Technical Project and Event Coordinator

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 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 Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP) enables the transition to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable plant production and protection through optimization and minimization. This requires the integration and harmonization of all appropriate crop production policies and practices in order to increase production in a sustainable manner so as to eradicate hunger while preserving the natural resources and environment for future use.

The position is located in the Office of the Director of NSP.

To commemorate the 80th anniversary of FAO’s founding, a yearlong celebration was launched that is providing a unique opportunity for FAO, its Members and other partners to take stock of the many historic achievements of the Organization and together reflect on how to deploy its unique comparative advantage to address today’s and future challenges to ensure food security and nutrition for all. 

In the framework of this celebration, the First FAO Global Exhibition: From Seeds to Foods (Global Exhibition), will be held from 10 to 13 October 2025, as part of the fifth edition of the World Food Forum (WFF), and will represent a milestone moment. This exhibition is an opportunity for FAO, Members and other partners to showcase achievements in the agricultural sector. 

The four-day event will consist of displays and exhibitions of the elements and activities across the entire value chain of agrifood systems – from seeds to foods –, covering field crops, horticulture, livestock, forestry and fisheries. It will showcase, among others seeds, stocks, new varieties, seed systems, cropping systems, application of science and modern technologies, innovations in fertilizer, crop protection, food safety, and culinary experiences through food tasting.
 
The preparation of this important event will be facilitated by a taskforce whose members come from a wide range of divisions and offices, which will provide technical and strategic advice and contribute to the organization of the Global Exhibition. The Technical Project and Event Coordinator will support the work of the taskforce as part of the Exhibition’s secretariat. 

 
Reporting Lines

The incumbent will report to the Director of NSP.

Technical Focus 

Under the overall guidance of the Director, NSP and in close coordination with the Director of OCC as well as collaboration with members of the taskforce, the incumbent will lead the planning, implementation and logistical coordination of events, meetings and other related activities organized or co-organized by the NSP for the Global Exhibition.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Support the NSP Director’s Office in the overall preparation of the Global Exhibition, such as the mobilization and coordination of, and communication with, partners, collaborators, etc. that are internal to FAO, including decentralized offices, and the external ones. 
•    Act as the Focal Point to liaise with the Service Provider that will contribute to the Global Exhibition in sundry matters, such as the design and layout of the venue, visual identity, tools and equipment, decoration, lighting, stage, security, safety, etc.
•    Organize and participate in all meetings of the steering group (FAO Director Level), taskforce and secretariat and produce the minutes and reports as applicable.
•    Produce periodic status updates for FAO senior management on the preparation of the Global Exhibition as may be required.
•    Act as a focal point for the taskforce in:
o    Developing a work plan for the preparation and delivery of the Global Exhibition; 
o    Developing the agenda and structure of the Global Exhibition; 
o    Identifying the exhibitors, key speakers and panelists as necessary; and
o    Liaising with the local authorities, especially through the Rome Municipality.
o    Liaising with the contractor for the Global Exhibition’s logistics. 
•    Liaise with the exhibitors, key speakers and panelists.  
•    Liaise with the WFF team and contributing divisions, units and offices. 
•    Liaise and coordinate engagements with the Office of Communication (OCC) on the preparation and dissemination of information regarding the Global Exhibition to ensure it receives high-quality and broad coverage, including the preparation of briefing materials/reports for: 
o    Senior Management; and 
o    Permanent Representatives to FAO. 
•    Manage the Global Exhibition’s website lead promotional campaign in collaboration with OCC and relevant offices.
•    Lead the preparation of the report of the Global Exhibition

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

•    University degree in business or public administration, conference management, political science, international relations, social sciences or related area. 
•    7 years of relevant experience in planning and organization of international and high-level events, with preference for experience in a UN context. 
•    Working knowledge of English (proficient – level C) 

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Work experience and knowledge in project coordination, planning, monitoring and implementation of international and high-level events. in providing technical support to plan, prioritize and monitor events.
•    Extent and relevance of experience working with communication in the context of high-level meetings.
•    Ability to analyze complex organizational issues and work as a team to find solutions.
•    Work experience in more than one location or area of work or in an international organization.

Selection Criteria

•    Advanced university degree will be an advantage
•    Working knowledge (level C) of Italian