Strategy and Partnerships Advisor

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

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

Organizational Setting

The Agrifood Economics and Policy Division (ESA) conducts economic research and policy analysis to support 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. ESA provides evidence-based support to national, regional, and global policy processes and initiatives related to monitoring and analysing food and agricultural policies, agribusiness and value chain development, rural transformation and poverty, food security and nutrition information and analysis, resilience, bioeconomy, and climate-smart agriculture. The division also leads the production of two FAO flagship publications\: The State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA) and The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) and provides core technical support for the FAO Global Roadmap.

Reporting Lines

The selected candidate will work under the direct supervision of the ESA Director, collaborating, as required, with other FAO divisions, Country Offices, and external partners.

Technical Focus

The Strategy and Partnerships Advisor will support the ESA Director by identifying and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders including governments, international organizations, donors, private sector entities, and research institutions as well as facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogues, joint initiatives, and strategic alliances to advance the transformation of agrifood systems and other key areas of the divisional work.

Tasks and responsibilities

Provide strategic analysis and advice\:

• Conduct the qualitative analysis to inform the development of strategies and policies.
• Support the ESA Director in identifying emerging trends, risks, and opportunities in agrifood systems and related sectors.

Strengthen and Manage Partnerships\:

• Identify, cultivate, and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including governments, international organizations, donors, private sector entities, and research institutions for the core areas of the work of the ESA such as policy recommendations, policy analysis for the purpose of agrifood systems transformation.
• Facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogues, joint initiatives, and strategic alliances to advance the global transformation of agrifood systems and other key areas of the divisional work.
• Prepare partnership proposals, concept notes, and briefing materials to support the high-level engagement of the ESA Director.

Support Policy and Program Development\:

• Contribute to the design and implementation of programmes and projects aimed at transforming agrifood systems towards sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience and other core areas of the divisional work.
• Assist in aligning ESA’s work with global and regional frameworks such as the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty, the Rio Conventions, CAADP and other regional development agendas.

Facilitate Coordination and Communication\:

• Prepare technical reports, policy briefs, and strategic documents for internal and external audience.
• Coordinate within the division to ensure alignment across different pillars of work and projects.
• Support the ESA Director in preparing for high-level meetings, presentations, and strategic engagements.

Monitor, Evaluate and Report\:

• Support the monitoring and evaluation of strategic initiatives and partnerships.
• Track progress against agreed objectives and indicators.
• Provide regular reporting to inform management decisions and resource mobilization efforts.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in economics, international relations, public policy, communication or related fields.
• Minimum of 5 years for category B, 10 years for COF category A, in partnership management, project management, public affairs and similar.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience in identifying potential strategic partners, building coalitions, and managing multi-stakeholder relationships across public, private, and civil society sectors. Ability to support resource mobilisation efforts through the preparation of partnership proposals, donor briefs, and concept notes.
• Experience in supporting institutional strengthening, policy dialogue facilitation, and capacity development initiatives for government institutions, private sector, and civil society organizations.
• Ability to assess complex situations, develop innovative solutions, and make sound recommendations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to present complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Experience at engaging and managing diverse stakeholders, negotiating, and fostering consensus.
• Knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) would be an asset.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency

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

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