Programme Officer (TCP)

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the Regional Office for Africa (RAF) of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The FAO was established in 1945 and has a mission to 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 organization operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of approximately 12,000 employees. The RAF specifically focuses on addressing regional priorities for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, agriculture, and rural development in Africa, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to programs and fostering partnerships across the region.

Job Overview:
The Programme Officer (TCP) position is crucial for supporting the Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) within the Regional Office for Africa. The role involves ensuring timely approval and maximum delivery of the TCP regional allocation, which is essential for providing high-quality technical assistance interventions. The incumbent will be responsible for the implementation and monitoring of the TCP in the RAF region, which includes maximizing resource mobilization and fostering partnerships to implement Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) and regional priority frameworks. The position requires a comprehensive understanding of technical, statistical, and policy analysis to support the planning and monitoring of the program of work and related projects. The Programme Officer will act as a liaison between decentralized offices and the TCP unit at FAO headquarters, ensuring that regional priorities are effectively integrated into the organization's work.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Officer will have a wide range of responsibilities, including acting as the focal point for requests from decentralized offices regarding TCP approval criteria and policies. They will monitor the commitment of the regional allocation, alerting senior management to any risks of over- or under-commitment, and propose corrective measures. The officer will manage and monitor the TCP pipeline for the region, prepare regular reports on the commitment of TCP allocations, and keep relevant stakeholders informed about the state of country and subregional pipelines. They will analyze requests for TCP assistance, oversee information management related to TCP, and contribute to the corporate monitoring of TCP projects. Additionally, the officer will participate in the preparation and revision of TCP guidelines and policies, act as Secretary for the regional TCP Peer Review Committee, and support the prioritization and formulation of regional projects. Specific functions include managing TCP resources efficiently, ensuring adherence to TCP criteria, supporting proposal quality assurance, leading outreach activities for resource mobilization, and facilitating capacity development efforts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, social sciences, or other fields relevant to the FAO's mandate. They should have at least seven years of relevant experience in project and program management, particularly in formulating, appraising, implementing, and monitoring field projects in developing countries. Proficiency in English at a level C and intermediate knowledge of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) at level B is required. Competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing are essential for this role.

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 economics, social sciences, or other areas that align with the FAO's mission. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of food security, agriculture, and rural development.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in project and program management. This experience should encompass various aspects of project lifecycle management, including formulation, appraisal, implementation, and monitoring of field projects, particularly in developing countries. Experience in multiple locations or areas of work, especially in field positions, is desirable and will enhance the candidate's suitability for the role.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is proficiency in English at level C. Additionally, candidates should have intermediate knowledge of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) at level B. Knowledge of French is considered desirable and may provide an advantage in fulfilling the role's responsibilities.

Additional Notes:
The job is located in Accra, Ghana, at the Regional Office for Africa (RAF) of the FAO. The position may involve international collaboration and requires a commitment to the organization's mission of improving food security and agricultural practices in the region. The role is full-time, and candidates should be prepared for a dynamic work environment that involves collaboration with various stakeholders and partners. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO's policies and standards.