Programme Support Specialist

The Forestry Division leads FAO’s work in promoting sustainable forest management and providing leadership on the environmental, social and economic dimensions of forestry, including its contributions to poverty reduction and food security and nutrition. It liaises with member countries, civil society and the private sector in aspects ranging from development of effective forest policies to forest conservation and management issues and strengthens the role of forests in climate change mitigation and adaptation. The Division also collects, analyses and disseminates information on the world’s forest resources and, on the production, trade and consumption of wood and non-wood forest products.

The Forest Products and Bioeconomy Team (NFOPD) leads the work of the FAO Forestry Division on forest products, including i) statistics of forest products and trade; ii) forest-based bioeconomy and related value chains, and iii) forest-based industries and their contribution to sustainable consumption and production. 
The Forest Livelihoods Team (NFOS) leads the work of the FAO Forestry Division in fostering the enabling conditions for improved forest-based livelihoods by working in the interface between practice, policy and science, including topics such as agroforestry, forest governance, forest producer organizations, forest tenure, forest finance, gender and social protection.

The purpose of this call is to provide the teams with a list of qualified candidates that can provide support with tasks indicated below.

Reporting Lines

Under the direct supervision of Team Leader, Forest Products and Bioeconomy (NFOP) of the Forestry Division at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Technical Focus

Incumbents endorsed on the Roster will support the technical teams in organization of events, reporting process and overall management of programme portfolio.

Tasks and responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the technical unit leaders the incumbent will:

PSA.SBS:
•    Support the organization of key events (e.g. ACSFI 67th Session, COFO28, UNFF21), including participant registration, preparation of agendas and documents, and logistical arrangements.
•    Provide operational support to the NFOP and NFOS programme portfolios by maintaining workplans, timelines, and tracking deliverables.
•    Contribute to reporting and briefing processes by preparing summaries and supporting inputs in line with FAO standards.
•    Support maintenance and update programme, event, and content tracking tools (e.g. Excel) to support monitoring, reporting, and knowledge management.
•    Support update and verify website and internal platform content using FAO systems, and support internal coordination and knowledge sharing through meetings and digital workflows.
•    Perform other duties as required

COF.REG:
•    Coordinate and manage the organization of key events (e.g. UNFF21, ACSFI 67th Session, COFO28), including participant registration, agenda and document preparation, speaker coordination, and logistical arrangements.
•    Develop and manage workplans, timelines, and monitoring tools to support the implementation of the NFOP and NFOS programme portfolios and ensure timely delivery of outputs.
•    Liaise with internal teams and external partners to collect inputs, follow up on deliverables, and support smooth programme implementation.
•    Compile, review, and consolidate inputs for periodic reporting, including programme updates, donor reports, and briefing notes, ensuring alignment with FAO standards.
•    Oversee and manage web and internal platform content using FAO content management systems and facilitate internal coordination and knowledge sharing through meetings, documentation, and digital tools.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    For Consultants: Advanced University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Social Sciences, Political Sciences, Innovation, International relations or another field relevant to the work of the Organization. Alternatively, a first-level degree and two additional years of relevant experience may be considered. For PSA Subscribers: University degree (or technical degree/certificate) from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Social Sciences, Political Sciences, Innovation, International relations or another field relevant to the work of the Organization... 
•    At least 1 year of relevant experience in Social Sciences, Political Sciences, Innovation, International relations, or in any field relevant to the Organization.
•    Working knowledge (level C) of English

FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Selection criteria

•    Knowledge of a second FAO language is an asset.
 

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO [link removed] and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application

• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/ [link removed]. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings [link removed]. 

• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
•  We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp [link removed]

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