Private Sector Partnerships Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31 by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

The Partnerships and UN Collaboration Division (PSU) is responsible for coordinating and overseeing the identification, strengthening and stewardship of strategic partnerships with UN agencies and non-state actors (NSAs) including parliamentarians, civil society, academia and research institutions, family farmers’ and Indigenous Peoples’ organizations and the private sector. The Division leads FAO’s engagement in the UN Development System repositioning, develops capacities, fosters dialogues, scales up programmes and advocates for FAO’s corporate positions in support of FAO’s Strategic Framework 2022-31 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It ensures that multi-stakeholder processes and strategic interventions globally and locally are an integral part of FAO’s work and provide targeted support for successful collaboration with NSAs and UN agencies.

The Private Sector Unit (PSUS) facilitates and coordinates partnerships with a broad spectrum of private sector entities. The key functions of the Unit are to:
•    Strengthen and coordinate partnerships with the private sector, in line with the FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31 and the FAO Strategy for Private Sector Engagement (2021-2025)
•    Provide policy support, engagement, outreach and capacity development to foster innovative partnerships with the private sector in FAO 
•    Monitor the overall alignment of the private sector function across FAO and reports to all concerned internal and external stakeholders

FAO International Consultants and Call Purpose
The Organization frequently engages experts to work on short-term activities as international consultants or under personal service agreements (PSA). Consultants and PSAs are engaged by the Organization to provide expertise, skills or knowledge for the performance of a specific task or piece of work, which is short-term by nature. The assignment may involve full-time or part-time functions. The possibility of extension is subject to satisfactory performance and depends on the resources and needs of the Organization.

The Objective of this Call is to attract suitable individuals to undertake consultancies and/or PSAs in the area of collaboration and coordination with private sector stakeholders among others in support of PSU including:

PSU Private Sector Partnerships Specialist, 
A Level PSU Private Sector Partnerships Specialist
B Level PSU Private Sector Partnerships Specialist
C Level PSU Private Sector Partnerships Specialist

Individuals meeting or exceeding the requirements of the Call will be included in a Private Sector Unit (PSUS) Roster. Experts who are registered in the Roster are available for consideration whenever relevant opportunities arise matching the required profiles.

Reporting Lines

The Incumbent will work under general guidance with the Chief of Private Sector (PSUS).

Technical Focus

To provide support in developing and managing FAO engagements and partnerships with the private sector, as well as for building knowledge and cultivate relations on new opportunities with financial institutions, innovative finance and high-level policy support accomplishing FAO’s mandate in the framework of the Strategy for Private Sector Engagement (2021-2025).

Tasks and responsibilities

PSU Partnerships Specialist, A Level
•    Coordinate the identification, promotion and development of strategic private sector partnerships. 
•    Provide guidance and support to staff at Headquarters (HQ) and in Decentralized Offices (DOs) on the requirements related to partnership development.
•    Coordinate, review and monitor FAO’s existing partnerships with the private sector, following up and maintaining effective, productive, and harmonious relationships with partnership focal points in technical divisions/offices and with external partners.
•    Facilitate the establishment of effective partnerships with the private sector.
•    Develop and implement mechanisms for strengthening FAO staff capacities in developing effective partnerships.
•    Develop and implement mechanisms for increasing FAO visibility and knowledge to potential new partners.
•    Oversee the exercise of monitoring and review of ongoing partnership activities and outcomes for reporting through various channels.
•    Document best practices and innovations with partners, to share knowledge between HQ technical units and DOs.
•    Undertake analysis of partnership-related initiatives to mainstream them in national and international policy dialogues.

PSU Partnerships Specialist, B Level
•    Contribute the identification, promotion and development of strategic private sector partnerships. 
•    Provide guidance and support to staff at Headquarters (HQ) and in Decentralized Offices (DOs) on the requirements related to partnership development.
•    Contribute to the review and monitoring of existing partnerships with the private sector, following up and maintaining effective, productive, and harmonious relationships with partnership focal points in technical divisions/offices and with external partners.
•    Facilitate the establishment of effective partnerships with the private sector.
•    Support implementation mechanisms for strengthening FAO staff capacities in developing effective partnerships.
•    Support implementation mechanisms for increasing FAO visibility and knowledge to potential new partners.
•    Contribute to ensuring participation of non-state actors in FAO/UN events.
•    Support the monitoring and review of ongoing partnership activities and outcomes for reporting through various channels.
•    Undertake analysis of partnership-related initiatives to mainstream them in national and international policy dialogues.

PSU Partnerships Specialist, C Level
•    Assist in the identification, promotion and development of private sector partnerships. 
•    Assist in the review and monitoring of existing partnerships with the private sector, following up and maintaining effective, productive, and harmonious relationships with partnership focal points in technical divisions/offices and with external partners.
•    Support implementation mechanisms for strengthening FAO staff capacities in developing effective partnerships.
•    Contribute to ensuring participation of the private sector in FAO/UN events.
•    Support implementation mechanisms for increasing FAO visibility and knowledge to potential new partners.
•    Support the monitoring and review of ongoing partnership activities and outcomes for reporting through various channels.
•    Assist in the analysis of partnership-related initiatives to mainstream them in national and international policy dialogues.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    University degree in international relations, political and social sciences, economics, agricultural sciences or any other discipline relevant to the work of the Organization.
•    One (C level) or Five (B level) or Ten (A level) years of relevant professional experience in developing partnerships, policies and and/or programmes.
•    Working knowledge of English (proficient – level C) is required. 

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Extent and relevance of experience in establishing partnerships, networks, and/or multi-stakeholder platforms, and identifying synergies and opportunities.
•    Extent and relevance of experience in effectively supporting HQ and decentralized offices to develop partnerships. 
•    Ability to operate effectively in a team, contributing positively to team operations and working relationships.
•    Familiarity with FAO processes, initiatives and policies.
•    Excellent analytical and conceptual skills, as well as gender sensitive and cross-cultural competency.
•    Excellent writing skills.
•    Data management skills are desirable.

Selection Criteria

•    Work experience with other UN entities or relevant stakeholders, particularly at the country level, is considered an asset. 
•    Limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of French and/or Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian is an asset.