National Programme Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The FAO Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands (SAP) was established in 1996 in Samoa. Its mission is to coordinate the Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) work across 13 member countries in the Pacific subregion, which includes Cook Islands, Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and one Associate Member, Tokelau. The office is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing programs and projects that address security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, nutrition, agriculture, and rural development priorities. It also maintains relations with various institutions and entities across the subregion. The SAP office operates as a subsidiary of FAO’s Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) located in Bangkok, Thailand. The organization aims to enhance food security and nutrition, improve agricultural productivity, and promote sustainable rural development in the Pacific Islands.

Job Overview:
The National Programme Specialist will play a crucial role in operationalizing FAO’s presence in Niue, ensuring effective delivery of programs that align with the country's needs and regional priorities. This position is part of FAO’s Country Office Network transformation and aims to strengthen country-level engagement through enhanced coordination mechanisms, resource pooling, and targeted technical support. The Specialist will contribute to the national agrifood systems transformation in Niue, focusing on effective program coordination, portfolio management, and strategic engagement with governments, UN partners, and donors. The role requires a deep understanding of the local context and the ability to adapt FAO's strategies to meet the evolving needs of the country.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Specialist will serve as the focal point for program coordination and implementation in Niue, ensuring that all activities align with national priorities and FAO's strategic frameworks. Responsibilities include providing technical support to government counterparts, UN agencies, and regional organizations to facilitate effective program delivery. The Specialist will also engage in consultations with national stakeholders to identify priority areas for FAO support, including the development of project pipelines and partner-funded initiatives. Additionally, the Specialist will coordinate the implementation of ongoing agriculture, food security, and emergency projects, ensuring they align with national priorities and international frameworks. The role involves resource mobilization, preparation of project concept notes and proposals for donor funding, and ensuring compliance with FAO operational standards. The Specialist will also support the organization of visibility events and contribute to communication materials, ensuring timely monitoring and reporting of FAO’s interventions in Niue.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in relevant fields such as Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Development Economics, Rural Development, Food Security/Nutrition, Forestry/Fisheries, Environmental or Natural Resource Management, Business Administration, or project management. Additionally, candidates should have at least three years of relevant experience in program/project management, policy analysis related to agriculture and food security, and monitoring and evaluation. A working knowledge of English is essential, and candidates must be nationals of Niue or residents with a valid work permit.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in fields related to agriculture, economics, rural development, food security, or environmental management. The degree must be from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU) or UNESCO, ensuring that the educational qualifications meet international standards.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of three years of relevant experience in program or project management, policy analysis in agriculture or food security, and monitoring and evaluation. This experience should ideally include working with governments, NGOs, or UN agencies, demonstrating the ability to navigate complex organizational structures and collaborate effectively with various stakeholders.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local context or the countries within the Pacific subregion.

Additional Notes:
The position is likely to be full-time and may involve a contract duration that aligns with the project timelines and funding availability. The role is focused on national engagement, and candidates must be either nationals of Niue or residents with a valid work permit. Compensation and benefits will be in accordance with FAO's policies and the specific terms of the contract.