Programme Officer (GCF)

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB) is a division within the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) that focuses on addressing the challenges posed by climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. Established to coordinate efforts across various sectors, OCB plays a pivotal role in facilitating access to climate and environmental financing, including partnerships with major multilateral environmental agreements such as the UNFCCC and the CBD. The office also oversees significant programs like the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) Programme and works on environmental safeguards, ensuring that FAO members can effectively respond to interconnected issues of security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and environmental sustainability. OCB operates globally, engaging with numerous countries to implement its mission and has a dedicated team for managing the Green Climate Fund (GCF) portfolio, which is crucial for climate investment and readiness projects.

Job Overview:
The Programme Officer (GCF) position is integral to the OCB-GCF Team at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. This role involves monitoring the results and impacts of the FAO-GCF portfolio, coordinating corporate planning, and ensuring compliance with FAO and GCF policies throughout the project cycle. The Programme Officer will work closely with various teams within FAO and GCF, including Climate Finance Officers and Operations Officers, to deliver high-quality climate investment projects that align with national priorities. The position requires a proactive approach to liaising with stakeholders, analyzing project development, and proposing corrective actions when necessary. The Programme Officer will also be responsible for preparing written outputs, conducting outreach activities, and coordinating budget-related tasks, making this role multifaceted and essential for the successful implementation of climate initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Officer (GCF) will engage in a variety of key functions, including participating in the development, implementation, and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects. This includes monitoring and analyzing programme/project development, reviewing relevant documents, identifying problems, and proposing corrective actions. The officer will assist in policy development, prepare various written outputs such as background papers and reports, and conduct outreach activities including training workshops and presentations. Additionally, the role involves coordinating activities related to budget and funding, preparing related documents and reports, and ensuring that all activities align with FAO and GCF requirements. Specific functions include monitoring and reporting on the FAO-GCF portfolio, researching and analyzing policy issues, supporting compliance with fiduciary and safeguards standards, and overseeing consultants for project implementation and monitoring support.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in business administration, public administration, social science, political science, international development, international relations, or a related field. A minimum of five years of relevant experience in project or programme management, portfolio coordination, and monitoring is required. Candidates should demonstrate a working knowledge of English at proficiency level C and intermediate knowledge of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) at level B. Competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing are essential for success in this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in fields related to administration, social sciences, international development, or similar disciplines. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of climate finance and project management within the context of international organizations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in areas such as project or programme management, portfolio coordination, and monitoring. Candidates should have experience working in diverse locations or areas, particularly in field positions, which enhances their understanding of the challenges and dynamics involved in climate-related projects.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with a requirement for intermediate knowledge of another official FAO language such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. This linguistic capability is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the international context of FAO's operations.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rome, Italy, at FAO headquarters. While the job description does not specify a deadline for applications, it is important for candidates to be aware of the competitive nature of such roles and to apply promptly. The role is likely to be full-time, and candidates should be prepared for the responsibilities associated with a senior position within an international organization. Compensation and benefits details are typically provided during the recruitment process.