National Professional Officer (Technical Coordinator)

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented member nations and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold our values. FAO has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and FAO, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.
• All selected candidates will 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 Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.
FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

The Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU) is responsible for leading FAO's response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO's priority activities in the region. It oversees the network of Country Offices and the Subregional Office for Central Asia (SEC). It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the region and, in collaboration with Divisions, Offices and Centres at headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to regional priorities and the implementation of the Organization's strategies through programmes and projects across the region.
The Regional Office supports the formulation and implementation of the Country Programmes and Projects, including Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) and their contribution to the FAO Strategic Framework and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) at the country level, advising Decentralized Offices on corporate priorities such as the Strategic Framework and on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization's Programme of Work and Budget.

The Regional Office leads, formulates, implements, monitors and reports on the Organization's programmes and budget in the region and draws management attention to problems, deficiencies and risks.

The Regional Office leads the preparation of the Regional Conferences and the sessions of Statutory Bodies in the region. The Regional Office develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions, including the Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs) and participates in the United Nations Regional Architecture, such as UN Regional Forums on Sustainable Development and UN Regional Collaborative Platforms and related mechanisms.
The Regional Office delivers an improved, integrated and collaborative business model to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, consistency, innovation, agility and responsiveness in logistical, operational, financial and other support services at all levels to accelerate the achievement of the Organization's programme in the region and ensure compliance with the Internal Control Framework.

The post is located in the FAO Project Office in Belgrade, Serbia.

Reporting Lines

The National Professional Officer (Technical Coordinator) reports to Senior Field Programme Officer/the Budget Holder and works under direct technical supervision of the Lead Technical Officer in the Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, in close coordination with the FAO National Programme Coordinator for Serbia, and under the oversight of the Deputy Regional Representative as de facto Head of Serbia.

Technical Focus

Supporting the Budget Holder and the Lead Technical Officer in the technical coordination of the assigned projects and programmes, mainly the GCF “FP260\: Enhancing the resilience of Serbian forests to ensure energy security of the most vulnerable while contributing to their livelihoods and carbon sequestration (FOREST Invest)”.

Key Results

Effective and efficient coordination and provision of technical and operational support of the programme and project activities of the office.

Key Functions

• Liaises and assists government authorities and local, national and international institutions in the areas of FAO's activities in the country and with other UN agencies. He/she may represent FAO at inter-agency meetings as required.
• Promotes the image of FAO through advocacy of the Organization's mandate, programmes, national priorities and activities, including development and maintenance of communication tools (such as website, press releases and publications) and support to implementation of FAO's regulatory framework (Codex Alimentarius, Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, Safe Use of Pesticides, etc.) in the country.
• Coordinates the collection, consolidation and maintenance of country data on food, crops, livestock, forestry and fisheries, including information on external aid in FAO's corporate systems, and monitors changes in national policies affecting the agricultural sector.
• Participates in producing technical, economic and policy studies, as required, and developing country level development frameworks, such as the Country Programming Framework (CPF) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).
• Participates in the identification, formulation and preparation of programme and project proposals and monitors and reviews the status of programme/project implementation to ensure that all operational activities are carried out in line with the work plan and the project document; identifies inconsistencies and delays and, when necessary, proposes corrective measures to overcome operational constraints.
• Briefs, trains and supervises junior staff; ensures adherence to procedures and work requirements as well as accuracy and diligence of the work provided.
• Performs other duties as required.

Specific Functions

• Manages the day-to-day management of technical matters of the assigned project.
• Leads the preparation of project work plan, procurement plan and needs for technical expertise, as well as to progress monitoring.
• Manages the environment and social risk management plan, including gender mainstreaming and the technical backstopping of the project.
• Ensures adequate information flow on project progress and results within FAO and in the country, discussions and feedback between the executing partners of the project on technical matters, ensuring stakeholder engagement throughout the project cycle.
• Leads the preparation of Terms of References for technical project personnel and service providers.
• Supervises and guides the work of technical personnel and service providers, as well as technical aspects of procurement and co-financing agreements.
• Provides technical guidance to project executing partners and monitors their technical contributions within the agreed terms.
• Leads the preparation of the technical content of workshops/meetings/events and reviews related project documentation such as meeting minutes and workshop proceedings, and communication materials such as briefing notes, project summary, newsletter etc. for ensuring their technical quality and visibility.
• Ensures the quality of technical project reports required for FAO and GCF (Green Climate Fund) and their availability for the interim independent evaluation and final independent evaluation in close coordination with FAO REU and the FAO Independent Office of Evaluation (OED).
• Conducts field missions and ensures regular briefing to the GCF National Designated Authority as well as authorized officers of national counterparts on project progress, as appropriate.
• Engages in regular, solutions-oriented task force meetings with Regional Office and colleagues at headquarters to update on project progress.
• Undertakes any other actions related to the project as requested by FAO.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• National of the country of assignment.
• Advanced university degree in agriculture, agricultural economics, forestry, fisheries or any other field related to the work of the Organization.
• Three years of relevant experience in agricultural development and/or project implementation in an area of FAO's activities in the country.
• Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English.
• Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of the local language.

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 experience in the field of forestry, climate change and/or related fields, including policy and governance.
• Extent and relevance of experience in the collection of data at national and regional levels in the field of forestry, climate change, socioeconomics and/or other related fields.
• Extent and relevance of experience in programme/project implementation, monitoring and review.
• Demonstrated understanding of the purpose and functions of the programming documents and frameworks, operational guidelines and project/programme management procedures, preferably' those adopted by the United Nations or FAO.

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.
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GENERAL INFORMATION

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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CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click on the following link\: https\://commonsystem.org/cp/default.asp
FAO encourages a positive workplace culture to increase inclusivity and diversity within its workforce. FAO applies measures in which all staff members contribute equally and in full to the work and development of the Organization. This includes\:
• elements of family-friendly policies
• flexible working arrangements
• standards of conduct