Conference Officer

Reporting Lines

The Conference Officer reports to the Senior Conference Officer/Head of the Secretariat Services branch, CSGS.

Technical Focus

Smooth planning and scheduling of all meeting activities.

Key Results

Delivery of operations directly related to the conferences/sessions, including non-FAO meetings.

Key Functions

• Supports and provides conference related services in accordance with FAO policies and regulatory framework.
• Supports processes for smooth functioning of Governing Body meetings, in particular Conference and Council.
• Collaborates in the development of improved/updated tools, systems, processes, and databases relative to Governing and Statutory Bodies.
• Supports ongoing liaison between FAO secretariat and Members, in particular Rome based Permanent Representations.
• Participates on multidisciplinary teams, and/or leads working groups/teams collaborates with other Divisions/Offices/Centres and agencies on work groups and committees, participates in the development of training and promotes knowledge sharing and best practices.

Specific Functions

• Provides information and guidance to internal partners on procedures to follow regarding the preparation of, and documentation required for, the conduct of Statutory and Governing Body meetings.
• Collects and analyses information for inclusion in statutory and/or management reports, statements and/or reports to donors, as well as specific reports for Governing Bodies, donors and other partners.
• Contributes to the preparation of formal correspondence between FAO and its Members.
• Supports ongoing liaison between FAO Secretariat and Member Nations, in particular Rome-based Permanent Representations.
• Provides support to the Independent Chairperson of Council for effective discharge of his/her duties.
• Participates in CSG teams, leads working groups and/or collaborates with other Divisions, Offices and Centers on ad-hoc assignments.
• Reviews and analyses reports, procedures, conference-related and administrative rules and policies.

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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in political science, law, business or public administration, international relations, social sciences.
• Five years of relevant experience in conference management or governance activities in an inter-governmental or international environment.
• Working knowledge (full proficiency – level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency – level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Extent and relevance of experience in conference management activities in an inter-governmental environment of managing Governing Body sessions of a major international organization.
• Demonstrated ability to draft and edit documents.
• Knowledge and understanding of rules, regulations, statutory and legal instruments of FAO, in particular those pertaining to the establishment, functioning and procedures of Governing Body meetings, is considered an asset.
• Understanding of the functioning of UN Agencies and the UN System is considered a strong asset.

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FAO staff are expected to adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

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GENERAL INFORMATION Extension of fixed term appointments is based on certification of performance and availability of funds FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. 

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click on the following link:
Other benefits, subject to eligibility, include:
• Dependency allowances
• Rental subsidy
• Education grant for children
• Home leave travel
• 30 working days of annual leave per year
• Pension fund entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund
• International health insurance; optional life insurance
• Disability protection FAO encourages a positive workplace culture to increase inclusivity and diversity within its workforce. FAO applies measures in which all staff members contribute equally and in full to the work and development of the Organization. This includes: 
• elements of family-friendly policies
• flexible working arrangements
• standards of conduct.
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