Young Professional Officer (Small Island Developing States - SIDS)

Organizational Context

The FAO Liaison Office in Geneva serves as a crucial link between FAO, the Swiss government, civil society, and international organizations based in Geneva. It ensures FAO's governing body decisions and work are integrated into policy dialogues and promotes FAO's technical activities. The office also acts as a focal point for FAO members accredited from Geneva. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are a priority for FAO due to their unique social, economic, and environmental challenges, including vulnerability to climate change. FAO actively supports SIDS through dedicated initiatives and platforms.

Job Purpose

This Young Professional Officer role focuses on facilitating policy dialogue, partnerships, and knowledge exchange concerning agrifood systems transformation in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The position supports the design and implementation of multi-stakeholder initiatives addressing food security, resilience, climate, and sustainable development challenges specific to SIDS. Key responsibilities include integrating SIDS priorities into FAO Geneva's workstreams, leveraging evidence and communication tools, and coordinating efforts across offices. The role involves research, technical analysis, and project-related services to support the delivery of FAO's objectives for SIDS, ensuring their specific needs are addressed in global discussions and initiatives.

Responsibilities

The Young Professional Officer will support sustained interaction with SIDS Permanent Missions in Geneva, conducting bilateral meetings to discuss FAO priorities and facilitate information sharing. They will engage with SIDS geographical groups in Geneva and Brussels to discuss critical issues specific to island contexts, collaborating with relevant technical divisions and other FAO offices. The role involves supporting the organization of the SIDS Solutions Dialogue Series and contributing to the quarterly SIDS Digest using AI tools for enhanced knowledge dissemination. The officer will prepare for and participate in technical meetings and events, ensuring FAO's support for SIDS is effectively conveyed. Additionally, they will liaise with FAO Geneva's workstreams to integrate SIDS-specific needs into the office's agenda and perform other duties as required.

Work Experience

A minimum of one year of relevant experience is required in development work, project design, or project management. This experience should include engagement with development partners, governments, international organizations, research institutions, and civil society. Experience in more than one work location or area, including field positions, is desirable.

Skills

Candidates should possess strong communication skills, the ability to build effective relationships, and a commitment to knowledge sharing and continuous improvement. Demonstrated ability to analyze and present complex issues related to environment, climate change, biodiversity, food security, and nutrition is essential. A sound understanding of the challenges faced by SIDS and FAO's strategic priorities in this context is highly desirable, as are technical and analytical skills in using applied AI tools for knowledge generation and dissemination. Excellent communication skills, adaptable to diverse audiences, are also required.

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