Programme Specialist

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supports the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. The World Food Forum (WFF) and Investment Week are high-profile, multi-stakeholder events convened annually by FAO in Rome. These events bring together governments, private sector actors, civil society, and youth delegates to advance global food systems transformation. The Programme Specialist will work under the guidance of the Senior Technical Officer, DDCE, contributing to the planning and delivery of these events.

Job Purpose

The Programme Specialist will provide comprehensive technical, coordination, and programme support to the Office of the Chief Economist. This support will align with the selected activities and objectives of the Chief Economist's stream, including contributions to the Hand-in-Hand Initiative Investment Forum. The role is crucial for the successful planning and execution of key events and initiatives managed by the Office of the Chief Economist, ensuring alignment with FAO's strategic goals for agrifood systems transformation.

Responsibilities

Support the organization of key high-level events, including participant registration, agenda preparation, and logistical arrangements. Provide operational support for the Chief Economist’s programme portfolios, maintaining workplans, budgets, timelines, and tracking deliverables. Contribute to reporting, budget planning, and briefing processes by preparing summaries and supporting materials. Assist in maintaining and updating programme, event, and content tracking tools for monitoring, reporting, and knowledge management. Support the update and content verification of websites and internal platforms using FAO systems, facilitating coordination and knowledge sharing. Perform other duties as required to ensure the smooth operation of the office and its initiatives.

Work Experience

A minimum of one year of relevant professional experience is required. This experience should be in fields such as agricultural economics, business administration, development economics, political science, social sciences, or other areas relevant to FAO's work. Experience in supporting programme portfolios and event organization is beneficial.

Skills

Proficiency in Results Focus, Teamwork, Communication, Building Effective Relationships, and Knowledge Sharing. Experience in governance, political economy, and policy support related to food security and agricultural development is desirable. Knowledge of international working practices and developing country governance structures is advantageous. Ability to plan, organize work, deliver results, and meet deadlines. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Limited knowledge of another FAO official language (level B) or Italian is an asset.

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