Programme Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (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, and to promote sustainable agriculture and rural development. The FAO Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands (SAP) is located in Apia, Samoa, and covers 14 Pacific Island countries, addressing challenges such as climate change, economic vulnerabilities, and food insecurity to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The Programme Specialist position at FAO involves supporting the implementation and coordination of various projects and programs aimed at transforming agrifood systems in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The role requires the application of effective international development project management methodologies to enhance sustainable agrifood systems, focusing on areas such as policy development, community-based production, climate-smart agriculture, and nutrition-sensitive food systems. The incumbent will work closely with various stakeholders, including government counterparts and development partners, to ensure that projects are aligned with national priorities and effectively contribute to food security and nutrition in the Pacific region. The position demands strong leadership in project planning, monitoring, and reporting, as well as technical guidance in agrifood systems transformation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities of the Programme Specialist include leading project planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting to ensure timely delivery within donor-approved timeframes. This involves preparing and coordinating annual work plans, procurement plans, and budgets, as well as managing the hiring and performance of project personnel. The incumbent will also monitor and evaluate the work of consultants and implementing partners, ensuring compliance with FAO standards. Organizing Project Steering Committee meetings and ensuring effective financial management are also critical duties. The Programme Specialist will represent FAO in various national and regional meetings, provide technical guidance to project teams, and support the development of training materials and capacity-building programs. Additionally, the role includes facilitating cross-country learning and building partnerships with regional organizations and development partners.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Business Administration, Project Management, International Development, Agriculture, or a related field. Those with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. A minimum of five years of relevant experience in program/project management, international development, monitoring and evaluation, or related fields is required. Candidates should also demonstrate a working knowledge of English at level C, as well as core competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, and building effective relationships.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in relevant fields such as Business Administration, Project Management, International Development, or Agriculture. For candidates with a bachelor's degree, an additional two years of relevant professional experience is necessary to meet the minimum qualifications.

Experience:
The position requires at least five years of relevant experience in areas such as program/project management, international development, monitoring and evaluation, agrifood systems, or working with donor-funded projects and UN/international organizations. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to manage complex projects and collaborate effectively with various stakeholders.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at level C is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly languages relevant to the Pacific region, as they could enhance communication and collaboration with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is likely to be full-time and may involve international recruitment. Specific details regarding contract duration, compensation, and benefits are not provided in the job description. However, candidates should be prepared for a role that requires significant engagement with various stakeholders and may involve travel to project sites across the Pacific Islands.