Partnerships Specialist

Job Description – Partnerships Specialist (2303158) Job Description CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST – VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT : 2303158 Partnerships Specialist Job Posting : 17/Oct/2023 Closure Date : 30/Nov/2023, 10:59:00 PM Organizational Unit : PSU Job Type : Non-staff opportunities Type of Requisition : Consultant Primary Location : Italy-Rome Duration : 6 months with possible extension Post Number : N/A IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device 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 Members 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 FAO’s values FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, 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 Organizational Setting The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the 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 Partnerships and UN Collaboration Division (PSU) is FAO’s hub to ensure rights-based and sustainable development for all, leaving no one behind. PSU builds transformative partnerships and proactively engages with key stakeholders, including family farmers, Indigenous Peoples, parliamentarians, academia, research institutions, UN organizations and civil society. PSU drives a people-centred approach through technical support, capacity development, policy advice and inclusive dialogue. All of this serves importantly to enhance countries’ capacity to end hunger, malnutrition and poverty and achieve more inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems, with and for the people. The Partnerships Unit (PSUP) supports strengthening FAO’s strategic engagements with non-state actors, namely Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Academic and Research Institutions in the context of the FAO Strategic Framework. FAO International Consultants and Call Purpose The Organization frequently engages experts to work on short-term activities as international consultants or under personal service agreements (PSA). PSAs are engaged by the Organization to provide expertise, skills or knowledge for the performance of a specific task or piece of work, which is short-term by nature. The assignment may involve full-time or part-time functions. The possibility of extension is subject to satisfactory performance and depends on the resources and needs of the Organization. The Objective of this Call is to attract suitable individuals to undertake consultancies and/or PSAs in the area of collaboration and coordination with academia and research institutions, civil society organizations, family farmers and producer organizations, parliamentary alliances, indigenous peoples´ organizations, among others in support of PSU including: Individuals meeting or exceeding the requirements of the Call will be included in the Partnerships and UN Collaboration Division (PSU) Roster. Experts who are registered in the Roster are available for consideration whenever relevant opportunities arise matching the required profiles. Reporting Lines The Incumbent will work under general guidance with the Head of the Partnerships Unit (PSUP). Technical Focus • Establish, strengthen, and foster partnerships with non-state actors (NSAs) such as academia and research institutions, civil society organizations, family farmers and producer organizations, parliamentary alliances, and Indigenous Peoples´ organizations, among other relevant NSAs in support of FAO´s new Strategic Framework 2021-2030. Tasks and responsibilities • Coordinate the identification, promotion and development of strategic partnerships between Non-State Actors (NSAs) under FAO’s new Strategic Framework 2022-2031. • Provide guidance and support to staff at Headquarters (HQ) and in Decentralized Offices (DOs) on the requirements related to partnership development. • Coordinate, review and monitor existing partnerships with NSAs, following up and maintaining effective, productive, and harmonious relationships with partnership focal points in technical divisions/offices and with external partners. • Facilitate the establishment of effective partnerships with non-state actors (NSAs) • Develop and implement mechanisms for strengthening FAO staff capacities in developing effective partnerships. • Develop and implement mechanisms for increasing FAO visibility and knowledge to potential new partners. • Oversee the exercise of monitoring and review of ongoing partnership activities and outcomes for reporting through various channels. • Document best practices and innovations with partners in order to share the knowledge among HQ technical units and decentralized offices. • Undertake analysis of partnership-related initiatives in order to mainstream them in national and international policy dialogues. • Contribute the identification, promotion and development of strategic partnerships between Non-State Actors (NSAs) under FAO’s new Strategic Framework 2022-2031. • Provide guidance and support to staff at Headquarters (HQ) and in Decentralized Offices (DOs) on the requirements related to partnership development. • Contribute to the review and monitoring of existing partnerships with NSAs, following up and maintaining effective, productive, and harmonious relationships with partnership focal points in technical divisions/offices and with external partners. • Facilitate the establishment of effective partnerships with non-state actors (NSAs) • Support in the implementation mechanisms for strengthening FAO staff capacities in developing effective partnerships. • Support in the implementation mechanisms for increasing FAO visibility and knowledge to potential new partners. • Contribute to ensuring participation of non-state actors in FAO/UN events. • Support in the monitoring and review of ongoing partnership activities and outcomes for reporting through various channels. • Undertake analysis of partnership-related initiatives in order to mainstream them in national and international policy dialogues. • Assist in the identification, promotion and development of strategic partnerships between Non-State Actors (NSAs) under FAO’s new Strategic Framework 2022-2031. • Assist in the review and monitoring of existing partnerships with NSAs, following up and maintaining effective, productive, and harmonious relationships with partnership focal points in technical divisions/offices and with external partners. • Support in the implementation mechanisms for strengthening FAO staff capacities in developing effective partnerships. • Contribute to ensuring participation of non-state actors in FAO/UN events. • Support in the implementation mechanisms for increasing FAO visibility and knowledge to potential new partners. • Support in the monitoring and review of ongoing partnership activities and outcomes for reporting through various channels. • Assist in the analysis of partnership-related initiatives in order to mainstream them in national and international policy dialogues. CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING • University degree in international relations, political and social sciences, economics, agricultural sciences or any other discipline relevant to the work of the Organization. • One (C level) or Five (B level) or 12 (A level) years of relevant professional experience in developing partnerships, policies, and programs with NSAs. • Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of French and/or Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian is an asset for COF.REG. FAO Core Competencies Technical/Functional Skills • Extent and relevance of experience in establishing partnerships, networks, and/or multi-stakeholder platforms, and identifying synergies and opportunities. • Extent and relevance of experience in effectively supporting decentralized offices to develop partnerships with NSAs. • Ability to operate effectively in a team, contributing positively to team operations and working relationships. • Familiarity with FAO processes, initiatives and policies. • Excellent analytical and conceptual skills, as well as gender sensitive and cross-cultural competency. • Excellent writing skills. • Data management skills desirable. Selection Criteria • Work experience with other UN entities or relevant stakeholders, particularly at the country level, is considered an asset. Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing) Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/ Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. HOW TO APPLY • To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills • Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile • Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application • Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications • Incomplete applications will not be considered • Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application • Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered • Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile • We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date. If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp J-18808-Ljbffr