Chief Technical Adviser (Programme Coordinator)

Organizational Setting The FAO Representation in Georgia (FEGEO) is a multiaccreditation office of the Organization with a non-residential FAO Representative. FEGEO is leading FAO's response to the national priorities related to food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO's priority activities in in the country. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the country closely interlinked with and contributing to the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework in Georgia and the FAO Country Programme Framework (CPF). FAO Georgia formulates and implements the programme drawing on technical expertise from its Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia and Headquarters as well closely working with partners in the private sector, academia and the Civil Society.

FEGEO has an increasing portfolio of projects, with a significant component of EU funded projects, implemented with a large team of national and international staff, and several offices throughout the country. FAO's main areas of work, based on the Country's Programming Framework (CPF) is focused on technical assistance, value chain development, food safety and environment.

The EU funded projects in Georgia, mainly under the European Neighbourhood Programme for Agriculture and Rural Development (ENPARD) programme, focus on supporting the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture (MEPA) as well as direct support to farmers, Cooperatives and SMEs in the sector of agriculture to promote a more inclusive, sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural sector.

Reporting Lines The Chief Technical Adviser reports to the FAO Representative for Georgia and works in close collaboration with the international and national FAO staff in Georgia, with relevant stakeholders, and will liaise with relevant technical and programme staff at FAO Regional Office and headquarters.

Technical Focus Lead, coordinate and develop FAO programme activities in Georgia, with a focus on EU funded projects, as well as FAO Programme in Abkhazia region.

Key Results Leadership and technical expertise for the planning, development and implementation of Programmes of work, projects, related-products, and services in accordance with FAO’s Strategic Objectives.

Key Functions • Leads the development, implementation and evaluation on technical issues of assigned programmes/projects; directs the review of relevant documents and reports; identifies priorities, liaises with relevant parties; identifies and initiates follow-up actions; • Coordinates programmes and reviews the assessment of issues and trends for the implementation of programmes and projects as well as the preparation of impact evaluation or equivalent studies; • Supervises preparation of various written outputs, e.g. background papers, analysis, substantial sections of reports as well as studies, and inputs to publications; • Directs substantive support to consultative meetings and conferences, to include the proposition of agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations; • Manages outreach activities; designs and conducts training workshops, seminars; and makes presentations on assigned topics/activities; • Leads field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties; • Provides advice to develop policies and strategies as well as national protocols and guidelines for projects with specific domains related to FAO's work.

Specific Functions • Leads the technical support provided by the assigned projects in the areas of development and humanitarian assistance; • Leads operational support for implementation of the assigned projects; • Liaises with the main resource partners (with a focus on EU), UN Agencies and line Ministries in relation to FAO programme implementation and development, and participates in coordination bodies; • Facilitates contacts with FAO technical units in both the Regional Office and headquarters as required for the implementation of the programme including the timely identification and deployment of expertise, and coordinates technical input of national and international consultants from different projects and finds synergies amongst the different projects; • Supervises assigned project staff and provides technical and operational guidance accordingly; • Ensures the strategic fit of the EU funded projects in the corporate FAO country plans, including the United Nations sustainable development cooperation framework (UNSDCF), CPF, FAO strategic Programme and Regional Initiatives, as well as supports resource mobilization and partnership, as relevant for the scope of the EU funded projects under his/her supervision; • Ensures communication of results and Programme visibility, as required.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________ CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements • Advanced university degree in agricultural economics, development economics, rural sociology, food security, nutrition, sustainable agriculture (including livestock, forestry and fisheries), or a related field; • Ten years of relevant experience in technical cooperation-related activities, policy advice and analysis relating to food and nutrition security, agriculture and rural development, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programmes; • Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Competencies • Results Focus • Leading, Engaging and Empowering • Communication • Partnering and Advocating • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement • Strategic Thinking

Technical/Functional Skills • Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is essential; • Extent and relevance of experience in formulation and management of large technical assistance programs or projects including management of staff; • Extent and relevance in the management of large EU funded projects is an asset; • Extent and relevance of field experience in management projects in field positions, with a focus on the region; • Extent and relevance of experience in policy advice and analysis relating to food and nutrition security, agriculture and rural development, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programmes and/or providing technical support and advice on institutional capacity building processes; • Extent and relevance of experience in communicating, disseminating of results and sharing knowledge; • Extent and relevance of experience in establishing and maintaining partnerships with UN agencies, NGOs as well as donors and government institutions and agencies; • Working knowledge of Russian is considered a strong asset.