Programme Officer (Implementing Partnerships)

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 has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims 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. FAO's mission is to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, make agriculture, forestry, and fisheries more productive and sustainable, reduce rural poverty, and enable inclusive and efficient agricultural and food systems. The Project Support Division (PSS) coordinates FAO's efforts towards the effective implementation of the FAO Strategic Framework and the four Betters aiming at achieving the 2030 Agenda, through its projects and programmes.

Job Overview:
The Programme Officer (Implementing Partnerships) plays a crucial role in the Operational Modalities Team (PSSN) within the Project Support Division (PSS) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. This position focuses on the permanent innovation and continuous development of the Implementing Partnerships (IP) modality through policy improvements, digitalization of work processes, and partner interaction platforms. The officer will be responsible for developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating assigned programmes/projects, ensuring that they align with FAO's strategic objectives. The role requires a strong emphasis on field-focused work, providing policies, procedures, training, and tools that enhance the effectiveness of FAO offices in implementing projects across various contexts. The officer will also assist in policy development, outreach activities, and coordination of budget and funding activities related to programme/project preparation and submissions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Officer (Implementing Partnerships) include participating in the development, implementation, and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects, monitoring and analyzing programme/project development, and identifying problems and proposing corrective actions. The officer will assist in policy development, prepare various written outputs such as drafts of background papers and reports, and conduct outreach activities including training workshops and seminars. Additionally, the officer will coordinate activities related to budget and funding, prepare related documents and reports, and contribute to the end-to-end rollout and implementation of FAO's policy on Implementing Partnerships. Specific functions include developing procedures for quality assurance, strengthening risk-based management procedures, maintaining a multilingual capacity development programme, driving agile implementation, and providing subject-matter expertise to multi-channel communications and outreach on IP management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international relations, political science, development cooperation, economics, business administration, project management, or another relevant field within FAO's mandate. A minimum of five years of relevant experience in project and programme management and operational support in UN or other international organizations is required. Candidates should have a 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).

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as international relations, political science, development cooperation, economics, business administration, project management, or other relevant areas that align with FAO's mission and objectives. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of international development and project management within the context of FAO's work.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of relevant experience in project and programme management and operational support, particularly within UN or other international organizations. Experience in developing policies, procedures, and institutional tools for effective project management and implementing partnerships is highly valued. Additionally, candidates should have experience in risk-based management and results-based management, including knowledge of controls and oversight in partner-implemented projects.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with a working knowledge (level C) required. Candidates should also have intermediate knowledge (level B) of another official FAO language, which could include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. Knowledge of additional languages is considered an asset and may enhance communication and collaboration within the international context of FAO's work.

Additional Notes:
This position is based at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, and is likely to be a full-time role. The specific contract duration and seniority level are not mentioned in the job description. Candidates should be prepared for a dynamic work environment that may involve collaboration with various stakeholders, including governments, donors, NGOs, and other UN agencies. Compensation and benefits details are typically provided during the recruitment process.