO Strategic Objectives.

Key Functions
• Develops comprehensive programmes of engagement for FAO with external institutions on the issues of significance;
• Represents the Organization in major interagency forums, projecting FAO's priorities and programme activities, positioning FAO to influence programme of work in other organizations;
• Assesses FAO participation in interagency forums, identifies areas to improve effectiveness of FAO communication strategies and approaches;
• Builds awareness within FAO of the perspectives and priorities of collaborators, assists FAO programme unit with networking with external counterparts;
• Builds institutional networks promoting FAO position and establishing FAO as a centre of expertise on significant policy issues; identifies programme synergies with collaborating partners and establishes collaborative frameworks of engagement for FAO programme activities;
• Establishes infrastructure of engagement for FAO on issues of major programme importance;
• Builds collaborative networks that position FAO to take leading roles on programme development , delivery and funding;
• Leads mobilization of resources for partnerships in support of agriculture and food security to support countries with mutual interest;
• Builds capacities within FAO senior managers and programme managers to engage partners and projects in reflecting FAO's priorities in development agendas

Specific Functions
• Represents the Organization at intergovernmental and inter-agency meetings of the United Nations and the specialized agencies held in Geneva; make statements on behalf of FAO in the area of trade and food security and related issues, as and when required, and reports on such meetings to Headquarters, in particular on subjects which could have policy implications for the Organization.
• Maintains contacts with the Permanent Missions accredited to the organizations of the United Nations system in Geneva, keeps them informed about FAO's work and activities, in particular with regard to trade and food security, and provides them with background documentation as needed.
• Maintains close monitoring of multilateral trade negotiations at the World Trade Organization (WTO) and prepares analytical studies/reports on aspects having an impact on food security including world market volatility in agricultural commodities and on approaches to mitigate adverse effects.
• Monitors and analyses international policy developments of relevance to the mandate of FAO, including inter alia: the right to food, food security and nutrition, investment in agriculture, trade and environment, trade and climate change, intellectual property and farmers' rights, regulations on food quality and safety standards and other issues of relevance to agricultural trade and food security and nutrition.
• Facilitates the exchange of trade technical information between FAO and the United Nations and the specialized agencies and arrange, as necessary, inter-agency meetings in this regard
• Liaises with intergovernmental, non-governmental and private institutions associated with FAO's activities in the area of trade, technology and innovation and deals with public requests for information
• Fosters and leads partnerships with key officials in WTO, UNCTAD, ITC, ILO, WIPO, WHO, IOM and other relevant partners on issues related to FAO's mandate.
• Prepares statements of the Director LOG on FAO's position on specific topics related to agricultural trade, food security, and climate change and emerging issues.
• Prepares project proposals for extra-budgetary funding, in consultation with headquarters as appropriate
• Provides support to FAO staff visiting Geneva on official missions.
• Performs other related duties as required

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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree in Agriculture, Social or Political Sciences, Economics, Public Administration, International Relations or related field relevant to the work of the Organization.
• Ten years of relevant experience in development work and /or designing and managing projects, interacting with social partners and with governments, international organisations, research institutions, civil society and the private sector
• Working knowledge of English and of one of the other official languages of the Organization (Arabic, Chinese, French or Spanish)

Competencies
• Results Focus
• Leading, Engaging and Empowering
• Communication
• Partnering and Advocating
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
• Strategic Thinking

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is essential
• Strong understanding of food security issues in relation to agriculture and food trade policies
• Extent and relevance of experience in development work and /or designing and managing projects, interacting with social partners and with governments, international organisations, research institutions, civil society and the private sector
• Demonstrated technical ability in analyzing agricultural trade and market developments, trade and investment, trade and Intellectual Property Rights, and impact on developing countries
• Depth of knowledge of FAO's programmes and priorities is considered a strong asset