National Professional Officer (Programme)

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO's mission is to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members, including 194 countries and the European Union, FAO operates in over 130 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on providing policy advice, technical assistance, and capacity development to enhance food and agriculture systems globally. FAO Country Offices work under corporate guidance to deliver on programmatic priorities aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, ensuring effective operations with adequate resources.

Job Overview:
The National Professional Officer (Programme) position is crucial for the effective management and coordination of technical and operational support for FAO's program and project activities in Kazakhstan. This role involves advising and liaising with government authorities and various institutions, representing FAO at inter-agency meetings, and promoting the organization's mandate and programs. The officer will be responsible for coordinating the maintenance of country data related to food, crops, livestock, forestry, and fisheries, and will produce technical, economic, and policy studies as required. The position also entails identifying and preparing program and project proposals, monitoring implementation, and ensuring adherence to operational activities as per the work plan. The officer will also supervise lower-grade staff and ensure the accuracy and diligence of their work.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the National Professional Officer (Programme) include advising and liaising with government authorities and institutions, promoting FAO's image through advocacy, coordinating the maintenance of country data on food and agriculture, producing technical studies, identifying and preparing program proposals, monitoring project implementation, briefing and supervising lower-grade staff, and performing other duties as required. Specific functions include providing program support for the FAO-Kazakhstan Partnership Programme, enhancing partnerships between Kazakhstan and FAO, promoting collaborations with academic institutions and civil societies, leading the preparation of operational reports, organizing meetings, and facilitating communication between the country office and FAO headquarters.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be nationals of Kazakhstan and possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in agriculture, agricultural economics, forestry, fisheries, or a related field. A minimum of five years of relevant experience in agricultural development or project implementation in areas related to FAO's activities is required. Proficiency in English, Russian, and the local language is mandatory, with a working knowledge of these languages at proficiency level C.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, specifically a Master's degree or equivalent, in fields such as agriculture, agricultural economics, forestry, fisheries, or any other area relevant to the work of the FAO. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of agricultural systems and the challenges faced in food security and nutrition.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant experience in agricultural development and/or project implementation, particularly in areas aligned with FAO's activities within Kazakhstan. This experience should encompass program/project development and management, as well as familiarity with operational guidelines and procedures, preferably those adopted by the United Nations or FAO.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position include English, Russian, and the local language of Kazakhstan, with proficiency required at level C. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role based in Astana, Kazakhstan. The National Professional Officer will work under the guidance of the Head of the FAO Partnership and Liaison Office and will be involved in various aspects of program development and management. The role may involve international collaboration and requires a commitment to FAO's mission of achieving food security and combating hunger.