Programme Management Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the UN established to lead international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's mission is 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. With 195 Members, including 194 countries and the European Union, FAO operates in over 130 countries worldwide. The organization contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework, supporting the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. FAO Country Offices provide policy advice and support to countries, facilitating partnerships and delivering technical assistance while adhering to international standards of accountability. In the Philippines, FAO has been collaborating with various stakeholders for over four decades to address challenges in agriculture, fisheries, and forestry, focusing on sustainability, productivity, and resilience against natural disasters and climate change.

Job Overview:
The Programme Management Specialist position is located in the FAO Country Office in the Philippines and reports to the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme). The role is crucial in overseeing projects aligned with the updated Country Programming Framework (CPF) for 2025-2028, which emphasizes health, resilience, and climate-smart agrifood systems. The specialist will support the expansion of the programme portfolio, resource mobilization, and the preparation of technical documents and reports. This position requires a proactive approach to developing proposals, concept notes, and knowledge products that promote agriculture and rural development, particularly in emergency preparedness and response contexts. The specialist will also ensure compliance with project cycle guidelines and contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of ongoing initiatives, making it essential for the candidate to possess strong project management skills and a deep understanding of FAO's mission and objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Management Specialist include:

• Supporting the expansion of the programme portfolio and resource mobilization efforts for the country office.
• Preparing technical documents, reports, proposals, and other knowledge products related to agriculture and rural development.
• Developing and reviewing Terms of Reference for affiliate workforce and ensuring compliance with standards.
• Coordinating with consultants and monitoring project implementation to align with timelines and requirements.
• Assisting in project management tasks using corporate information systems, including tracking budgets and processing revisions.
• Supporting the monitoring of programmes and initiatives, as well as mobilized resources.
• Reviewing progress reports and project-related documents prepared by project teams.
• Facilitating technical reviews of consultants' inputs and project publications.
• Participating in forums on agriculture and rural development and conducting field activities as necessary. 1
• Conducting capacity development activities for key staff. 1
• Collecting and preparing data and background information on FAO's activities in the country. 1
• Preparing materials for briefings and meetings. 1
• Coordinating government participation in regional and global workshops and trainings. 1
• Carrying out any other relevant duties as requested by the FAOR/AFAOR.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a University Degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness Management, Rural Development, or related fields pertinent to FAO's mandate. Additionally, a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in planning, implementing, and monitoring rural development programmes/projects is required. Candidates should also have a working knowledge (level C) of English and must be nationals of the Philippines or legal residents with a valid work permit. Familiarity with international organizations and understanding of project management, strategic planning, and financial reporting are essential. Strong leadership, communication skills, and the ability to promote efficiency in achieving project objectives are also necessary.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Programme Management Specialist position includes a University Degree in relevant fields such as Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness Management, or Rural Development. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of agrifood systems and the challenges faced in rural development.

Experience:
The position requires at least 7 years of professional and practical experience in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of rural development programmes/projects. This level of experience is essential to ensure that the candidate can effectively manage projects and contribute to the strategic objectives of FAO in the Philippines.

Languages:
A working knowledge (level C) of English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and is based in Mandaluyong City, Philippines. Candidates must be nationals of the Philippines or legal residents with a valid work permit. The role involves significant interaction with various stakeholders, including government entities, NGOs, and international organizations, and may require participation in regional and global workshops and trainings. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO's policies and standards.