Programme Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) is a regional fisheries management organization (RFMO) established under the provisions of Article XIV of the FAO Constitution. The GFCM's main objective is to promote the development, conservation, rational management, and best utilization of living marine resources, as well as the sustainable development of aquaculture in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. The organization adopts binding recommendations and resolutions to ensure the implementation of these decisions. The GFCM's decision-making process is supported by several subsidiary bodies that lead advisory processes, which include systematic data collection and monitoring at the country level, culminating in the formulation of management and conservation measures. The GFCM focuses on several strategic priorities, including healthy seas and productive fisheries, compliance and enforcement to eradicate illegal fishing, sustainable aquaculture, decent employment for fishers, and capacity development through technical cooperation and knowledge sharing. The GFCM Secretariat Programme and Liaison Team is responsible for financial and operational monitoring, budget management, and project-cycle management, which includes project formulation, appraisal, monitoring, and reporting.

Job Overview:
The Programme Specialist position is located at the GFCM headquarters in Palazzo Blumenstihl, Rome, Italy, or can be home-based. The assignment duration ranges from 1 to 11 months, with the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance and organizational needs. The Programme Specialist will report to the GFCM Finance and Project-Cycle Officer and will work closely with relevant staff from the GFCM Secretariat and the Programme and Liaison team. The role involves contributing to the planning, monitoring, and reporting of GFCM financial operations, ensuring effective use of budgetary and extra-budgetary resources. The incumbent will assist in various phases of the project cycle, providing advice to GFCM technical teams and managers on financial, operational, and project implementation matters, thereby supporting the effective management of the GFCM project portfolio.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Specialist will be responsible for supporting planning, monitoring, and reporting exercises for core and ad-hoc activities of the GFCM project portfolio. This includes developing and reviewing multi-year project financial proposals and budgets, ensuring compliance with internal policies and donor requirements. The role requires timely and accurate collection of financial and operational inputs, collaboration with technical teams, and following up on internal clearance processes with relevant FAO units. The incumbent will assist in preparing financial monitoring tools and budgetary reports to track budget execution and expenditure trends, ensuring the collection of timely data for effective decision-making. Regular reviews and updates of project monitoring tools will be necessary to maintain consistency in financial information across funding sources. The Programme Specialist will also identify financial risks, propose corrective measures, draft project progress and management reports, and support the maintenance of corporate ERP systems. Additional responsibilities include performing financial reconciliations, supporting general ledger functions, maintaining up-to-date records for assigned project activities, and performing any other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a relevant technical degree or certificate (for Subscribers) or an advanced degree (for Consultants) in business administration, project management, finance, accounting, economics, or any related field relevant to the organization. A minimum of one year of relevant experience in planning and budgeting, financial monitoring and reporting, or support to programme and project management activities is required. Candidates should have a working knowledge (level C) of English. FAO Core Competencies include results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing and continuous improvement. Technical and functional skills required include demonstrated experience in financial monitoring and reporting for projects, proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite (especially Excel), and knowledge of ERP systems and financial reporting tools.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a relevant technical degree or certificate for Subscribers or an advanced degree for Consultants in fields such as business administration, project management, finance, accounting, economics, or other related areas that align with the organization's mission and objectives.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least one year of relevant experience in areas such as planning and budgeting, financial monitoring and reporting, and support for programme and project management activities. Experience in financial monitoring and reporting for projects is particularly important, as is familiarity with ERP systems and financial reporting tools.

Languages:
A working knowledge (level C) of English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, having intermediate knowledge (level B) or working knowledge (level C) of Arabic, French, or Spanish is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rome, Italy, at the GFCM headquarters, or can be performed remotely. The assignment duration is flexible, ranging from 1 to 11 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and organizational needs. The role is full-time, and candidates may be recruited nationally or internationally. Compensation and benefits details are not specified in the job ad.