Organizational Setting

The Legal Office of FAO ensures that FAO’s activities are carried out in accordance with its Constitution and the other Basic Texts of the Organization, consistent with its status as an intergovernmental organization of the United Nations system, and that its relations with governments, organizations and individuals are based on a sound legal basis.

The Development Service of the Law Office (LEGN) provides legal advisory services to governments on food and agriculture and natural resources (including land, water, fisheries and aquaculture, plants, animals, food, forestry, wildlife, environment, climate change and biodiversity), as well as general agricultural issues (institutions, trade, economic reform).

Reporting Lines

The International Legal Expert on the right to adequate food reports to the Chief, LEGN while day-to-day supervision is provided by a designated Legal Officer (LEGN).

Technical Focus 

Legal research and advisory services to Governments in relation to the right to adequate food, food security and nutrition as well as related development law issues.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Lead and support awareness-raising and capacity building activities to strengthen the capacity of stakeholders to advocate for, propose, enact and implement legislation on the right to adequate food
•    Contribute to legal drafting support on constitutional amendments, framework laws and sectoral laws relevant for the realization of the right to adequate food
•    Research, collect and analyze legal frameworks for the realization of the right to adequate food and document experiences from different parts of the globe
•    Identify synergies in between sectoral areas that have an impact on the realization of the right to adequate food of all, paying a particular attention to groups or persons in situation of vulnerability, especially women and youth

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    University degree in Law. Advanced Legal degree (LLM) or university degree in an area closely related to the right to adequate food, human rights or food security and nutrition would be an asset
•    At least two years of relevant legal work experience
•    Working knowledge of English

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Applicants must have demonstrated interest in the technical areas listed above, as well as strong analytical, legal research and writing skills.

Selection Criteria 

•    Knowledge of French and/or Spanish is desirable while knowledge of another official language (Arabic, Chinese and/or Russian) is an asset
•    Degree of knowledge and experience in legal issues related to a relevant technical area
•    Degree of experience in developing national legislative and regulatory measures to implement international agreements, codes, guidelines or other instruments
•    Experience in legal drafting and development in Africa and Asia
•    Ability to conduct legal research and analysis
•    Ability to write clear and concise reports and draft legal texts, legislative and regulatory instruments
•    Experience working with international or regional organizations or other entities in a relevant field