Senior Coordinator

Senior Coordinator (Governance and Policy Support) Join to apply for the Senior Coordinator (Governance and Policy Support) role at FAO. Organizational Setting The Governance and Policy Support Unit provides overall corporate leadership in the technical area of Governance analysis, and leads the Complements (Governance, Institutions and Human Capital) Accelerator in the new Strategic Framework. The unit coordinates technical networks in governance and policy support, and curates the FAO Governance and Policy Gateway, a searchable, continuously updated internet portal providing comprehensive external access to FAO policy resources. As head of the unit, the Senior Coordinator leads the governance work of the Organization, provides advisory and coordination support to units at headquarters, regional and subregional offices, and at country level. The Senior Coordinator advises senior management on issues of FAO Corporate Governance, including relationships with the UN system, reform of the UN policy role, and policy support aspects of the FAO Strategic Framework 2022‑2031. The Senior Coordinator will work in close collaboration with the Office of Sustainable Development Goals and the Partnerships and UN Collaboration Division on global governance matters. The Senior Coordinator also oversees global coordination of FAO flagship initiatives and holds lead responsibility for the Programme Priority Areas and governance component of the Complements Accelerator within the new FAO Strategic Framework. The position is located in Rome, Italy. Reporting Lines The Senior Coordinator reports to the Chief Economist. Technical Focus Coordination of cross-organizational corporate undertakings to improve the quality and impact of economic social policy, and support for governance analysis in areas of FAO mandates, and development of corporate technical and applied analysis of governance issues. Key Functions Leads the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects; directs review of relevant documents and reports; identifies priorities, problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties, identifies and initiates follow‑up actions. Coordinates programmes and reviews the assessments of issues and trends for the implementation of programmes and projects and the preparation of impact evaluation or equivalent studies. Supervises preparation of various written outputs, e.g. background papers, analyses, substantial sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications. Directs substantive support to consultative and other meetings, as well as conferences, to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations. Manages outreach activities; designs and conducts training workshops and seminars, and makes presentations on assigned topics/activities. Leads field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties. Represents the Organization at international meetings and conferences, identifies and implements strategic partnerships, advocates best practices and increased dialogue and develops and negotiates effective working relationships/consensus and agreements with international and national stakeholders. Specific Functions Leads, in close consultation with the Chief Economist and FAO senior managers, day‑to‑day development of the governance component in the Complements Accelerator, and the PPA assigned by the Chief Economist, supporting the FAO Strategic Framework implementation, and leads the technical programme of work of the Governance and Policy Support Unit. Oversees development of FAO work in Governance, resource mobilization and programmatic achievements and impact on country progress toward attaining governance and policy‑related national targets for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the SDGs and ensuring full compliance with FAO rules and procedures. Coordinates internal (interdivisional) and, where applicable, external (interagency) inputs for the preparation of FAO governance and policy briefings and reports for the UN Secretary‑General, FAO Director‑General and other interlocutors as requested. Prepares speaking points, speeches, inputs and background briefings for the Director‑General, Chief Economist and others, on issues of UN joint policy work. Provides leadership, guidance and mentorship to develop the Governance and Policy Support team and its technical programme of work. Promotes, facilitates and disseminates innovation in FAO's approach to governance and policy support issues at all levels. Seeks talented and innovative partners to make FAO a global centre of excellence for food and agriculture governance. Minimum Requirements Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, agricultural economics, international development, public management, social sciences, or a related field. Ten years of relevant experience in policy analysis and advice, including experience in developing‑country contexts, with demonstrated capacity for leading significant policy change. Working knowledge (proficiency – level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (proficiency – level B) of one other FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish). Competencies Results Focus Leading, Engaging and Empowering Communication Partnering and Advocating Knowledge Sharing and Continuous ImprovementStrategic Thinking Technical/Functional Skills Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is essential. Extent and relevance of experience in programme coordination. Extent and relevance of experience in supporting a corporate/divisional level executive management within an intergovernmental organization. Knowledge of results‑based management methods and experience in their application. Extent and relevance of experience in governance and policy analysis, including global issues, institutions and governance processes relevant to food security and nutrition. Demonstrated ability to plan, organise and conduct governance and policy analysis and programme development. Demonstrated knowledge and experience in trade/finance/investment issues, including international trade, market regulation and structure, would be an asset. Extent and relevance of academic qualifications (PhD in a relevant field is considered an asset). Job Posting Job title: Senior Coordinator (Governance and Policy Support) Post number: Posting date: 01 Dec 2025 Closing date: 23 Dec 2025, 1:59 AM Organization unit: DDCE Grade level: P‑5 Job type: Staff position (Professional) Duration: Fixed‑term two years with possibility of extension Primary location: Italy‑Rome Seniority level: Executive Employment type: Full‑time Job function: Other Industries: Non‑profit Organizations Type of requisition: Professional EEO Statement & Diversity FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture. Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non‑and under‑represented Members and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values. FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero‑tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality. FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director‑General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization. #J-18808-Ljbffr