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.
(v) ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.
In this context, FAO Malawi, under the Project Ecosystem-based Adaptation for Resilient Watersheds and Communities in Malawi (EbAM), is supporting the Government of Malawi to strengthen its institutional and legal frameworks related to Geographical Indications (GI) in line with international standards. aiming, as first priority, to assist in the development and enactment of the relevant national GI Legal framework and administrative architecture, including trough the revision and upgrading of the current Malawi Legal framework for full compliance, with international GI agreements, and relevant standards.
Reporting Lines
The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of FAO Representative for Malawi, the direct supervision of the CTA of the EbAM Project, technical supervision by the Legal Officer (LEGN), technical advice and technical guidance from the International GI Consultant at RAP and the International GI legal Consultant.
Technical Focus
The Incumbent Will Support The Government Of Malawi In The Operational Development Of The National Geographical Indications (GI) System With a Focus On
- Supporting the review and validation of the national GI legal framework prepared under the technical leadership of the International GI Legal Expert, ensuring compliance of legal review and proposed drafts with Malawi legal drafting standards and legislative procedures.
- Facilitating national dialogue and institutional coordination with competent authorities involved in GI governance.
- Supporting the development of legal templates for the establishment of GI Inter‑Professional Associations (GI‑IPAs).
- Developing roadmaps and procedures for the implementation of the GI legal framework and GI registration system.
- Providing legal support to the preparation and registration of pilot GI Book of Specifications (BoS) and related GI Inter‑Professional Associations producer organizations.
Tasks And Responsibilities
- Organize periodic (e.g., weekly or biweekly) update calls with the project team (including EbAM project team, international consultants and LEGN) to keep the team informed of progress.
- For each deliverable, submit draft to LEGN for legal clearance and project team for project clearance. Incorporate any feedback from LEGN or project team as required for clearance.
- Review and finalize the draft report and GI legal provisions prepared under the leadership of the International GI Legal Consultant. Tasks include reviewing the collection and analysis of national legislation, the proposed legal amendments and drafts ensuring compliance with Malawi legislative drafting standards and providing recommendations to facilitate legal adoption and implementation.
- Facilitate institutional dialogue and coordination with relevant ministries, departments, and authorities to support the development and operationalization of the GI system and monitor progress of the GI legal development process, and prepare summary reports from such meetings.
- Provide legal advice on institutional mandates, roles, and responsibilities for GI administration, certification, and protection, including support to establish a competent GI authority or strengthen existing institutional mechanisms.
- Develop model legal templates and guidance documents for the creation and governance of GI Inter‑Professional Associations including statutes, internal regulations, membership rules, and governance procedures.
- Design and deliver legal orientation sessions or capacity-building workshops for public institutions, legal practitioners, and relevant stakeholders on GI law, enforcement mechanisms, and international obligations, and prepare summary reports from such sessions
- Contribute to the documentation of legal best practices and lessons learned from the implementation process to inform national and regional stakeholders.
- Develop a practical roadmap identifying key steps required for the adoption and implementation of the GI legal framework including institutional roles, registration procedures, and control mechanisms.
- Prepare guidance and procedures for the legal registration and governance of GI Inter‑Professional Associations responsible for managing registered GIs.
- Provide legal support to the development and registration of pilot GI Inter‑Professional Associations.
- Perform other duties as required.
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 Law. Consultants with bachelor`s degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience
- At least 5 years of relevant experience in legal analysis and legal drafting, and in working with government ministries, particularly on policy formulation, legal advice, or regulatory reform.
- Working knowledge (level C) of the English language.
FAO Core Competencies
- Results Focus
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Building Effective Relationships
- Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
- Strong understanding of Malawil’s legal and institutional landscape on IPR.
- Familiarity with GI systems, international standards (e.g., TRIPS, Lisbon Agreement), and related legal instruments.
- Proven ability to conduct legal reviews, draft legal texts, and provide policy advice.
- Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to work with multi-disciplinary teams and diverse stakeholders.
Selection criteria
- Specialization in Intellectual Property Rights, Trade Law, Associations Law or related legal fields will be an asset.
Call For Expressions Of Interest - Vacancy Announcement
Job Posting
30/Apr/2026
Closure Date
15/May/2026, 12:59:00 AM
Organizational Unit
FRMLW - FAO Representation in Malawi
Job Type
Non-staff opportunities
Grade Level
N/A
Primary Location
Malawi-Lilongwe
Duration
7 months (30days WAE basis)
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.