Senior Adviser

Organizational Setting

The Office of the Deputy Director-General (DDG) supports the strategic coordination and oversight functions of the Divisions/ Offices/Centres that come under the direct responsibility of the DDG.

The Office of the DDG has primary responsibility geared towards ensuring an enabling and supporting environment for FAO's delivery, with focus on optimizing management systems, administrative service delivery and ensuring operational support capacity at all locations. It further ensures the strategic coordination of Decentralized Offices.

The post of the Senior Adviser is located in the Office of the Deputy Director-General at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines
The Senior Adviser reports to the Deputy Director-General.

Technical Focus

The Senior Adviser provides high-level strategic, policy and operational advice and support to the Deputy Director-General (DDG) and the Senior Management Team under Reporting Line A. The incumbent ensures the effective functioning of the DDG Office and contributes to advancing organizational priorities, modernization, and delivery at all levels.

Key Results

Leadership and technical expertise for the planning, development and implementation of programmes of work, projects and services in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework.

Key Functions

• Leads the development, implementation and evaluation on technical issues of assigned programmes/projects; directs the review of relevant documents and reports; identifies priorities, liaises with relevant parties; identifies and initiates follow-up actions.

• Coordinates programmes and reviews the assessment of issues and trends for the implementation of programmes and projects as well as the preparation of impact evaluation or equivalent studies.

• Supervises preparation of various written outputs, e.g. background papers, analyses, substantial sections of reports as well as studies, and inputs to publications.

• Directs substantive support to consultative meetings and conferences, to include the proposition of agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations.

• Manages outreach activities; designs and conducts training workshops, seminars; and makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.

• Leads field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties.

• Provides advice to develop policies and strategies as well as national protocols and guidelines for projects with specific domains related to FAO's work.

Specific Functions

• Coordinates the support of the DDG team to the processes for business improvement, operational modernization, and logistics transformation processes to strengthen FAO's delivery across all locations.

• Prepares or coordinates the preparation and revision of reports, briefing notes and talking points for the DDG for high-level events, internal meetings, and specific reviews (e.g. programme reviews, audits, assessments or evaluations, etc.).

• Oversees the preparation of the DDG's participation in FAO governance meetings, including his role as chairperson of committees and boards under his direct responsibility, as well as his representation of the Organization at external meetings.

• Supports and coordinates the contribution of the Divisions/Offices under the oversight of the DDG to corporate planning and reporting exercises, including on internal control, risk management, PWB, and year-end reporting.

• Supports the DDG in ensuring effective coordination on Decentralized Office matters, including leading the preparation and organization of the Global Working Conference of FAO Representatives (GWC) and coordinating the implementation of related follow-up actions.

• Supports the DDG in day-to-day management in reviewing documentation, notes and messages submitted for his attention or decision, liaising with relevant stakeholders in headquarters or Decentralized Offices as required.

• Supervises the DDG Programme Support Unit (PBSU-D) and compliance/internal control work, providing direction, planning work assignments, and monitoring progress.

• Facilitates the overall functioning of the DDG Office, fostering teamwork, ensuring synergies, and coordinated action among the various areas.

• Performs budget holder functions for the DDG Office, and planning and managing of financial resources in line with procedures.

• Performs other related duties as required.

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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, business administration, management or related fields.

• Ten years of relevant experience in project/programme planning and appraisal, as well as in the development of results based and management/monitoring systems.

• 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

• Leading, Engaging and Empowering

• Communication

• Partnering and Advocating

• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

• Strategic Thinking

Technical/Functional Skills

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

• Extent and relevance of experience in providing strategic advice and oversight on programme and project management, including in-depth knowledge of related administrative, operational and financial procedures.

• Extent and relevance of experience and skills in project identification, programme and project formulation, analysis, planning and implementation.

• Level of knowledge of results-based management methods and experience in their application.