Youth Affairs Specialist
Organizational Context
The Office of Youth and Women (OYW) at FAO facilitates internal and external initiatives to support youth and women. Internally, it enhances career development and integrates youth and women's issues across the organization. Externally, it gathers innovative ideas for youth and women within FAO's mandate. The OYW champions the World Food Forum (WFF), a global network promoting transformative initiatives and actions for agrifood systems transformation, empowering youth and women in the workplace and in FAO's programs.
Job Purpose
The Youth Affairs Specialist will focus on empowering youth for agrifood systems transformation. This role involves working in technical areas related to policy, innovation, education, culture, and the empowerment of young women. The specialist will contribute to developing and executing strategies and action plans for the World Food Forum (WFF) tracks, programs, and workstreams. The position aims to harness the passion and power of youth to identify solutions and drive positive action within global food systems, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals and fostering a better food future for all.
Responsibilities
Coordinate and collaborate with partners to amplify WFF messages, events, and content. Create and adapt content, including presentations, articles, and videos, for various activities and support key meetings and events. Collaborate with FAO divisions and partners to execute activities within agreed timelines. Manage the preparation and organization of key World Food Forum events, including drafting concept notes and communication materials. Lead engagements with external partners such as private sector companies, influencers, and agencies to enhance and execute campaigns. Co-lead planning, partnerships, promotion, and management of WFF key tracks. Oversee the measurement and reporting of WFF Tracks activity results. Co-manage the WFF volunteer and intern team. Develop new initiatives to boost global youth inclusivity. Support the WFF Coordinator in other tasks and undertake short missions as required.
Work Experience
Requires at least one year (category C), five years (category B), or ten years (category A) of relevant experience. This experience should include developing advocacy platforms, running events, leading marketing and communications, or managing programs within youth and/or food-related organizations or development agencies similar to FAO.
Skills
Key competencies include Results Focus, Teamwork, Communication, Building Effective Relationships, and Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement. Essential technical skills involve extensive experience in strategy development, excellent presentation development, and strong English writing skills. Limited knowledge of a second FAO language (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian) is considered an asset. Experience in capacity development is preferred.