FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS
INTERNAL Professional Vacancy Announcement No: 2248-LON
Deadline For Application: 29 October 2009
Position Title Liaison Officer
Duty Station New York, USA
Grade Level P-4
Duration Fixed Term: 3 years
CCOG Code: 1A11
Organizational Unit Liaison Office with the United Nations LON

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the general supervision of the Director, LON, but with considerable degree of independence, to participate on behalf of FAO in sessions and meetings within the United Nations system and elsewhere as required, to initiate important contacts on matters significant to FAO and to represent the Organization in discussions with individuals and groups. Also:

  • Represent FAO in meetings of sub-groups and committees of the United Nations and other international agencies, or at interagency meetings convened in New York as assigned;
  • Attend meetings of other organizations as representative or observer under specific instructions regarding matters of interest to FAO; report on such meetings, through the Director, to FAO Headquarters and, as necessary, prepare statements on behalf of FAO after clearance by the Director;
  • Initiate contacts and maintain liaison on behalf of FAO with specified international governmental and non-governmental organizations at UN Headquarters, including correspondence with those organizations;
  • Initiate contacts and maintain liaison at appropriate levels with Permanent Missions to the United Nations and with United Nations Organizations through its various departments and organs. Represent FAO in receiving visitors and in facilitating replies to institutional and public inquiries on any subject falling broadly within the competence of FAO;
  • Initiate and/or facilitate the organization of events on issues of growing importance to FAO and ensure related follow-up activity;
  • Prepare drafts, reports and documents and initiate correspondence on matters of significance to FAO for clearance and consideration by the Director;
  • Ensure prompt and orderly flow to FAO Headquarters of United Nations documents, reports and inter-agency information and, conversely, in keeping appropriate UN personnel informed of matters of common interest within the liaison function;
  • Perform other related duties as required

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Candidates should meet the following:

  • Advanced university degree in political science, economics, social sciences, international development or closely related fields
  • Seven years of relevant experience in international relations and/or intergovernmental problems, preferably in the development and humanitarian spheres
  • Working knowledge of English, French or Spanish and limited knowledge of one of the other two

SELECTION CRITERIA
Candidates will be assessed against the following:

  • Extent of experience in international relations and/or intergovernmental organizations and issues
  • Extent of knowledge and understanding of the UN system of organizations with particular reference to general economic development and humanitarian assistance
  • Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely both orally and in writing
  • Ability to prepare reports and analyses clearly and concisely for consideration by responsible authorities
  • Ability to work independently with minimum supervision
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment
  • Knowledge of the UN common system and knowledge of FAO, its structures and functions as well as its role within the UN system would be an asset

Please note that all candidates should possess computer/word processing skills and should be capable of working with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
* The length of appointment for internal FAO candidates will be established in accordance with applicable policies pertaining to the extension of appointments.

INTERNAL VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENTS are open for competition to staff who are holding a fixed-term, short-term or continuing appointment; Associate Professional Officers (APO), National Professional Officers (NPO) at FAO; and current staff members of other organizations and agencies of the United Nations common system.

TO APPLY: Carefully read and follow the Guidelines to applicants

Send your application to:

V.A 2248-LON
 ADG, Office of UN Cooperation and MDG Follow up (UNC)
FAO Via delle Terme di Caracalla 00100 Rome ITALY
Fax No: +39 06 570  53279
E-mail: UNC-VA@fao.org

This vacancy is open to male and female candidates. Applications from qualified women candidates and applications from qualified candidates from non/under-represented member states are encouraged. Please note that FAO staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the Director-General and may be assigned to any activities or office of the organization.

  FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT

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