Programme Officer (Field Programme)

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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.

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

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 Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) is responsible for leading FAO's response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO's priority activities in the region. It oversees the network of Country Offices and the Subregional Office(s) for the Pacific Islands and Asia. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the region, and, in collaboration with Divisions, Offices and Centres at headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to regional priorities and the implementation of the Organization’s strategies through programmes and projects across the region.

The Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) supports the formulation and implementation of the Country Programmes and Projects, including Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs), and their contribution to the FAO Strategic Framework and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) at the country level, advising Decentralized Offices on corporate priorities such as the Strategic Framework and on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization's Programme of Work and Budget.

The Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) leads, formulates, implements, monitors and reports on the Organization’s programmes and budget in the region and draws management attention to problems, deficiencies and risks.

The Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) leads the preparation of the Regional Conferences and the Statutory Bodies in the region.

The Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions, including the Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs), and participates in the United Nations Regional Architecture, such as UN Regional Forums on Sustainable Development (RFSDs) and UN Regional Collaborative Platforms (RCPs) and related mechanisms.

The Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) delivers an improved, integrated and collaborative business model to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, consistency, innovation, agility and responsiveness in logistical, operational, financial and other support services at all levels to accelerate the achievement of the Organization’s programme in the region and ensure compliance with the Internal Control Framework.

The Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) is led by the Assistant Director-General (ADG) and includes two Deputy Regional Representatives (DRRs).
The position is located in the Country Support and Field Programme (CFP) Stream of the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) in Bangkok, Thailand.

Reporting Lines
The Programme Officer (Field Programme) reports to Senior Field Programme Officer (SFPO), Leader, Country Support and Field Programme (CFP) Stream in RAP.

Technical Focus
Field programme management including project implementation as delegated Budget Holder, provision of operational and management backstopping and oversight of key performance indicators including for emergency, resilience/rehabilitation and development projects, for national and regional projects and advise on relevant policy matters related to Project Cycle and related Operational Modalities.

Key Results
Comprehensive technical and policy expertise to support the planning, implementation and monitoring of corporate programmes and projects at regional level and globally in coordination with other Regional Offices.

Key Functions

• Monitors and analyses issues and trends within the region under his/her responsibility; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and initiates corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; and ensures follow-up actions.
• Contributes to policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends; generates survey initiatives; reviews, analyses and interprets responses; and identifies problems/issues and prepares conclusions.
• Organizes and finalizes written outputs, e.g. background papers, analyses, sections of reports and studies, and inputs to publications.
• Provides substantive backstopping to consultative and other meetings and conferences, including proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations.
• Initiates and coordinates outreach and communication-related activities; reviews and contributes to the development of learning materials; conducts training workshops and seminars; and makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
• Leads and/or participates in field missions, including provision of guidance to Subregional and Country Offices and other parties, and prepares mission summaries.

Specific Functions

• Assumes the role as delegated Budget Holder and implements FAO Project Cycle and relevant project management tools in the region and ensures timely and quality delivery of field programme/projects.
• Oversees associated administration, work plan, staff and affiliate workforce for the projects.
• Reviews and monitors project budgets and resources management and prepares requests and revisions as required; monitors and alerts about budget expenditures and resources; reviews project transaction listings with a view to identifying errors in accounting against budget lines.
• Supports oversight of projects in need of management action and provides practical advice and solutions.
• Liaises with relevant donors and ensures that donor requirements are properly followed in project implementation, as well as exploring opportunities for partnerships.
• Provides close monitoring and organizes ad hoc operational support to Country Offices and Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands (SAP) in the development and implementation of new projects and new operational modalities.
• Supports SFPO in developing and implementing initiatives to enlarge the field programme; advance the programmatic approaches, results-based management, adequate internal control, and efficiency and effectiveness in field programme operations.
• Collaborates in the development of improved/updated tools, systems, processes, and databases.
• Supports planning and implementation of project cycle and operational modality capacity development activities.
• Fulfills assigned project cycle quality assurance roles.
• Assists the Budget Holder of RAP Global Environment Facility (GEF) Agency Fee and provides monitor and operational support, ensures its strategic planning and proper use of the resources.
• Supports field programme and office audits and evaluations, with a particular focus on RAP's regional programme and partnerships.
• Under SFPO’s guidance, leads efforts to enhance capacity development of country offices and project teams.
• Leads and organizes project task force meetings and ensures timely development and implementation of corporate and regional initiatives.

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced University degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration or public administration, social science, development, political science, economics or a related field.
• Seven years of relevant experience in project or programme management, operations, implementation, monitoring systems/appraisals, administration or related area.
• Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• 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 programme/project management, in the management/operation of small-, medium and/or large-scale projects at country and regional levels, including in-depth knowledge of related operational, administrative and financial procedures and project management guidelines and operational modalities.
• Extent and relevance of experience and skills in project identification, programme and project formulation, budgeting, analysis, planning and implementation.
• Ability to develop plans for the implementation and coordination of projects in developing countries, in partnership with UN agencies and other concerned actors.
• Level of knowledge of results-based management (RBM) methods, and experience including in applying results frameworks.
• Knowledge of field programme issues in the Asia-Pacific Region is considered a strong asset.
• Familiarity with UN administrative, operational and financial procedures is an asset.
• Understanding of FAO policies and programmes is considered a strong asset.
• Diversity of international experience is considered a strong 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/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.
• 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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