Programme Officer (Implementing Partnerships)

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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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• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply
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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. 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 PSS Operational Modalities Team (PSSN) facilitates the efficient and effective delivery of the FAO field programme through new working methodologies such as Cash Transfers, Vouchers and Grants to beneficiaries, as well as project delivery through in-country partners, via the Operational Partnership Implementation Modality (OPIM). The work of PSSN is strongly field-focused, seeking to provide policies, procedures, training, and tools that increase the effectiveness of FAO offices implementing projects, in a broad variety of contexts.

The position is responsible for portfolio coordination, quality assurance and helpdesk assistance for projects and programmes with implementing/ operational partners. The position also coordinates capacity building in matters related to implementing partnerships, informs project monitoring initiatives and feeds into implementing partnership policy and stakeholder management matters.
The post is located in the Operational Modalities Team (PSSN) within PSS at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines
The Programme Officer (Implementing Partnerships) reports to a Senior Programme Officer in the Operational Modalities Team under the overall supervision of the Senior Programme Officer/ Team Lead.

Technical Focus
Operational modalities and procedures, policy setting, portfolio quality assurance and oversight, compliance and help desk support, capacity development and knowledge management, risk-based management, project management, inter-agency collaboration, with a focus on operational/implementing partnerships.

Key Results
Develop, implement, monitor and evaluate assigned programmes/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
• Oversees timely and accurate quality assurance of projects using implementing/operational partners throughout the project cycle, ensuring compliance with the relevant policy and procedures.
• Ensures the daily coordination of the implementing partner project portfolio with specialist consultants in headquarters and Regional Offices, providing advice and guidance as required.
• Coordinates accurate and timely monitoring and oversight of projects using implementing partners.
• Contributes to operational capacity building strategy development, planning and delivery relating to implementing partnerships policy compliance and implementation, including workshops, briefings, FAO Handbook pages, e-Learning courses, webinars or video series.
• Contributes to the implementation of corporate policies/frameworks and procedures on implementing partnerships, with a focus on innovation for efficiency, effectiveness and risk management, incorporating results of relevant audits and reviews.
• Contributes to the development of new processes, tools, systems and instruments in projects and programmes using implementing partners.
• Provides operational guidance, clarifications and support on implementing partnership matters to project task forces and other stakeholders, including relevant business owners, to ensure the efficient implementation of FAO projects and programmes with implementing partners.
• Undertakes and contributes to support missions to Country and Regional Offices to provide training and technical support to implementing partnership projects that are ongoing or under negotiation.
• Contributes to the FAO corporate information systems initiatives on implementing partnership management and related themes, updates and developments and supports implementation and follow-up actions.
• 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, economics, business administration, project management or another relevant field within FAO's mandate.
• Five years of relevant experience in project and programme management and operational support.
• Working knowledge (proficiency – level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency– 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
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions.
• Extent and relevance of project cycle and project implementation, including working knowledge of related administrative, operational and financial procedures and experience with risk-based and results-based management.
• Extent and relevance of experience in UN Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT) policies and procedures is an asset.
• Experience of least two years in development of policies, procedures and institutional tools for effective project management, implementing partnerships and/or project implementation.
• Demonstrated experience in formulating, applying and/or conducting quality assurance processes for UN policies related to implementation of projects and programmes through partners is desirable.
• Technical knowledge of best practices in using implementing/operational partnerships for design and delivery of projects/programmes.
• Previous experience in design and delivery of capacity building programmes in an international context.
• Ability to support complex consultative processes involving internal and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of FAO Project Cycle, administrative and operational management policies and practices is considered an asset.
• Experience in institutional collaboration and partnership with governments, donors, non-profit sector and development agencies is 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.

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