Institutional Development 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 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. FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide. FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level. The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources. Specifically, FAO Country Offices (i) advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate; (ii) provide technical assistance and deliver core services; (iii) assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation; (iv) position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and (v) ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management. The position is located in the FAO Country Office in Syria. Reporting Lines Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Syria Arab Republic (SAR), the Institutional Development Specialist will report directly to the Senior Policy Specialist. The International Institutional Development Specialist will also work closely with the Assistant FAOR (Programmes), BLRS Chief Technical Advisor and BLRS Project Officer. Technical Focus Supports institutional strengthening, organizational development, governance reform, and operational systems development within MoA and MoA’s policy-related units. Tasks And Responsibilities Lead institutional and functional assessments. Support organizational restructuring and governance reforms. Develop institutional systems, SOPs, and internal regulations. Support establishment of coordination and management mechanisms. Facilitate organizational development and change management processes Conduct institutional and functional assessments. Review and update mandates, structures, and workflows. Develop governance frameworks and operational procedures. Support establishment of management and scientific committees. Strengthen internal communication and coordination systems. Support development of institutional capacity-building plans. CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING Minimum Requirements Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in public administration, institutional development, organizational management, or related fields. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience. Minimum 5years of relevant professional experience in supporting institutional reform and public sector strengthening. Working knowledge (Level C) of English. FAO Core Competencies Results Focus Teamwork Communication Building Effective Relationships Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement Technical/Functional Skills Strong institutional analysis and organizational development skills. Experience in governance reform and change management. Ability to facilitate institutional consultations and workshops. Strong communication and coaching skills. Experience in development of SOPs and operational systems. Working experience with UN Agencies is preferable Familiarity with FAO system and standards is preferable Selection criteria Experience in fragile and transition contexts is desirable. Ability to speak in Arabic will be an added advantage Call For Expressions Of Interest - Vacancy Announcement Job Posting 29/Sep/2026 Closure Date 13/Oct/2026, 10:59:00 PM Organizational Unit FNSYR - FAO Representation in Syria Job Type Non-staff opportunities Grade Level N/A Primary Location Syrian Arab Republic-Damascus Duration 6 months renewable depending on project funds availability Post Number N/A IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture. Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply; Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.