Programme Officer

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 Office of the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director-General (DDG) plays a crucial role in supporting the strategic coordination and oversight functions of various divisions and offices within FAO, ensuring effective management systems and operational support across all locations.

Job Overview:
The Programme Officer position is integral to the Office of the Deputy Director-General at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. This role involves providing strategic and operational support to the DDG's office, focusing on key organizational priorities, special initiatives, and flagship programmes. The Programme Officer will foster collaboration across various divisions, offices, and external partners to ensure the successful development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of assigned programmes and projects. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying issues, proposing solutions, and ensuring effective communication and coordination among stakeholders. The Programme Officer will also be involved in policy development, outreach activities, and the preparation of various written outputs, contributing to the overall mission of FAO in promoting food security and sustainable agricultural practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Officer will participate in the development, implementation, and evaluation of assigned programmes and projects, monitoring their progress and analyzing outcomes. Key responsibilities include reviewing relevant documents and reports, identifying problems, proposing corrective actions, and liaising with relevant parties to track follow-up actions. The officer will assist in policy development by analyzing issues and trends and preparing impact evaluations or equivalent studies. Additionally, the Programme Officer will prepare various written outputs, such as background papers, analyses, sections of reports, and inputs for publications. The role also involves conducting outreach activities, organizing training workshops and seminars, and making presentations on assigned topics. The officer will coordinate budget and funding activities related to programme/project preparation, submissions, and progress reports, ensuring all related documents and reports are prepared accurately. Specific functions include providing support on strategic and policy matters concerning special initiatives, managing DDG-led initiatives, contributing to the FAO MuNe Network initiatives, and supporting the organization of the annual Global Working Conference of FAO Representatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Programme Officer position should possess a strong understanding of programme and project management principles, as well as experience in policy development and analysis. The role requires excellent analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential for preparing reports, presentations, and other documentation. The ideal candidate should demonstrate a commitment to FAO's mission and values, with a focus on achieving food security and sustainable agricultural practices. Proficiency in using various software applications for data analysis and reporting is also required.

Educational Background:
A university degree in a relevant field such as international relations, public administration, agricultural sciences, or a related discipline is required for the Programme Officer position. A master's degree or equivalent advanced degree is preferred and may be considered an asset. Candidates should have a solid academic background that supports their understanding of the complexities of food security, agricultural development, and international cooperation.

Experience:
The Programme Officer position requires a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in programme and project management, policy development, or related fields. Candidates should have a proven track record of successfully managing complex projects and initiatives, preferably within an international or intergovernmental organization. Experience in working with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and private sector partners, is highly desirable. Familiarity with FAO's work and its strategic priorities will be considered an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for the Programme Officer position, as it is the working language of FAO. Proficiency in other languages, particularly French or Spanish, is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's competitiveness for the role. Strong communication skills in multiple languages can facilitate collaboration with international partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Rome, Italy, at FAO headquarters. The Programme Officer role is a full-time position, and candidates may be required to travel for work-related purposes. The contract duration and specific terms of employment will be discussed during the recruitment process. FAO offers a competitive compensation package, including benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development.