Deadline: 25 March 2021
Open to: experienced applicants with a degree in development studies, natural resources, social sciences, agriculture or a related field
Benefits: a competitive compensation and benefits package
DESCRIPTION
Organizational Setting
The Office of Small Island Developing States (SIDs), Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) coordinates activities to address and meet the special needs of these vulnerable populations and countries by strengthening inter-sectoral coordination and policy planning processes, facilitating experience sharing and cooperation in the design of high-impact programmes.
Reporting Lines
The Senior Programme Officer reports to the Director, OSL.
Technical Focus
Programme strategy and support; establishment of partnerships; coordination and planning with headquarters and decentralized offices; engagement and liaison with FAO partners.
Key Results
Leadership and technical expertise for the planning, development and implementation of Programmes of work, projects, related-products, and services in accordance with FAO Strategic Objectives.
Key Functions
• Leads the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects; directs review of relevant documents and reports; identifies priorities, problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and initiates follow-up actions;
• Coordinates programmes and reviews the assessments of issues and trends for the implementation of programmes and projects and the preparation of impact evaluation or equivalent studies;
• Supervises preparation of various written outputs, e.g. background papers, analysis, substantial sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications;
• Directs substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations;
• Manages outreach activities; designs and conducts training workshops, seminars, makes presentations on assigned topics/activities;
• Leads field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties;
• Represents the Organization at international meetings and conferences, identifies and implements strategic partnerships, advocates best practices and increased dialogue and develops and negotiates effective working relationships/consensus and agreements with international and national stakeholders.
Specific Functions
• Coordinates and leads the development of corporate workflows and processes, in consultation with other relevant FAO divisions/offices, to facilitate implementation of programmes and projects in the countries concerned;
• Contributes to the development and design of complex programmes/projects at country, interregional and/or regional levels;
• Engages with external actors and partners, including Members, the private sector, UN System partners and others to support the Office through, inter alia, resource mobilization and/or complementary interventions in areas beyond FAO’s mandate or capacity;
• Liaises with FAO units/offices to ensure corporate data align to best support evidence-based, country-led and country-owned programme design and policy solutions;
• Contributes to analyses and recommendations to Director OSL and other FAO senior management on options for policies, strategies and programmes that will contribute to achieving corporate objectives.
ELIGIBILITY
Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree in development studies, natural resources, social sciences, agriculture or a related field;
• Ten years of relevant experience in project/programme development, planning, implementation and appraisal, as well as in the development and use of results-based management and monitoring systems;
• Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
Competencies
• Results Focus
• Leading, Engaging and Empowering
• Communication
• Partnering and Advocating
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
• Strategic Thinking
Technical/Functional Skills
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is essential
• Extent and relevance of experience in management and administration of agricultural or food security projects/programmes in developing countries, in particular SIDs, LDCs, and/or LLDCs;
• Extent and relevance of experience in institutional collaboration and partnership with UN agencies, governments, private sector, international financial institutions (IFIs), and other regional, national and local institutions, agencies and partners;
• Demonstrated ability to process complex data and analyze information as the basis for technical and policy advice for governments and input to national and international fora;
• Extent and relevance of experience in supporting the development and design of programmes/projects and in the management of programmes/projects, including the delivery of complex programmes/projects at country, interregional and/or regional levels
• In-depth knowledge of administrative, operational, fiduciary and financial procedures related to programme and project management is considered a strong asset;
• Understanding of FAO policies, strategies and flagship programmes, is considered a strong asset;
• Demonstrated political judgement in an international environment, including strong communication and negotiation skills, maturity, tact and diplomacy.
BENEFITS
A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click here. Other benefits, subject to eligibility, include:
• Dependency allowances
• Rental subsidy
• Education grant for children
• Home leave travel
• 30 working days of annual leave per year
• Pension fund entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund
• International health insurance; optional life insurance
• Disability protection
HOW TO APPLY?
For more infromation please visit the official website.
