FAO Programme Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The FAO Sub-Regional Office for the Caribbean (FAO - SLC) was established to support Member Countries in advancing sustainable, inclusive, and resilient agri-food systems across the Caribbean region. The organization focuses on providing technical assistance, policy advice, and capacity development in various sectors including agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and natural resource management. FAO - SLC collaborates closely with governments, regional institutions, and development partners to design and implement programs that tackle significant challenges such as security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, nutrition, climate change, and disaster risk management. The office is dedicated to facilitating knowledge exchange, promoting innovative practices, and enhancing institutional capacities to improve productivity and sustainability in the region. The organization manages a diverse portfolio of projects aimed at climate resilience, ecosystem-based adaptation, and environmental conservation across the Caribbean, working in partnership with local governments to build sustainable and resilient agri-food systems.

Job Overview:
The FAO Programme Specialist will play a crucial role in coordinating technical and operational support for the program and project activities of the FAO Representation in Barbados and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). This includes Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The specialist will be responsible for assisting in the identification, formulation, and preparation of program and project proposals, as well as monitoring and reviewing the implementation status of these projects. The position requires close collaboration with various stakeholders, including government authorities and international institutions, to ensure that project activities align with approved work plans and effectively address the needs of the region. The specialist will also contribute to resource mobilization initiatives and provide technical inputs for the development of country-level frameworks and reports.

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

• Assisting in the identification, formulation, and preparation of program and project proposals for the seven countries under the Barbados Representation.
• Monitoring and reviewing the status of program/project implementation, including TCP projects, Trust Fund projects, and Regular Programme activities.
• Supporting the Budget Holder in managing all projects, ensuring that activities are implemented according to approved work plans.
• Providing operational guidance and support to technical units and project personnel, identifying and managing risks in consultation with relevant expert units.
• Reviewing the operational feasibility of project proposals and overseeing operational clearance.
• Liaising and cooperating with government authorities and local, national, and international institutions regarding FAO’s activities.
• Coordinating the formulation and updating of the Country Programming Framework (CPF) and preparing annual reports.
• Providing technical inputs and information to support resource mobilization initiatives.
• Supporting the development and operation of the National Correspondent Scheme in the Sub-Region. 1
• Participating in the implementation of the Ex-post Assessment (EPA) for TCP projects at the Sub-regional level. 1
• Performing any other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree or a university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in climate change, agriculture, environmental sciences, natural resource management, or a related discipline relevant to the work of the Organization. For consultants with a bachelor's degree, two additional years of relevant professional experience are required. Additionally, candidates should have at least 5 years of relevant experience in agricultural development, project development, implementation, and monitoring, as well as sustainable agriculture practices. A working knowledge of English at level C is also mandatory.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree or a university degree in fields such as climate change, agriculture, environmental sciences, or natural resource management. The degree must be from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. Candidates with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience to qualify for the position.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in agricultural development, project development, implementation, and monitoring, as well as sustainable agriculture practices. Experience working in more than one location or area of work is preferred, and familiarity with the UN system is considered an asset. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential, along with the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at level C is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and partners in the region.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve working with various stakeholders across multiple countries in the Caribbean. Candidates should be prepared for a dynamic work environment that requires collaboration with government authorities, international institutions, and other UN agencies. The role may also involve travel within the region to support project implementation and stakeholder engagement.