About us

AP-in-FAO was established in 1975 to champion the rights of FAO professional staff. We are a voluntary membership organization and the only professional staff representative body to be recognized by management. We engage with management to address staff concerns, and also provide advice and legal assistance to help resolve workplace conflicts. All FAO staff in the professional and director categories are eligible for membership.

Our leadership and governance consists of an Executive Secretariat that manages the day-to-day work of the Association and engages directly with management; a Representative Council of elected members who act as a channel of communication between the Executive Secretariat and the Association’s members; and a Statutes and Procedures Committee that makes sure the rules of the association are adhered  to. Each year, the entire membership comes together in an Annual Assembly to discuss achievements of the previous year and agree on a programme of work for the new one.

Additionally, a series of thematic working groups (standing committees) comprised of volunteer members focus on specific issues of concern to develop Association positions and propose solutions. And AP-in-FAO volunteers participate on joint committees with management covering various topics, like medical insurance, occupational health and safety, or food services.

The Executive Secretariat is the main channel for negotiating with FAO management on staff welfare issues. Elected by the Representative Council, the Secretariat defends the working conditions of staff, promotes career development and aims to improve staff participation in decision-making throughout FAO. The Secretariat also coordinates communications with the UGSS (the Union of General Service Staff of FAO and WFP), FICSA (The Federation of International Civil Servants’ Associations), and other staff associations and organizations in the UN system. 

The Statutes and Procedures Committee (SPC) is responsible for interpreting the AP-in-FAO’s statutes and rules of procedures and for resolving statutory issues within the Association. The SPC functions as a Committee of Appeal in cases of suspension or termination of membership. It conducts and oversees the elections of the Representative Council and the Executive Secretariat.

Click here to see the former members of the SPC

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