JOB DESCRIPTION

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 post of Programme Officer (Adviser) is located in the Office of Deputy Director-General (DDG) Bechdol at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines
The Programme Officer reports to the Senior Adviser, DDCB, and works under the general guidance of the Deputy Director-General.

Technical Focus
Provide overall management support and advice under the Programme Priority Areas and other key priorities of the Strategic Framework.

Key Results

Develop, implement, monitor and evaluate assigned programme/projects.

Key Functions

• Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects, etc.; monitors and analyses programme/project development and implementation.
• Reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions.
• Assists in policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of impact evaluation or equivalent studies, etc.
• Prepares various written outputs, e.g. drafts background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.
  Undertakes outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
• Coordinates activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).

Specific Functions

• Identifies priority problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions to the DDG, liaises with Divisions/Offices/Centres and tracks follow-up actions.
• Provides updates on programme/project performance through liaison with relevant coordinators and alerts on any potential fallouts.
  Researches, analyses and presents information and briefing notes to the DDG/Senior Adviser, DDCB gathered from diverse sources.
• Assists in preparing meetings and duty travels, including liaisons with Divisions/Offices/Centres, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries.
• Attends meetings both with and on behalf of the DDG and/or the Senior Advisor and prepares summary records, flagging issues of interest and/or requiring direct attention.
• Prepares and/or revises reports, briefing notes and talking points, of a technical content, for the DDG and other senior staff.
• Prepares and/or revises responses to comments, statements, and queries of parties, including from external stakeholders and Members.
• Assists in the review of outputs from the Office of the DDG to ensure quality control and high-quality standards in terms of substance, impact, coherence and compliance with relevant mandates, strategic vision and guidance of the Senior Leadership of the Organization.
• Performs other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree in business administration or public administration, social science, political science, international development, international relations or a related field.
• Five years of relevant experience in project or programme management, administration or related area.
• Working knowledge (proficiency – level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency – level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

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.
•    Extent and relevance of experience in the field of programme and project management.
•    Extent and relevance of experience in strategic policy analysis, programme/project formulation, planning and implementation.
•    Experience working on partnership and outreach topics would be an asset.
•    Excellent command of English, written and oral, and experience in drafting/editing would be an asset.
•    Understanding of FAO policies and programmes is considered a strong asset.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements