FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS
Professional Vacancy Announcement No: 2238-LOW
Deadline For Application: 10 November 2009
Position Title Senior Liaison Officer
Duty Station Washington DC, USA
Grade Level P-5
Duration Fixed Term: 3 years
CCOG Code: 1A11
Organizational Unit Liaison Office for North America LOW

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the supervision of the Director of the Liaison Office in North America (LOW), the incumbent performs the following duties:

  • Support FAO’s technical engagement with institutional partners on issues of mutual concern, to enhance understanding and contribute to related policy discussions;
  • Identify, analyze and report on developments regarding government policies, legislation, programmes and events relevant to the programmes and objectives of the Organization;
  • Liaise with financial institutions, other inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations in consultation with concerned units at Headquarters. Report pertinent developments and advise on possible follow-up to FAO Headquarters and, where relevant, to Decentralized Offices;
  • Undertake collaborative activities and contribute to knowledge networks with government, research institutions, civil society and the private sector on topics of importance to FAO’s mission;
  • Attend meetings on specific matters; liaise, follow up and report to responsible technical divisions;
  • Represent the Organization at national conferences, inter-agency consultations and task force meetings, make presentations and hold discussions with officials and other stakeholders;
  • In collaboration with other members of the LOW team raise awareness of FAO’s contributions and messages to a broader North American audience on food, agriculture, rural development and humanitarian issues through presentations, publications and the LOW web site;
  • May serve as Officer-in-Charge, LOW, when needed and provide advice and support to the LOW Director as well as provide oversight to the administrative staff of the office;
  • Perform other related duties as required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Candidates should meet the following:

  • Advanced university degree in a field relevant to the work of the Organization
  • Ten years of relevant experience in development work
  • Working knowledge of English

SELECTION CRITERIA
Candidates will be assessed against the following:

  • Extent of experience in a field relevant to the work of the Organization and development work
  • Excellent oral presentation and written communication skills, negotiation skills, tact and diplomacy
  • Ability to establish collaborative partnerships and build networks
  • Knowledge and understanding of FAO capacity in areas of particular interest to US and Canadian stakeholders, its functions and programmes
  • Ability to work as a dynamic team member, building trust and commitment to common objectives
  • Knowledge of Spanish or French 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.

REMUNERATION

Level P-5 carries a net salary per year (inclusive of a variable element for post adjustment) from US$ 112,389 US$ 129,417 (without dependants) and from US$ 120,978 to US$ 140,449 (with dependants)

TO APPLY: Carefully read and follow the Guidelines to applicants

Send your application to:

V.A 2238-LOW
Chief, OCDO
FAO Via delle Terme di Caracalla 00100 Rome ITALY
Fax No: +39 06 57055005
E-mail: OCDO-Chief@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

  Post Number: 0127647