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. The Director, 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 Project Cycle Team within PSS, at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, is responsible for developing and keeping up-to-date FAO's corporate policies, approaches, tools and procedures related to project management. As part of this effort, the Project Cycle Team is also managing a roster of Project Management Specialists that can be deployed to serve the implementation of any kind of projects operated by HQ and/or decentralized offices, according to need.ย
Reporting Lines
The Project Management Specialist reports to the Budget Holder, or any other staff delegated specific supervisory functions by the Budget Holder. He/she collaborates closely with the Lead Technical Officer.
Technical Focusย
Supports the Budget Holder and is responsible for the day-to-day coordination and management of the project implementation. He/she ensures effective utilization of resources, timely delivery of the work plan, adherence to budgets, management of risks, and problem solving for achievement of project results, within delegated authority and in accordance with project/donor agreements and FAO rules and procedures.
Tasks and responsibilitiesย
โข ย ย Lead the day-to-day implementation of the project, including guidance and supervision of project personnel (only affiliate personnel and when possible).
โข ย ย Ensure the preparation, monitoring and updating of project plans, with particular emphasis on budget management (in accordance with existing rules and regulations) and work plan as well as application of corporate recommended tools.
โข ย ย Ensure the Logical Framework Matrix (LFM) is complete and up-to-date, and that relevant data is collected for regular monitoring of project results.
โข ย ย Manage affiliate personnel, goods and services, overseeing the work of implementing partners and service providers.
โข ย ย Liaise, and maintain positive working relations with stakeholders, through the agreed office channels.
โข ย ย Liaise with, provide reports to and receive guidance from, governance mechanisms.ย
โข ย ย Identify, mitigate and manage potential risks, report and escalate issues when necessary.
โข ย ย Ensure communications and visibility, in line with project plans.ย
โข ย ย Ensure reports are prepared and submitted.ย
โข ย ย Ensure all deliverables are completed, project documentation is in order, evaluation is supported as needed, and preparations for project closure are set up.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
โข ย ย University degree in public or business administration, finance, accounting, economics, social sciences or another field related to the FAO mandate
โข ย ย Minimum 7 years of relevant experience in project management/operations and support
โข ย ย Full proficiency of English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese or Russian
FAO Core Competencies
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โข ย ย Results Focus
โข ย ย Teamwork
โข ย ย Communication
โข ย ย Building Effective Relationships
โข ย ย Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skillsย
โข ย ย Work experience in more than one location or area of work is desirable.
โข ย ย Extent and relevance of experience at international level in project implementation and managing operations.
โข ย ย Extent and relevance of experience in supporting the implementation of complex multi-stakeholder projects.
โข ย ย Experience in managing projects through external partners and with relevant modalities such as FAOโs Operational Partners Implementation Modality (OPIM) or the UN's Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT) is considered an asset.
โข ย ย Ability to develop and manage plans for project implementation and coordination of operations.
โข ย ย Familiarity with UN administrative, operational and financial procedures and understanding of FAO policies and programmes is considered a strong asset.