Governing Bodies Support Specialist

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.

FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent reports to the Chief, Secretariat Services branch (CSGS), under the overall guidance of the Director CSG.

Technical Focus

Support Governing Body Secretariat functions, including supporting governance matters, liaison with Members, and facilitating the delivery of integrated corporate services through platforms such as the Members Gateway, Official Correspondence, and the RBA Calendar.

Tasks And Responsibilities

• Support the coordination of procedures for Governing Body and Statutory Body meetings;
• Act as a liaison with Members, addressing inquiries, providing guidance on governance procedures, and ensuring clear and timely communication through channels such as the Members Gateway and Official Correspondence;
• Support the implementation and delivery of integrated corporate services via the Members Gateway, the website and the Rome-based Agencies (RBA) Calendar;
• Assist in the collection, analysis, and review of governance‑related documents, ensuring reports, proposals, and policy papers for Governing Bodies are accurate, well‑prepared, and aligned with the organization’s objectives;
• Assist in the preparation and dissemination of formal correspondence between the FAO and its Members;
• Contribute to the development of informational and training materials and assist in the presentation of information/training sessions to management and staff;
• Collect and analyze information for inclusion in reports, summaries, and presentations related to governance, statutory meetings, and other Governing Body matters;
• Review and analyse reports, procedures, conference‑related and administrative rules and policies;
• Support processes for the efficient functioning of Governing Body meetings, particularly the FAO Conference and Council;
• Provide support to the Independent Chairperson of the Council, for effective discharge of his/her duties;

Minimum Requirements

• For Consultants: Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Social Sciences, Political Sciences, International Law or another field relevant to the work of the Organization. In alternative, a first‑level degree and two years of relevant experience may be considered.
• For PSA Subscribers: Secondary School Education.
• At least one year of relevant experience in Social Sciences, Political Sciences, International Law, Economics, Agriculture, or in any field relevant to the Organization.
• Working knowledge of one FAO Language (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Spanish or Russian); knowledge of a second FAO language is an asset.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Selection Criteria

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable.
• Extent and relevance of experience in conference management activities in an intergovernmental environment.
• Demonstrated ability to draft and edit documents.
• Knowledge and understanding of rules, regulations, statutory and legal instruments of FAO, in particular those pertaining to the establishment, functioning and procedures of Governing Body meetings is considered an asset.
• Understanding of the functioning of UN agencies and the UN system is considered a strong asset.

Diversity & Inclusion

• 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 persons 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.