Senior Programme 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:

•     advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate;
•     provide technical assistance and deliver core services; 
•      assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation; 
•     position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and 
•     ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.  
Under the Country Programming Framework (CPF) for 2021-2025, FAO China works closely with Chinese national partners to 1) support people, prosperity, better production and better nutrition through rural revitalization; 2) protect the planet, and better environment through sustainable and resilient agrifood systems; and 3) enhance partnerships and a better life through international and regional cooperation.

In the context of CPF, FAO China cooperates with various partners, operating projects with focus on fostering innovations on digital agriculture, and healthy diets for all, to contribute to the rural revitalization strategy and the sustainable transformation of agrifood systems in China.

Reporting Lines

The Senior Programme Specialistwill work under the direct supervision of the FAO Representative in China and the technical guidance of the Lead Technical Officers from the Regional Office of Asia and the Pacific, as well as Headquarters of FAO.

Technical Focus

Programme development, coordination and operational assistance based on the knowledge of the local conditions, culture, language and institutions of the country of assignment.

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Assist FAO Representative  liaises and assists government authorities and local, national and international institutions in the areas of FAO's activities in the country and with other UN agencies.  
•     Support FAO Representative promotes the image of FAO through advocacy of the Organization's mandate, programmes, national priorities and activities.
•     Participates in producing technical, economic and policy studies as required and developing country level development frameworks such as the Country Programming Framework (CPF) and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).
•     Collaborate with FAO Representative to participate in the identification, formulation and preparation of programme and project proposals and monitor and review the status of programme/project implementation to ensure that all operational activities are carried out in line with the work plan and the project document; identify inconsistencies and delays and, when necessary, propose corrective measures to overcome operational constraints.
•     Performs other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•     Advanced University degree in agriculture, agricultural economics, forestry, fisheries, or any other field related to the work of the Organization 
•     Seven years of relevant experience in agricultural development and/or project implementation in an area of FAO's activities in the country
•     Working knowledge of English language at level C 
•     National of China or resident of the country with valid work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Selection Criteria

•     Proven experience in international project management including project formulation, implementation, monitoring & evaluation, and reporting.
•     Profound working and/or coordination experience at/with central level governments and/or International Organizations in the fields of FAO priorities and Country Programmes.
•     Demonstrated ability to work in and motivate a diverse team, fostering an inclusive and collaborative atmosphere.
•     Strong organizational skills including ability to quick learning, develop work plan, and manage budgets and project expenditures.
•     Experience in networking with partners at all levels (ministry, local government, academia, private sector, NGOs and UN Agencies). 
•     Demonstrated written, analytical, presentation, reporting and computing skills and familiarity with modern communication systems (internet, worldwide web, email, etc.).