Conference Support Specialist

CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST - VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT:

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

• 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 person 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’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

Organizational Setting

The Animal Production and Health Division (NSA) leads FAO’s work on sustainable livestock transformation and facilitates global dialogue, partnerships and collaboration among stakeholders across the livestock sector. NSA convenes governments, producer organizations, development and financial partners, research institutions, civil society, youth and private-sector actors to advance sustainable livestock development.

FAO is preparing the 3rd Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation, a flagship event scheduled to be held 20-21 September 2027 at FAO headquarters, Rome. The Conference will bring together Members and a broad range of stakeholders to share experiences, strengthen partnerships, mobilize investment and accelerate action towards more sustainable, resilient and inclusive livestock systems. It will build on the outcomes of previous global conferences, regional dialogues and stakeholder engagement processes.

The position is located in NSA at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the Director, Animal Production and Health Division (NSA), the guidance of the Chief, Livestock Innovation, Climate and Post-harvest Solutions Branch (NSAL), and the immediate supervision of the Conference Technical Co-Leads, the Conference Support Specialist will work in collaboration with members of the Conference Secretariat to support the preparation, planning and organization of the 3rd Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation.

Technical Focus

Provide organizational and logistical support to the Conference Secretariat and facilitate communication and coordination with relevant stakeholders to contribute to the timely and effective preparation and delivery of the Conference.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Support the Conference Secretariat in developing and maintaining a timeline and workplan for the Conference;
• Assist in the preparation of the Global Conference concept note and agenda;
• Coordinate the preparation of the concept notes and agendas for side events and exhibitions;
• Support the establishment of the Conference Organizing and Advisory Bodies; plan and organize coordination meetings; prepare agendas and minutes; and revise relevant documentation;
• Assist the Conference Secretariat in drafting concept notes, email messages, official correspondence letters, background papers and other preparatory materials;
• Coordinate communication with speakers on the submission of abstracts and presentations, and support the preparation of conference-related documents and publications, ensuring accuracy, clarity and consistency of messaging;
• Provide logistical and administrative support to the Conference Secretariat, including budget monitoring, travel arrangements and other operational requirements;
• Coordinate inputs for invitations to representatives of member countries and relevant organizations;
• In liaison with the Office of Communications (OCC), coordinate inputs for communication materials, including at least one press release about the Conference and regular updates to the Conference website;
• Support the development and launch of the Conference website and the preparation of the exhibition;
• Perform other related duties as required in support of the Conference.

FAO Standards and guidelines:

Liaison with OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, aligned messaging, and appropriate review and clearance processes.

All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including:
FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31: https://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/en
FAO social media policy and guidelines: https://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia
Social Media Branding Guidelines: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044en
FAOSTYLE(https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb8081en
FAO terminology http://www.fao.org/faoterm
FAO Names Of Countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/en
Story guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (available to staff).

Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section.

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 communication, event management, international relations and related fields or a field related the conference theme. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• For PSAs: University degree (or technical degree/certificate) from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in communication, event management, international relations and related fields or a field related to the conference theme.
• At least 3 years of progressively responsible professional experience in conference or event organization, programme or project coordination, stakeholder engagement, communications, administration or related areas.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English

FAO Core Competencies

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

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

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO 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/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.

• 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

FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT