Senior Programme Officer

• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented member nations and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply for this position
• FAO does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
• The incumbent may be re-assigned to different activities and/or duty stations depending on the evolving needs of the Organization.

The Senior Programme Officer reports to the Director, OSL.

Programme strategy and support; establishment of partnerships; coordination and planning with headquarters and decentralized offices; engagement and liaison with FAO partners.

Leadership and technical expertise for the planning, development and implementation of Programmes of work, projects, related-products, and services in accordance with FAO Strategic Objectives.

• Leads the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects; directs review of relevant documents and reports; identifies priorities, problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and initiates follow-up actions;
• Coordinates programmes and reviews the assessments of issues and trends for the implementation of programmes and projects and the preparation of impact evaluation or equivalent studies;
• Supervises preparation of various written outputs, e.g. background papers, analysis, substantial sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications;
• Directs substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations;
• Manages outreach activities; designs and conducts training workshops, seminars, makes presentations on assigned topics/activities;
• Leads field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties;
• Represents the Organization at international meetings and conferences, identifies and implements strategic partnerships, advocates best practices and increased dialogue and develops and negotiates effective working relationships/consensus and agreements with international and national stakeholders.

• Coordinates and leads the development of corporate workflows and processes, in consultation with other relevant FAO divisions/offices, to facilitate implementation of programmes and projects in the countries concerned;
• Contributes to the development and design of complex programmes/projects at country, interregional and/or regional levels;
• Engages with external actors and partners, including Members, the private sector, UN System partners and others to support the Office through, inter alia, resource mobilization and/or complementary interventions in areas beyond FAO's mandate or capacity;
• Liaises with FAO units/offices to ensure corporate data align to best support evidence-based, country-led and country-owned programme design and policy solutions;
• Contributes to analyses and recommendations to Director OSL and other FAO senior management on options for policies, strategies and programmes that will contribute to achieving corporate objectives.

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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

• Advanced university degree in development studies, natural resources, social sciences, agriculture or a related field;
• Ten years of relevant experience in project/programme development, planning, implementation and appraisal, as well as in the development and use of results-based management and monitoring systems;
• Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

• Results Focus
• Leading, Engaging and Empowering
• Communication
• Partnering and Advocating
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
• Strategic Thinking

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is essential

• Extent and relevance of experience in management and administration of agricultural or food security projects/programmes in developing countries, in particular SIDs, LDCs, and/or LLDCs;
• Extent and relevance of experience in institutional collaboration and partnership with UN agencies, governments, private sector, international financial institutions (IFIs), and other regional, national and local institutions, agencies and partners;
• Demonstrated ability to process complex data and analyze information as the basis for technical and policy advice for governments and input to national and international fora;
• Extent and relevance of experience in supporting the development and design of programmes/projects and in the management of programmes/projects, including the delivery of complex programmes/projects at country, interregional and/or regional levels
• In-depth knowledge of administrative, operational, fiduciary and financial procedures related to programme and project management is considered a strong asset;
• Understanding of FAO policies, strategies and flagship programmes, is considered a strong asset;
• Demonstrated political judgement in an international environment, including strong communication and negotiation skills, maturity, tact and diplomacy.