Programme Officer (Programme Hub)

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB) is a vital part of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) that focuses on addressing the pressing challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. Established to provide cross-organizational coordination on these critical issues, OCB plays a significant role in facilitating access to climate and environmental financing, such as the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The office also hosts several important programs, including the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) Programme and the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. OCB is committed to supporting FAO Members in their efforts to tackle the interconnected challenges of security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and environmental sustainability, and it operates within a framework that aligns with major multilateral environmental agreements, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

Job Overview:
The Programme Officer (Programme Hub) position is integral to the Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. This role involves providing strategic and operational support to the Director, Deputy, and Executive Management Team of OCB. The Programme Officer will be responsible for coordinating various administrative, budgetary, and programming processes, ensuring that the office responds effectively and promptly to implementation, monitoring, operational, and administrative requests. The position requires a proactive approach to developing, implementing, and evaluating programs and projects that align with the objectives of the office and the broader FAO Strategic Framework. The Programme Officer will also engage in policy development, research, and analysis, and will play a key role in facilitating workshops and outreach activities to promote the office's initiatives and objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Officer will undertake a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: developing, implementing, and evaluating assigned programs/projects; monitoring and analyzing program/project development and implementation; reviewing relevant documents and reports; identifying problems and issues to be addressed and initiating corrective actions; liaising with relevant parties to ensure follow-up actions are taken. The officer will perform specific assignments in collaboration with clients, planning and facilitating workshops and interactive sessions, and assisting in the development of action plans. Additionally, the Programme Officer will research, analyze, and present information gathered from diverse sources, coordinate policy development, and generate survey initiatives to gather and interpret responses. The role also involves organizing and preparing written outputs such as background papers, analyses, sections of reports, and inputs to publications. The Programme Officer will provide substantive backstopping to consultative meetings and conferences, propose agenda topics, identify participants, and prepare necessary documents and presentations. Furthermore, the officer will lead and participate in large, complex field missions, providing guidance to external consultants and government officials, and drafting mission summaries. Coordination of budget funding activities, including program/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, and financial statements, is also a key responsibility.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, public administration, economics, agriculture, environmental sciences, or a related field. A minimum of seven years of relevant experience in project or program planning and management, administration, and the development of results-based management systems applied to the project and programming cycle is required. Additionally, candidates must have a working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another FAO official language, which may include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish.

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 business administration, public administration, economics, agriculture, environmental sciences, or related disciplines. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of project management and the operational needs of the Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment.

Experience:
Candidates should have a substantial level of experience, specifically a minimum of seven years, in areas related to project or program planning and management. This experience should encompass administration and the development of results-based management systems that are applicable to the project and programming cycle. Experience in multiple locations or areas of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable, as is familiarity with the United Nations and/or knowledge of FAO policies and systems, which is considered a strong asset.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is a working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English. Additionally, candidates must have intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another FAO official language, which can be Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. Proficiency in these languages is crucial for effective communication and collaboration within the international context of the FAO.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Rome, Italy, at the FAO headquarters. The role is full-time and involves significant responsibilities that require a high level of expertise and commitment. The Programme Officer will be expected to engage in various administrative and operational tasks that support the strategic objectives of the Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment. The position may involve international collaboration and outreach activities, and candidates should be prepared for potential travel as part of their duties.