National Programme Specialist

Organizational Setting

FAO Ukraine is a project management Office headed by the Regional Programme Leader (RPL) under the operational responsibility of the Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia. FAO Ukraine is contributing to the development of national policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of FAO Regional Programme Leader for Europe and Central Asia, Lead Technical Officer and Head of Office in Ukraine, and under direct supervision of the International Team Leader, the National Programme Specialist will be responsible for the provision of support to initiate implementation, coordination of activities, planning, monitoring and evaluation and reporting of the project.

Technical Focus

The Project seeks to support the policy dialogue between on issues related to smallholder farming, including forestry and fisheries, through the piloting of tools and processes. It has three components 1) fisheries, to improved policy and decision-making, improved governance towards sustainability, including legislative advancements, improved monitoring and control and improved capacity in data collection and scientific advice; 2) forestry sector, to help secure the long-term sustainability of forest management and to improve evidence-based policymaking in the sector; 3) development and implementation of matching grants and complementary technical assistance for strengthening smallholder farmer integration to selected agricultural value chains, including through improved access to finance, inputs and services and inclusive business models and linkages with other value chain actors.

Tasks and responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the National Programme Specialist will be responsible for the following:

1. Planning and implementation of Project activities:

• Provide overall assistance to the Team Leader, support monitoring and ensure smooth implementation.
• Oversee day-to-day implementation of the project in line with the workplans.
• Conduct research and analysis of information.
• Prepare task force meetings and ensure availability of secretarial support; develop workplans and papers in close coordination with Technical Officers, Operations and the Admin teams.
• Participate in the preparation workplans, support the development of monitoring and evaluation tools and identification of corrective measures to overcome constraints.
• Provide day-to-day administrative support to the project, in coordination with the Office supporting Units.
• In close liaison with the Team Leader, support communication with institutions, organize regular planning, facilitate the organization of the Project Steering Committee and workshops, draft meeting agenda, minutes and follow actions.

• Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
• Supports the Technical Officers to liaise and coordinate with national consultants, ensures timely collection of inputs, technical support services and ensures appropriate follow-up actions.
• Coordinates the preparation of project reports, annual reports, donor reports and briefs (as specified in the project agreement), as well as contributing to the preparation of drafting of FAO purchase orders and Letters of Agreement.
• Facilitates the submission to Reporting Units and Team Leader, in consistent and timely manner, ensuring final uploads to the Field Programme Management Information System (FPMIS).
• Coordinates actions related to timely project completion/closure, including identification of project follow-up requirements.
• Ensures the quality of data/documentation in the Field Programme Management Information System (FPMIS) for assigned project.
• Any other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in Agriculture Science, Agricultural Economics, Social Sciences or related fields.
• At least three years of relevant professional experience.
• Advanced knowledge of English. Knowledge of one of the other FAO languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is an advantage.
• Proficiency in Ukrainian.
• National of Ukraine.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in NGOs, INGOs, UN or other technical and/or humanitarian assistance organizations.
• Ability to work under pressure and to carry out several tasks in a timely fashion and under tight deadlines, with minimum supervision.
• Relevant experience and skills in programme and project implementation, project formulation, analysis and planning;
• Good understanding of the purpose and functions of technical programmes, UN’s guidelines, and project / programme management procedures.
• Systematic and efficient approach to work on assignments, good judgment and analytical ability.
• Direct project implementation experience is an asset.