Programme Officer (Project Cycle)

IMPORTANT NOTICE\: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device
The length of appointment for internal FAO candidates will be established in accordance with applicable policies pertaining to the extension of appointments.

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• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination　　
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
• FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through 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.

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 Quality Support, Monitoring and TCP unit (PSSQ) manages the corporate operational guidance on the Project Cycle, the appraisal and operational clearance processes for global and interregional projects and operational closure of projects. It monitors the adherence to corporate quality standards and oversees and guides the use of TCP. The work of the unit seeks to provide policies, procedures, training, and tools that increase the effectiveness of FAO units implementing projects, in a broad variety of contexts, with a view to improving the impact and efficient delivery of projects.

The post is located in PSSQ within PSS at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, and is responsible for developing and keeping up-to-date FAO's corporate policies, approaches, tools and procedures related to project management. The post also provides capacity building and help desk assistance in project cycle related matters and manages assigned project cycle processes.

Reporting Lines
The Programme Officer (Project Cycle) reports to the Senior Programme Officer/Head of PSSQ under the overall supervision of the Director, PSS.

Technical Focus.
Project and programme cycle management, risk management, capacity development, quality assurance and compliance, monitoring, and support to project teams.

Key Results
Develop, implement, monitor and evaluate assigned programme/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
• Contributes to the development, revision and improvement of corporate policies/frameworks and procedures on project and programme cycle, with a focus on innovation for efficiency, effectiveness and risk management, incorporating results of relevant Audits, reviews and consultations.
• Contributes to the development of new processes, tools, systems and instruments in the Project Cycle work stream and actively contributes to related relevant business processes changes and digitalization initiatives in the Division and Organization.
• Provides operational guidance, clarifications and support on project cycle matters to Project Task Forces and other stakeholders, including relevant business owners, to ensure efficient implementation of FAO projects and programmes.
• Organizes and participates in regular consultations with Regional and Country Offices, headquarters divisions and other stakeholders, on issues and trends affecting FAO project and programme management.
• Monitors relevant Project Cycle processes to ensure efficient support.
• Contributes to PSS monitoring of audit actions and develops the plan of action for addressing Project Cycle ones.
• Contributes to the FAO corporate Information Systems initiatives on project and programme management and related themes, updates and developments, and supports implementation and follow-up.
• Contributes to operational capacity building products relating to project and programme cycle, including\: FAO Handbook pages; e-Learning; webinars or video series; and guidance notes.
• Contributes to and delivers operational trainings for FAO offices on the project and programe cycle, both remotely and in-person.
• Performs other related duties as required.
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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree in international relations, political science, development cooperation, business administration, project management or another relevant field within FAO's mandate.
• Five years of relevant experience in in project and programme management and operational support in UN or other international organizations, with at least two years of experience in development of policies, procedures and institutional tools for project cycle, project management and/or project implementation.
• 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
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building effective relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills
• Extent and relevance of experience in development of policies, procedures, and institutional tools for project cycle, project management and/or project implementation.
• Extent and relevance of knowledge of project cycle and project implementation, including working knowledge of related administrative, operational and financial procedures.
• Demonstrated analytical, strategic thinking and knowledge sharing skills, including process and workflow analysis.
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable.
• Prior experience with working in a UN agency is considered an asset.
• Knowledge of FAO policies is considered a strong asset.
• Experience in transformational change processes and change management is considered an asset.
• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of another FAO official language is considered an asset.

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FAO staff are expected to adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

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• Extension of fixed term appointments is based on certification of performance and availability of funds
• FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment.
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http\://www.whed.net/
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance\: https\://fao.service-now.com/csp

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