Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) leads international efforts to defeat hunger and to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives.
FAO Liaison Office with the European Union and Belgium is one of the 130 FAO Offices worldwide, responsible for strengthening FAO’s visibility, interaction and advocacy with the European Union and its Institutions, Belgium (through its Federal and Regional entities), as well as the Permanent Representations of FAO Members, the OACPS Secretariat, CSOs, NGOs, the private sector and academic institutions that are active in Belgium. The Liaison Office also covers selected stakeholders and Permanent Missions in France and the United Kingdom.

The position is located in Brussels, Belgium

 

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the Director of the FAO Liaison Office, and under the direct supervision of the LOB Liaison Officer.

 

Technical Focus 

Ensure achievement of the Liaison Office’s objectives with efficient coordination and support to activities related to the Organization’s mandate.

 

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Assisting in communication and coordination with European Institutions;
•    Assisting in communication and coordination with Belgian authorities (Federal and Regional levels) and Belgium-based non-state actors:
•    Assisting in communication and coordination with the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (ACP), its Secretariat, and Embassies of ACP Member Countries:
•    Assisting in communication and coordination with other FAO Member States’ representations, as well as with representatives from the private sector, civil society, and academic institutions: Support meetings and events organized by the Office as well as visits of FAO staff to Belgium.
•    Contribute to the LOB’s monthly newsletter and social media posts and initiatives;
•    Performing other related office duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in social or political sciences, international relations, public relations or related field relevant to the work of the Organization.
• Working knowledge in English and limited knowledge of one of the other official languages of the Organization (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
• Minimum 1 year relevant experience in liaison work with social partners (including governments, international organizations, research institutions, civil society and the private sector).
• Belgian national or resident in the country with a valid work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

 

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Work experience in more than one location or area of work is an advantage;
•    Relevant experience in past work with EU institutions and/or UN agencies is desirable;
•    Knowledge about FAO, mandate, priorities, and programmes.
•    Strong understanding of using communication skills as a key output of his/her work;
•    Technical and analytical ability in analysing and summarizing different paper, briefs and reports;

Selection Criteria

•    Advanced University degree in social or political sciences, international relations, public relations or related field relevant to the work of the Organization would be an asset.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements