View Vacancy - Multilateral Policy Officer B3, Rome (ITA491)

The United Kingdom Permanent Representation to the United Nations Agencies in Rome (UKRep Rome) is the UK Government’s primary interface with the headquarters of the three Rome-based UN agencies: the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the World Food Programme (WFP), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). It also participates in the Committee on World Food Security (CFS), which addresses issues of global hunger and food insecurity, bringing together governments, international organisations, civil society and the private sector.

UKRep Rome is a part of UK Department for International Development (DFID) and reports directly to DFID’s UN and Commonwealth Department. It has close contacts with other parts of DFID, particularly the Conflict, Humanitarian and Security Department (CHASE), Policy and Research Division, and country offices. UKRep Rome also collaborates with the UK Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) on some issues. It is located within the British Embassy in Rome.

UKRep Rome staff engage daily with the UN agencies and other member states, as well as civil society and the private sector, negotiating and influencing on UK priorities related to food security, hunger, nutrition, agriculture and humanitarian affairs. Handling the variety and number of issues that UKRep Rome covers requires: close collaboration with interlocutors from diverse backgrounds, versatility, stamina, the ability to work at a fast pace and to a high standard, think on one’s feet, speak and write clearly, defend and promote political positions in complex discussions, and ensure that colleagues at Headquarters and in country offices are kept abreast of developments.

The Multilateral Policy Officer will have a particular focus on FAO and the CFS. Responsibilities will include:

• Providing policy support on issues related to FAO, including reviewing agency documents and drafting statements in preparation for Governing Bodies.
• Covering CFS meetings, particularly in priority areas such as nutrition, liaising with colleagues in policy departments on providing any input needed on documentation for discussion. Participation in EU meetings on CFS and supporting preparation for UK engagement in the CFS annual session in October.
• Representing UKRep Rome in meetings of the EU and the European Regional Group in FAO, as required, and providing reporting.
• Supporting programme management of core contribution to FAO, including through monitoring progress against results framework, and researching and drafting of Annual Reviews.
• Providing support on any corporate issues, including Parliamentary Questions, briefings and correspondence.
• Providing support to UKRep Rome as needed, including in relation to IFAD and WFP.

This is a varied post with plenty of opportunity for stretching assignments, with occasional travel to the UK and Brussels. Ideally, you will have some experience of working in an international environment, preferably gained in a multilateral context. You should be confident, diplomatic, and approachable. UKRep covers a broad range of responsibilities but is also one of the leanest missions in Rome; you therefore need to be collegial, a strong team player and versatile, able to cover effectively for colleagues with little notice.

Skills and Competencies:

• Fluency in English (both oral and written); C1 or above under the ECLF or equivalent;
• Good written and oral communications skills. An ability to present coherent and convincing positions both in writing and orally;
• University Degree (preferably related to international development);
• Experience in liaising with key partners and stakeholders;
• Good interpersonal, networking and diplomatic skills; ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and discretion;
• At least four years work experience, preferably in an international environment;
• Good organisational skills. Flexible, adaptable and able to manage competing priorities;
• The capacity to quickly get up to speed with a rapidly evolving agenda and the ability to keep on top of detail while understanding the bigger picture;
• Proven ability to deliver against tight deadlines.