Young Professional Officer (Legal)
Organizational Context
The FAO Legal Office (LEG) provides essential legal advice and assistance to the Director-General, various organizational units, and Member States. This position is within the Development Law Branch (LEGN), which offers legal advisory services to governments on sustainable food and agriculture, natural resource management, and related agricultural issues. LEGN also conducts legal analyses, disseminates information, and maintains FAOLEX, a comprehensive database of laws concerning food, agriculture, and natural resources. The role is based at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.
Job Purpose
The Young Professional Officer (Legal) will support development law initiatives, focusing on the legal and institutional dimensions of food, agriculture, and natural resource management, aligning with FAO's Strategic Objectives. The role involves research, technical analysis, and project support to deliver assigned projects, products, and services. Key functions include analyzing legal, technical, social, economic, and environmental information; maintaining records and databases; providing technical project support; and contributing to training materials and workshops. The officer will also assist in organizing meetings and providing information to partners, ensuring alignment with the Organization’s Policy on Gender Equality.
Responsibilities
The Young Professional Officer (Legal) will perform legal research and analysis, assisting in the review and preparation of legal opinions and advice on diverse legal matters related to development law, food, agriculture, and natural resource management. Responsibilities include drafting recommended texts for laws, regulations, and other legal instruments, as well as legal opinions, briefs, reports, and publications. The role involves contributing to LEGN's support for Strategic Programme Teams and Technical Units, fostering synergy between legal, policy, and governance work. Additionally, the officer will assist in preparing teaching materials, organizing seminars and webinars, managing publications and web content, and providing legal support for the delivery of legal activities and services aligned with FAO's mandate and objectives.
Work Experience
A minimum of one year of relevant experience is required, focusing on the legal and institutional aspects of food, agriculture, and natural resources, including environmental law. Experience in more than one work location or area, particularly in field positions, is desirable. Familiarity with international normative instruments and best practices in policy and legislation is also advantageous.
Skills
Essential skills include the ability to conduct legal research and analysis, and to write clear, concise reports. Experience in drafting legal texts is an advantage. Familiarity with the implementation of international normative and voluntary instruments and best practices in policy and legislation is beneficial. Work experience, internships, or training with international organizations, government bodies, academia, or NGOs is considered a strong asset. Candidates must be 32 years of age or younger as of December 31st of the application year.