JOB DESCRIPTION

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, leading international efforts to combat hunger. Operating in over 130 countries worldwide, FAO strives to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to high-quality food.
The Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa (RNE) plays a key role in advancing FAO’s mandate within the region. Its core functions include: i) conducting assessments and sectoral analyses to inform decision-making, ii) providing technical support and enhancing the capacities of institutions focused on agriculture and food security, iii) fostering regional partnerships and alliances to amplify collective impact, iv) disseminating up-to-date information and knowledge, and v) assisting governments in developing evidence-based policies.

This position will be hosted within the Strategic Partnership and Resource Mobilization Unit (SPRM). This unit plays a pivotal role in guiding and supporting the implementation of Country Programming Frameworks and fostering dialogue and strategic partnerships at regional, national, and subnational levels. It collaborates with UN agencies, non-state actors (NSAs), including private sector entities, civil society, academia, research institutions, parliamentarians, family farmers’ organizations, and Indigenous Peoples’ organizations. Additionally, it supports countries in identifying funding opportunities from donors, organizations, or governments and developing compelling proposals to secure financial support.

Reporting Lines

The Partnership specialist works under the overall guidance of the FAO Assistant Director General, Resident Representative for the Near East and North Africa and the direct supervision of the Partnership Officer at FAO Regional Office for the Near East (RNE).

Technical Focus 

The Partnership specialist will support the implementation and the follow-up of the work programme of the Strategic Partnership and Resource Mobilization Unit. The incumbent will support establishment and enhance strategic partnerships with the civil society organizations, philanthropic organizations, and academic institutions at country and regional level.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Partnership Specialist will undertake the following specific tasks:

•    Develop, edit and revise project documents, presentations, concept notes, and brochures for various Economic RM driven activities;
•    Support implementation of country and regional projects ensuring alignment with projects objectives and donor procedures during implementation.
•    Assist in Preparing draft notes and communicating with stakeholders, participants, partners and donors of the meetings/workshops;
•    Provide support and advice in networking and partnerships, monitoring of partnership activities;
•    Assist in strengthening partnership and knowledge networks within and outside the Organization;
•    Prepare briefs and other documents explaining donor policies/trends and alert SPRM/Partnership Officer on major donor issues;
•    Identify and initiate development of strategic partnerships with civil societies organizations (CSO), private sector and philanthropic organizations;
•    Draft and manage agreements and MoUs with civil societies organizations, private entities, academic institutions and philanthropic organizations;
•    Undertake any other task under the SPRM Unit as it may be required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    University degree in international cooperation, social sciences, sustainable development, or a related discipline
•    Minimum 2 years of relevant experience in partnership management, resource mobilization, or working with CSOs, NGOs, or international organizations.
•    Full proficiency of English.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Extent and relevance of experience in building and managing partnerships with diverse stakeholders
•    Extent and relevance of experience in project management, proposal writing, and coordination skills
•    Knowledge of the development sector
•    Familiarity with food security and agriculture

Selection Criteria

•    Working knowledge of French and Arabic is considered an asset.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements