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.

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.

Reporting Lines

The Programme Management Specialist works under the overall guidance and supervision of the Regional Programme Leader (RPL) and in close collaboration with the other members of the RPL Office.

Technical Focus 

Effective coordination of the Regional Programme with particular focus on direct management support to the RPL, and multi-accredited FAO Representative for Albania, Armenia, Moldova and Georgia.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Contribute to planning, implementation, and management of expected outputs under the regional work programme as well as to the organization of the regular RPP Coordination meetings in close collaboration with the Planning and Programme Officer;
•    Contribute to monitoring and reporting on the outputs under the regional work programme in close collaboration with the Planning and Programme Officer;
•    Contribute to the REU Country Support Team in facilitating corporate exercises for planning, monitoring and timely reporting of the workplan implementation at the country level;
•    Coordinate the planning and management of the office of the RPL and multi-accredited FAOR for Albania, Armenia, Moldova and Georgia;
•    Coordinate recruitment related tasks for both staff and non-staff of the RPL Office, particularly facilitation of screening of candidates, coordination of the preparation of written tests and obtaining inputs from technical teams, coordinating and communicating with external panel members, organization of interview processes and preparation of interview reports and acting as interview panel secretary as required;
•    Coordinate the preparation of speaking points obtaining inputs from technical team members in REU and HQ, review draft speeches, power point presentations as background documents for meetings of the RPL inside and outside of the organization;
•    Act as main / responsible  secretary for the OCOP Regional Management Group;
•    Coordinate the operational and technical preparation of key events such as Regional Parliamentarian Summit and Food Security Conferences in the Region, obtaining input from the respective technical teams in REU and at the country level and advising the operational teams in planning, preparation and implementation of the event;
•    Review reports prepared by the country offices with specific focus on Albania and Armenia, regarding quality prior to the clearance of the RPL;
•    Undertake other related tasks as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    University degree in in social, economic, agricultural, environmental sciences, international relations or another field relevant to the work of the Organization
•    Five years of relevant experience in coordinating, supporting monitoring and reporting of multi-disciplinary activities in international and/or technical organizations
•    Working knowledge of English and/or Russian

FAO Core 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
•    Extent and relevance of experience in supporting programme/project development and management
•    Extent and relevance of experience in assisting in formulation of programme and project proposals as well as programme/project implementation, monitoring and reporting
•    Extent and relevance of experience in operational and administrative tasks, particularly in event organization and HR management.
•    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

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements