Organizational Setting

The Liaison Office with the United Nations in Geneva is responsible for the liaison with the Government of Switzerland, the country's civil society and the International Organizations based in Geneva, Switzerland. Considering the presence of a large number of international organizations, Member States and Non-Governmental Organizations, which provides a significant platform for engagement and partnership with key stakeholders, the Liaison Office i) ensures that relevant FAO Governing body decisions and the overall work of the organization are brought to the policy dialogues, mechanisms and relevant discussions in Geneva; ii) promotes and raises awareness on FAO's technical work and activities, among Members and Organizations in Geneva, and the general public; iii) serves as the focal point for Members accredited to FAO from Geneva.

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are a distinct group of 40 States (39 FAO Members and one Associate Member) that share common social, economic, and environmental challenges. They are located across three main regions: the Caribbean, the Pacific, and the Atlantic, Indian Ocean, and South China Sea (AIS). Recognized as a special case for both environment and development at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro, SIDS face heightened vulnerabilities due to their geographic isolation, limited resources, and exposure to climate change impacts.

In the context of these challenges, SIDS remain at the top of FAO's agenda, as demonstrated by (i) having a dedicated office for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs); (ii) the SIDS Solutions Platform which was established following the first SIDS Solutions Forum, co-hosted in August 2021; and (iii) the organization of the thematic SIDS Solutions Dialogue Series by the Liaison Office in Geneva, in collaboration with the Liaison Offices in Brussels and New York and the Office for SIDS, LDCs, and LLDCs (OSL).

The position is located in the FAO Liaison Office in Geneva, Switzerland.

Reporting Lines
The Young Professional Officer (Small Island Developing States - SIDS) reports to the Liaison Officer in charge of Rural Inclusive Transformation under the overall guidance of the Director, FAO Liaison Office with the United Nations (Geneva), and in close coordination with the Office for SIDS, LDCs, and LLDCs (OSL).

Technical Focus
•    Facilitation of policy dialogue, partnerships and knowledge exchange on agrifood systems transformation in SIDS, including through engagement with Permanent Missions and regional groupings.
•    Support the design and delivery of multi-stakeholder initiatives (e.g. SIDS Solutions Dialogue Series) addressing food security, resilience, climate, and sustainable development challenges specific to SIDS.
•    Integration of SIDS priorities across FAO Geneva's thematic workstreams (trade, resilience, climate, One Health), leveraging evidence, communication tools and inter-office coordination.

Key Results
Research, technical analysis and project related services to support the delivery of assigned projects, products and services.

Key Functions
•    Analyses relevant technical social, economic, environmental, and technology information, data and/or statistics for input in various documents.
•    Maintains records and updates databases and web pages.
•    Provides technical support to various projects.
•    Collaborates in the development of training tools and materials and the organization of workshops/seminars, etc.
•    Participates in the organization and follow-up of meetings, consultations and conferences, the production of required materials and the provision of information and assistance to partners.

Specific Functions
•    Supports sustained interaction with SIDS Permanent Missions in Geneva, through regular bilateral meetings aimed at discussing FAO priorities and ongoing work, facilitating information sharing, and responding to SIDS members interest in relation to Geneva-based processes.
•    Supports the Office for SIDS, LDCs and LLDCs, as well as with the regional and subregional offices in RAP, RAF and RLC to assess how to further strategize the organizational efforts to strengthen agrifood systems in SIDS and advance commitments under the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (2024-2034), particularly in relation to food security and nutrition, sustainable economic growth, and climate resilience.
•    Regularly engages with SIDS geographical groups present in Geneva, bringing together the CARICOM and Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Groups in Geneva, and the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) in Brussels, to discuss critical issues and challenges specific to island contexts, in close collaboration with relevant technical divisions in headquarters, as well as in OSL, LOB and LON.
•    Supports the organization of the SIDS Solutions Dialogue Series, as a joint initiative between FAO's Liaison Offices in Brussels (LOB), Geneva (LOG), and New York (LON), as well as OSL, aimed at addressing key issues related to agrifood systems transformation in SIDS.
•    Contributes to issuing the quarterly SIDS Digest to be published quarterly by LOG through the use of applied AI tools for enhanced knowledge, with the aim to provide the latest SIDS news and information to Members and position FAO as an active SIDS advocate.
•    Supports the preparation and participates in technical meetings, conferences, events, seminars and sessions ensuring that FAO priority support for SIDS is appropriately conveyed and reported upon.
•    Liaises with main workstreams of the FAO Liaison Office in Geneva that are of strategic priority for SIDS agriculture and fisheries trade, emergencies and resilience, climate change and environment, one health to drive the integration of SIDS specific needs into the agenda of events, dialogues, and initiatives at LOG.
•    Performs other duties as required.
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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements
•    Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Agriculture, Natural Resources Management, Social or Political Sciences, Economics, Public Administration, International Relations, or a related field relevant to the work of the Organization.
•    One year of relevant experience in development work and/or in designing and managing projects, including engagement with development partners, governments, international organizations, research institutions and civil society.
•    Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency – level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

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, including field positions, is desirable.
•    Good knowledge of FAO's mandate, priorities and programmes.
•    Demonstrated ability to analyse and present complex issues related to environment, climate change, biodiversity, and food security and nutrition.
•    Sound understanding of the specific challenges faced by SIDS and of FAO's strategic priorities in this context would be a strong asset.
•    Technical and analytical skills in the use of applied AI tools for knowledge generation and dissemination.
•    Excellent communication skills, including the ability to tailor messages to diverse audiences.

NB Please note that candidates should be 32 years of age or younger as of 31 December of the year of application.

The Young Professionals Programme (YPP) is a recruitment initiative targeted for talented, qualified professionals who are mainly nationals of non- and under- represented countries. Priority consideration will be given to candidates from Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and developing countries in general, to start a career as an international civil servant with FAO.
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Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.