Programme Management Specialist

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 is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level. 

The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources. 

Specifically, FAO Country Offices:
 
(i)      advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate;
(ii)     provide technical assistance and deliver core services; 
(iii)    assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation; 
(iv)    position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and 
(v)     ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.  

For more than four decades, FAO has been working with the Government of the Philippines, civil society, community-based organizations, the academe and the private sector to address challenges in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector. Joint efforts have included increasing sustainability in agricultural production, promoting value-adding practices, mechanization and modernization through improving post-harvest management, enhancing productivity and increasing the resilience of agriculture-based livelihoods to natural disasters, climatic hazards and armed conflict.

The position is located in the FAO Country Office in the Philippines.

Reporting Lines

The Programme Management Specialist reports to the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme)

Technical Focus

FAO Philippines will be implementing its updated Country Programming Framework 2025-2028 with thematic outcome focus on people’s health and resilience, productive agriculture, forestry and fisheries (AFF) economy, and climate-resilient agrifood environment. This position will be responsible in providing oversight of projects under their assigned outcome in the CPF with strict adherence to the project cycle guidelines of FAO. 

Tasks and responsibilities

•    With guidance from the FAO Representative and Assistant FAO Representative (Programme), support the expansion of the programme portfolio of the country office, resource mobilization, and in the preparation of reports and other technical documents
•    Develop proposals, concept notes, technical briefs, reports and other knowledge/visibility products and provide technical inputs for promoting agriculture and rural development and emergency preparedness and response, in both development and humanitarian settings;
•    Develop and/or review Terms of Reference of affiliate workforce and ensure compliance with current standards and regulations.
•    Develop letters of agreements for service providers;
•    Coordinate with consultants and monitor project implementation to ensure that inputs and deliverables are in line with the projects’ timeline and requirements;
•    Using corporate information management systems, assist in opening projects, tracking project and program budgets and in processing relevant revisions in coordination with concerned FAO officers;
•    Support the monitoring of programmes, projects, initiatives of the CO and mobilized resources of the country office.
•    Provide support in reviewing the progress, semi-annual and annual reports and report(s) to donors, funding proposals, and other project-related documents, prepared by the project teams, as required;
•    Facilitate the technical review of consultants’ technical inputs, reports, studies and other project publications; 
•    Participate in different fora on agriculture and rural development and emergency preparedness and response, and undertakes field activities as necessary;
•    Conduct relevant capacity development activities for key staff in the Representation and other projects;
•    Collect and prepare data and background information in the areas of FAO’s activities in the country 
•    Prepare response and obtain additional information to respond to queries 
•    Prepare background material, working papers and tables for briefings, review sessions and meetings.
•    Provide support in coordinating participation of Government in regional and global workshops and trainings
•    Carry out any other relevant duties within her technical competence as may be requested by the FAOR/AFAOR.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•    University Degree in Agriculture, Agriculture Economics, Agribusiness Management, Rural Development, and other fields related to the mandate of FAO. 
•    At least 7 years professional and practical experience in the planning, implementation and monitoring of rural development programmes /projects.
•    Working knowledge (level C) of English
•    A national of the Philippines or a legal resident with a valid work permit

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Familiarity with and understanding of the work of international organizations, regional entities and national governments
•    In-depth knowledge of project management and strategic planning, budgets and financial reporting
•    Excellent leadership and communication skills.
•    Ability to promote efficiency toward achieving project objectives and advanced knowledge of best business practices.
•    General knowledge and skills in the use of standard office software, such as MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point)