Organizational Setting
The Project Support Division (PSS) coordinates FAO’s efforts towards fulfilment of the FAO Strategic Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) via its projects and field programme. PSS leads the Organization’s work in oversight and monitoring of projects; project cycle management; management of the Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP); due diligence research and risk assessment review of partnerships with non-state actors; and the development and support to new operational modalities.

The PSS Operational Modalities Team (PSSN) facilitates the efficient and effective delivery of the FAO field programme through new working methodologies such as Cash Transfers, Vouchers and Grants to beneficiaries, as well as project delivery through in-country partners, via the Operational Partnership Implementation Modality (OPIM). The work of PSSN is strongly field-focused, seeking to provide policies, procedures, training, and tools that increase the effectiveness of FAO offices implementing projects, in a broad variety of contexts.

The position is responsible for portfolio coordination, quality assurance and helpdesk assistance for projects and programmes with implementing/ operational partners. The position also coordinates capacity building in matters related to implementing partnerships, informs project monitoring initiatives and feeds into implementing partnership policy and stakeholder management matters.
The post is located in the Operational Modalities Team (PSSN) within PSS at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines
The Programme Officer (Implementing Partnerships) reports to a Senior Programme Officer in the Operational Modalities Team under the overall supervision of the Senior Programme Officer/ Team Lead.

Technical Focus
Operational modalities and procedures, policy setting, portfolio quality assurance and oversight, compliance and help desk support, capacity development and knowledge management, risk-based management, project management, inter-agency collaboration, with a focus on operational/implementing partnerships.

Key Results
Develop, implement, monitor and evaluate assigned programmes/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, analyses, 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
• Oversees timely and accurate quality assurance of projects using implementing/operational partners throughout the project cycle, ensuring compliance with the relevant policy and procedures.
• Ensures the daily coordination of the implementing partner project portfolio with specialist consultants in headquarters and Regional Offices, providing advice and guidance as required.
• Coordinates accurate and timely monitoring and oversight of projects using implementing partners.
• Contributes to operational capacity building strategy development, planning and delivery relating to implementing partnerships policy compliance and implementation, including workshops, briefings, FAO Handbook pages, e-Learning courses, webinars or video series.
• Contributes to the implementation of corporate policies/frameworks and procedures on implementing partnerships, with a focus on innovation for efficiency, effectiveness and risk management, incorporating results of relevant audits and reviews.
• Contributes to the development of new processes, tools, systems and instruments in projects and programmes using implementing partners.
• Provides operational guidance, clarifications and support on implementing partnership matters to project task forces and other stakeholders, including relevant business owners, to ensure the efficient implementation of FAO projects and programmes with implementing partners.
• Undertakes and contributes to support missions to Country and Regional Offices to provide training and technical support to implementing partnership projects that are ongoing or under negotiation.
• Contributes to the FAO corporate information systems initiatives on implementing partnership management and related themes, updates and developments and supports implementation and follow-up actions.
• Performs other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree in international relations, political science, development cooperation, economics, business administration, project management or another relevant field within FAO’s mandate.
• Five years of relevant experience in project and programme management and operational support.
• 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 project cycle and project implementation, including working knowledge of related administrative, operational and financial procedures and experience with risk-based and results-based management.
• Extent and relevance of experience in UN Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT) policies and procedures is an asset.
• Experience of least two years in development of policies, procedures and institutional tools for effective project management, implementing partnerships and/or project implementation.
• Demonstrated experience in formulating, applying and/or conducting quality assurance processes for UN policies related to implementation of projects and programmes through partners is desirable.
• Technical knowledge of best practices in using implementing/operational partnerships for design and delivery of projects/programmes.
• Previous experience in design and delivery of capacity building programmes in an international context.
• Ability to support complex consultative processes involving internal and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of FAO Project Cycle, administrative and operational management policies and practices is considered an asset.
• Experience in institutional collaboration and partnership with governments, donors, non-profit sector and development agencies is an asset.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements