Programme Specialist (Strategic Planning And Resource Mobilization)

Through its country offices or its Representative in line with FAO global strategy, FAO country offices assists governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to address hunger and malnutrition and provides technical support for the sustainable development of their agricultural, livestock, fishery and forestry sectors. The activities carried out by the FAO Country Offices include the design and implementation of country tailored field programmes, liaison with local donor representatives and active public awareness-raising as well as other outreach activities related to FAO initiatives.

The Programme Specialist will be the lead in the formulation of in country strategic planning in line with FAO mandate to guide development activities and resource partner outreach for the FAO Yemen Programme, under the overall guidance of the FAO Representative and the direct supervision of the Head of Programme for Yemen, working closely with FAO Yemen Sector Heads, Programme Support Unit, Operations, Yemen sub-offices and relevant FAO divisions at regional, sub-regional and headquarters levels. For all resource mobilization and grant negotiation activities the Programme Officer will coordinate closely with the Office of South-South and Triangular Cooperation (OSS), Programme Support in Emergencies Division (PSE) and Business Development and Resource Mobilization Division (PSR) to ensure coordinated outreach.

The Programme Specialist will support the exchange of development solutions, management and networks, mobilization of upstream policy support, and fostering an enabling environment for the implementation of strategic initiatives.

The Programme Office is also responsible for providing policy setting, guidance and support to units responsible for operating projects.

The post is located in Amman, Jordan and foresees extensive travel in the region, including Yemen.

Reporting Lines

The Programme Specialist (Strategic Planning and Resource Mobilization) will report to the FAO Head of Programme, in close consultation with the Programme Support in Emergencies Division (PSE) and Business Development and Resource Mobilization Division (PSR) to ensure coordinated outreach.

Strategic planning, Resource Mobilization, Donor Relations, Grant negotiation, capacity development and programming support.

• Advise on and develop in country strategic thinking and related plans as lead of the unit.
• Lead the development of successful, results-based strategies and plans;
• Prepare key documents, including FAO Yemen's Country Programming Framework revision, emergency response plans and FAO's contribution to wider UN and Government-led strategies and plans;
• Review and clear Project Documents for consistency with FAO's vision and strategic thinking;
• Initiate contact with potential partners to explore funding opportunities, in close cooperation with PSR/PSE leads negotiations of funding agreements and project proposals with governments, international organizations, private sector and civil society partners;
• maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders throughout the project cycle, including to support implementation;
• Facilitate and/or steers strategic planning processes, centered on inclusiveness, unity of purpose, results-based accountability and building alignment internally and with external partners, particularly government and resource partners;
• Support national priority setting exercises in Yemen with government counterparts at regional and district levels;
• Research and analyse donor strategies, identifying entry points for FAO Yemen;
• Lead donor outreach efforts, through proactive communication on the analysis, needs and priorities underpinning the FAO Yemen Programme, with focus on results, value for money, lessons learned and FAO's comparative advantage;.
• Oversee the formulation of strategic information products, distilling key information and messages on the FAO Yemen Programme for internal and external use;
• Perform other duties as required

• Advanced university degree in international development, development economics, international law, business administration, agriculture, agricultural economics, or another field relevant to the work of the Organization
• Five years of relevant experience in programme planning/design, facilitation, strategic communication and/or donor outreach
• Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish (knowledge of Arabic is preferred)

• Results Focused
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous improvement

Selection Criteria/ 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 planning/design, facilitation, strategic communication and/or donor outreach
• Extent and relevance of experience in working with international organizations, government authorities, NGOs and other partners