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’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

The Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU) is responsible for leading FAO’s response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO’s priority activities in the region. It oversees the network of Country Offices and the Subregional Office for Central Asia. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the region, and, in collaboration with Divisions, Offices and Centres at headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO’s strategic response to regional priorities and the implementation of the Organization’s strategies through programmes and projects across the region.
REU leads the formulation and implementation of the Country Programmes and Projects, including Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs), and their contribution to the FAO Strategic Framework and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) at the country level, advising Decentralized Offices on corporate priorities such as the Strategic Framework and on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization’s Programme of Work and Budget.
REU leads, formulates, implements, monitors and reports on the Organization’s programmes and budget in the region and draws management attention to problems, deficiencies and risks.
REU leads the preparation of the Regional Conferences and the Statutory Bodies in the region.
REU develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions, including the Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs), and participates in the United Nations Regional Architecture, such as UN Regional Forums on Sustainable Development and UN Regional Collaborative Platforms and related mechanisms.
REU delivers an improved, integrated and collaborative business model to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, consistency, innovation, agility and responsiveness in logistical, operational, financial and other support services at all levels to accelerate the achievement of the Organization’s programme in the region and ensure compliance with the Internal Control Framework.

The position is located in REU in Budapest, Hungary.

Reporting Lines

The National Professional Officer (Programme) reports to the Senior Field Programme Officer in REU.

Technical Focus

Programme development, coordination and operational assistance based on the knowledge of the local conditions, culture, language and institutions of the country of assignment.

Key Results

Effective and efficient coordination and provision of technical and operational support of the programme and project activities of the Regional Office.

Key Functions

•    Liaises and assists government authorities and local, national and international institutions in the areas of FAO’s activities in the country and with other UN agencies. He/she may represent FAO at inter-agency meetings as required.
•    Promotes the image of FAO through advocacy of the Organization’s mandate, programmes, national priorities and activities, including development and maintenance of communication tools (such as website, press releases and publications) and support to implementation of FAO’s regulatory framework (Codex Alimentarius, Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, Safe Use of Pesticides, etc.) in the country.
•    Coordinates the collection, consolidation and maintenance of country data on food, crops, livestock, forestry and fisheries, including information on external aid in FAO’s corporate systems, and monitors changes in national policies affecting the agricultural sector.
•    Participates in producing technical, economic and policy studies, as required, and developing country level development frameworks, such as the Country Programming Framework (CPF) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).
•    Participates in the identification, formulation and preparation of programme and project proposals and monitors and reviews the status of programme/project implementation to ensure that all operational activities are carried out in line with the work plan and the project document; identifies inconsistencies and delays and, when necessary, proposes corrective measures to overcome operational constraints.
•    Briefs, trains and supervises junior staff; ensures adherence to procedures and work requirements as well as accuracy and diligence of the work provided.
•    Performs other duties as required.

Specific Functions

•    Contributes to the development of the strategic programming frameworks of the assigned countries in line with national priorities and the FAO Strategic Framework.
•    Coordinates and supports the preparation of technically sound project proposals for submission to resource partners, in line with the established workflows and corporate policies.
•    Manages project resources, including coordination and timely provision of all project input (personnel, contracts, supplies, etc.) for achieving project results towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
•    Ensures the preparation and updating of project work plans and Logical Framework Matrix (LFM), where applicable, and identifies corrective measures to overcome operational constraints.
•    Monitors the progress made in achieving project results in accordance with the LFM and work plan, manages risks, and takes remedial and corrective measures as appropriate.
•    Organizes and leads project coordination meetings both at inception and throughout the project’s life span.
•    Ensures visibility of project results through communication tools such as web sites, press releases and publications.
•    Coordinates the timely preparation of project progress and final reports, contributes with inputs to project/programme briefs and comprehensive reports.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    National of the country of assignment.
•    Advanced university degree in agriculture, agricultural economics, forestry, fisheries or any other field related to the work of the Organization.
•    Three years of relevant experience in agricultural development and/or project implementation in an area of FAO’s activities in the country.
•    Working knowledge (proficiency – level C) English and of the local language.

Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions.
•    Demonstrated understanding of the purpose and functions of the technical programme, operational guidelines and project/programme management procedures, preferably those adopted by the United Nations or FAO.
•    Extent and relevance of experience in the identification, formulation and preparation of programme and project proposals as well as programme/project implementation, monitoring and review.
•    Good knowledge of corporate systems used for programme-related activities and project management, preferably those used by the United Nations or FAO.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements