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Learning Support Specialist

Rome

  • Organization: FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
  • Location: Rome
  • Grade: Consultancy - Consultant - Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Education, Learning and Training
  • Closing Date: 2025-03-05

CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST - VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT\:

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 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.

The Human Resources Division (CSH) provides HR strategies, policies, tools, guidance and oversight to FAO clients worldwide to ensure that the Organization attracts, develops and retains a diverse, skilled and highly motivated workforce, delivering on the mandate of the organization. Over the next years, CSH will focus on developing and implementing a people cantered strategy, and positioning HR as a strategic partner contributing to the achievement of the mandate of FAO. The Human Resources Division is composed of two main clusters, namely (i) the Integrated Talent Management, providing advice and managing position management, recruitment, mobility, staff development and training, performance management and social security; and (ii) the HR Strategy and Policy providing HR strategic guidance, policy and oversight.

The purpose of this call is to identify suitable qualified and experienced candidates to populate a roster for the Learning and Performance Branch.


Reporting Lines

The Learning Support Specialist will work under the overall guidance of the Senior Human Resources Officer, and under the direct/functional supervision of the Human Resources Officer, working in close collaboration with other FAO Divisions/Offices /Centres.


Technical Focus

Area\: Learning and Development
Focus\: Research, compile information and provide support in\: Corporate Training, Staff Development Planning and External Training Programmes.


Tasks and responsibilities

The Learning Support Specialist will contribute and provide support to the implementation of the HR’s global learning portfolio according to the latest learning and development trends and best practices.

Given the broad skillset and expertise required, the assigned tasks and responsibilities related to the Learning Support Specialist may include one or more of the following\:
• Assist in coordinating learning and development initiatives.
• Support vendor selection, tender processes, and monitor service provider deliverables.
• Provide logistical support for workshops and training programmes.
• Research and compile data on staff development activities.
• Process training requests and provide guidance on related policies.
• Support budget tracking for language, external, and group training.
• Assist in training delivery and maintaining records in HR and learning systems.
• Contribute to planning, monitoring, and evaluation of learning activities.
• Support automation and process improvement in learning and development.
• Provide technical support for learning platforms and PowerApps.
• Contribute to learning dashboard and reporting tool development.
• Assist in implementing a career development platform and tools.
• Support learning needs assessments (LNA) and training content development.
• Update learning guidelines, procedures, and related communication materials.
• Track and report on staff development funds and expenditures.
• Assist in updating learning Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and performance management reports.
• Respond to training inquiries and follow up on requests.
• Organize briefing sessions on training procedures and tools.


CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING\:


Minimum Requirements

• University degree in Learning and Development, Learning Technology, Adult Education, Communication, Languages, Social Sciences or related field.
• At least one year of relevant experience supporting the development and delivery of learning and training programmes.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English.


FAO Core Competencies

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


Technical/Functional Skills

• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Proficiency in IT software and systems, including Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and PowerApps.
• Experience with data analysis tools and dashboard development (e.g., Oracle Analytics, Power BI) for reporting and data visualization.
• Strong skills in creating reports and dashboards to present data effectively.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with strong interpersonal and client service abilities.
• Strong conceptual thinking, with gender-sensitivity and cross-cultural perspective.
• Proven ability to identify and implement creative solutions.
• Working experience in UN agencies and/or other international organizations 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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing)
  • Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list
  • Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http\://www.whed.net/
  • For more information, visit the FAO employment website
  • Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any 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. 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

FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT

We do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.