Organizational Setting
The post of Programme Officer (Adviser) is located in the Office of Deputy Director-General (DDG) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.
Reporting Lines
The Programme Officer reports to the Deputy Director-General.
Technical Focus
Provide overall management support and advice under the Programme Priority Areas and other key priorities of the FAO Strategic Framework.
Key Results
Develop, implement, monitor and evaluate assigned programmes/projects in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework.
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 action; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up action.
• 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
• Provides support and advice to the DDG on issues relating to and/or affecting the work of the Stream and Divisions and assists the DDG in policy development, strategy, and priority- and goal-setting.
• Participates in the development and achievement of objectives and related development and implementation planning of the Stream and Divisions and works to ensure their effective implementation in close collaboration with all concerned.
• Identifies priority problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions to the DDG, liaises with Divisions and other units or offices 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 gathered from diverse sources.
• Assists in preparing meetings and duty travel, including meetings with FAO Divisions/Offices/Centres, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries.
• Attends meetings both with and on behalf of the DDG and prepares summary records, flagging issues of interest and/or requiring direct attention.
• Prepares and/or revises reports, briefing notes and talking points, of technical content, for the DDG.
• Supports the DDG in partnership development, in line with internal policies and procedures.
• Assists the DDG in liaising with the Host Country Government and relevant institutions.
• 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 political science, social science, international development, international relations or a related field.
• Five years of relevant experience in partnership and/or programme management, partnership development, policy analysis or related area.
• Working knowledge (proficient - level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate - level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
Competencies
• Results Focus
• Team Work
• 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, is desirable.
• Extent and relevance of experience in the field of partnerships.
• Experience working on advocacy and outreach topics would be an asset.
• Experience working with the Host Government is considered a strong asset.
• Understanding of FAO policies and programmes is considered a strong asset.
• Experience in drafting documents and reports in English for high-level management is a strong asset.