Partnership Specialist

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) is a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, leading international efforts to combat hunger. Operating in over 130 countries worldwide, FAO strives to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to high-quality food.
The Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa (RNE) plays a key role in advancing FAO’s mandate within the region. Its core functions include\: i) conducting assessments and sectoral analyses to inform decision-making, ii) providing technical support and enhancing the capacities of institutions focused on agriculture and food security, iii) fostering regional partnerships and alliances to amplify collective impact, iv) disseminating up-to-date information and knowledge, and v) assisting governments in developing evidence-based policies.

This position will be hosted within the Strategic Partnership and Resource Mobilization Unit (SPRM). This unit plays a pivotal role in guiding and supporting the implementation of Country Programming Frameworks and fostering dialogue and strategic partnerships at regional, national, and subnational levels. It collaborates with UN agencies, non-state actors (NSAs), including private sector entities, civil society, academia, research institutions, parliamentarians, family farmers' organizations, and Indigenous Peoples' organizations. Additionally, it supports countries in identifying funding opportunities from donors, organizations, or governments and developing compelling proposals to secure financial support.

Reporting Lines

The Partnership specialist works under the overall guidance of the FAO Assistant Director General, Resident Representative for the Near East and North Africa and the direct supervision of the Partnership Officer at FAO Regional Office for the Near East (RNE).

Technical Focus

The Partnership specialist will support the implementation and the follow-up of the work programme of the Strategic Partnership and Resource Mobilization Unit. The incumbent will support establishment and enhance strategic partnerships with the civil society organizations, philanthropic organizations, and academic institutions at country and regional level.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Partnership Specialist will undertake the following specific tasks\:

• Develop, edit and revise project documents, presentations, concept notes, and brochures for various Economic RM driven activities;
• Support implementation of country and regional projects ensuring alignment with projects objectives and donor procedures during implementation.
• Assist in Preparing draft notes and communicating with stakeholders, participants, partners and donors of the meetings/workshops;
• Provide support and advice in networking and partnerships, monitoring of partnership activities;
• Assist in strengthening partnership and knowledge networks within and outside the Organization;
• Prepare briefs and other documents explaining donor policies/trends and alert SPRM/Partnership Officer on major donor issues;
• Identify and initiate development of strategic partnerships with civil societies organizations (CSO), private sector and philanthropic organizations;
• Draft and manage agreements and MoUs with civil societies organizations, private entities, academic institutions and philanthropic organizations;
• Undertake any other task under the SPRM Unit as it may be required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in international cooperation, social sciences, sustainable development, or a related discipline
• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience in partnership management, resource mobilization, or working with CSOs, NGOs, or international organizations.
• Full proficiency of English.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Extent and relevance of experience in building and managing partnerships with diverse stakeholders
• Extent and relevance of experience in project management, proposal writing, and coordination skills
• Knowledge of the development sector
• Familiarity with food security and agriculture

Selection Criteria

• Working knowledge of French and Arabic is considered 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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