Partnerships Specialist

Job Description – Partnerships Specialist )

CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST – VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Job Posting

13/Feb/2026

Closure Date

27/Feb/2026, 10:59:00 PM

Organizational Unit: PSU

Job Type

Non‑staff opportunities – Consultant / PSA (Personal Services Agreement)

Primary Location

Italy – Rome

Duration: 6 months with possibility of extension

Post Number: N/A

• FAO is committed to 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 working for FAO must uphold the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct and adhere to FAO’s values.
• FAO has a zero‑tolerance policy for conduct 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 strict confidentiality.

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

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supports the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework 2022‑31 by transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable.

The Partnerships and UN Collaboration Division (PSU) coordinates and oversees strategic partnerships with UN agencies and non‑state actors (NSAs) to advance the Strategic Framework and the SDGs.

The UN Collaboration Unit (PSUU) provides strategic direction for engagement with the UN system and coordinates partnership frameworks with other UN entities.

Key Functions

• Catalyze, strengthen and coordinate transformative UN partnerships around food security and sustainable agrifood systems to support the SDGs and the FAO Strategic Framework 2022‑31.
• Facilitate and support FAO senior management engagement in UN inter‑agency mechanisms and other UN system‑wide processes.
• Ensure comprehensive integration and strategic positioning of FAO’s mandate and priorities in high‑level UN fora, in close coordination with technical divisions and decentralized offices.
• Coordinate FAO’s provision of integrated policy support to UN Country Teams and share knowledge and good practices on UNDS repositioning.
• Lead FAO’s relationship with Rome‑based Agencies (RBAs) and oversee partnership frameworks with other UN entities, reporting results to FAO’s Governing Bodies.

FAO International Consultants and Call Purpose

The Organization frequently engages experts as international consultants or under PSA contracts to provide expertise for specific tasks. The assignment may be full‑time or part‑time and may be extended on a satisfactory basis.

The objective of this call is to attract suitable individuals for consultancies and/or PSAs in the area of UN collaboration and multilateral partnerships. Qualified specialists will be added to the UN Collaboration Unit roster for future opportunities.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the general guidance of the Head of Unit or Partnerships Officer.

Technical Focus

• FAO’s global positioning in UN inter‑agency mechanisms and processes
• RBA collaboration
• Reporting on results
• Institutional engagement with UN and the wider multilateral system
• UN joint programming portfolio and PSUU’s country offer
• Communications, events and knowledge management

Tasks and Responsibilities

• FAO’s global positioning in UN inter‑agency mechanisms and processes
  • Analyze UN80 reform priorities and system‑wide strategies to identify opportunities.
  • Draft technical briefs, talking points and inputs for FAO’s engagement in UNSDG, ECOSOC and other UN mechanisms.
  • Coordinate internal consultations across relevant FAO units.
• RBA collaboration
  • Analyze joint initiatives, frameworks and governance processes across the RBAs.
  • Draft contributions to joint RBA statements and progress reports.
  • Coordinate follow‑up actions with RBA counterparts.
• Reporting on results
  • Analyze programme data and performance indicators.
  • Draft contributions to FAO’s UN collaboration and QCPR reporting.
  • Coordinate with divisions and offices for reporting inputs.
• Institutional engagement with UN and the wider multilateral system
  • Draft technical notes and background materials.
  • Provide technical inputs to strengthen FAO’s participation.
  • Coordinate liaison activities across FAO divisions.
• UN joint programming portfolio and PSUU’s country offer
  • Analyze UN joint programming opportunities.
  • Provide technical support to decentralized offices.
  • Coordinate with UN agencies, FAO units and governments.
• Communications, events and knowledge management
  • Analyze communication needs and propose engagement opportunities.
  • Draft communication products and knowledge pieces.
  • Coordinate organization of events and knowledge exchanges.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

• Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in relevant disciplines. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• One (C level) or five (B level) years of relevant professional experience in partnership development, programme monitoring and reporting, policy research, inter‑agency coordination, multilateral or bilateral diplomacy, liaison functions, digital communications, event management, knowledge management, data analysis and visualization, or a related field.
• Working knowledge (proficiency – C level) of English and intermediate knowledge (B level) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is desirable.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Prior work experience with FAO and/or the UN systems.
• Extensive experience in partnership development, programme monitoring and reporting, policy research, inter‑agency coordination, multilateral or bilateral diplomacy, liaison functions, digital communications, event management, knowledge management, data analysis and visualization.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.

All candidates must adhere to FAO values: Commitment to FAO, Respect for All, Integrity and Transparency.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
• FAO will only consider academic credentials obtained from institutions recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list.
• FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).
• Appointment will be subject to medical fitness, accreditation, 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. Ensure the profile is accurate, complete and includes employment records, academic qualifications and language skills.
• Attach a letter of motivation to the online profile.
• Submit your application through the FAO recruitment portal. Only applications received through the portal will be considered.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Personal information may be shared with FAO and third‑party service providers for background checks and related services. Consent is required and can be withdrawn at any time.
• Applications will be screened based on information provided in the online profile. Submit well before the deadline date.

For assistance, register with FAO’s client support team at .

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