FAO Jobs: Consultant for the World Banana Forum Secretariat

Job Posting: 29/May/2019
Closure Date: 12/Jun/2019, 10:59:00 PM
Organizational Unit: TRADE AND MARKETS DIVISION (EST)
Job Type: Non-staff opportunities
Type of Requisition: Consultant
Grade Level: N/A
Primary Location: Italy-Rome
Duration: 11 months (with possibility for renewal)
Post Number: N/A

Organizational Setting

The World Banana Forum (WBF) is a global multi-stakeholder platform of the banana sector. Its mission is to facilitate and promote collaboration among stakeholders for building industry-wide consensus on best practices regarding sustainable production and trade, environmental impact, workplace issues, gender equity and economic issues. The Secretariat of the WBF is located in FAO’s Trade and Markets Division (EST) in Rome, Italy. The Secretariat supports the various activities that are implemented by the Working Groups, Task Forces, Steering Committee and Executive Board of the Forum. It facilitates collaboration between stakeholders and disseminates information and documentation produced through the initiatives developed by its members. Moreover, the Secretariat supports the organization of international, regional and national events that gather key actors and promote the discussion and implementation of good practices. The WBF organizes global conferences to present the key achievements, facilitates networking among stakeholders and determines the main work priorities.

Reporting Lines
The Consultant will report to the Senior Economist, Leader of the Team on International Investment and Tropical Fruits in EST.

Technical Focus
Technical support to multi-stakeholder collaboration for sustainable banana production and trade.

Tasks and Responsibilities

1. Lead the organization of the meetings and conference calls of selected working groups or task forces of the WBF.
2. Lead the production of the minutes of the above meetings and calls.
3. Support the activities of the WBF’s specialized working groups or task forces.
4. Coordinate the preparation of newsletters and information materials in English, Spanish and/or French.
5. Lead the logistical activities for the organization of the meetings of the WBF’s Steering Committee.
6. Support the organization of the WBF’s global conferences.
7. Support the public relation activities of the WBF, including promotion to attract new members.
8. Take responsibility for drafting meeting documents, reports and papers in English, Spanish and/or French.
9. Undertake desk research on technical issues related to sustainable production and trade.
10. Revise and update the contents of the WBF’s website and prepare new contents for web-posting in various languages.
11. Review, revise and edit documents and e-conference contributions in English, Spanish and/or French.
12. Lead the preparation of replies to enquiries on the WBF and its activities.
13. Represent FAO in international meetings.
14. Travel to attend meetings in Italy and abroad as necessary.
15. Carry out any other organizational and technical work as required by the WBF.

Candidates Will Be Assessed Against The Following

Minimum Requirements

1. Advanced university degree in one or more of the following areas: international relations, communication, economics, sustainable development, corporate social responsibility, international trade, development studies, natural resources management and business administration.
2. One year of relevant work experience in supporting sustainable agricultural value chains.
3. Working knowledge of English, French or Spanish and limited knowledge of one of the other two.

FAO Core Competencies

1. Results Focus
2. Teamwork
3. Communication
4. Building Effective Relationships
5. Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

1. Work experience in more than one location and area of work.
2. Relevance of experience in working with the actors of international value chains for banana.
3. Familiarity with the use of MS Word, MS Excel, webinar and web publishing software.

Selection Criteria

1. Experience in supporting international multi-stakeholder partnerships for sustainable agricultural production and trade.
2. Level of speaking and writing in English and Spanish or French.
3. Ability to work under time pressure and meet deadlines.
4. Thoroughness and reliability.
5. Level of communication skills (both oral and written), sense of diplomacy and tact.

How To Apply

To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Only applications received through the recruitment portal will be considered.