National Professional Officer (Programme)

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind. FAO's work in emergencies focuses on reducing people's vulnerability to hazards before, during and after disasters through risk assessment, risk reduction, preparedness, coordination, emergency response and rehabilitation. The incumbent will be responsible for the development and day-to-day management of FAO's emergency response activities in Ukraine. The position is located in the FAO Office in Lviv, Ukraine.

Reporting Lines

The National Professional Officer (Programme) reports to the Senior Programme Officer, FAO Office in Ukraine.

Technical Focus

Programme development and management, coordination and operational support based on the knowledge of the local conditions, culture, language and institutions of the country of assignment.

Key Results

Effective and efficient management and coordination of the technical and operational support of the programme and project activities of the FAO Office.

Key Functions

• Advises and liaises with government authorities, local, national and international institutions in the areas of FAO's activities and other UN agencies. Represents FAO at inter-agency meetings; • Promotes the image of FAO through advocacy of the Organization's mandate, programmes, national priorities and activities including the coordination of development and maintenance of communication tools such as website, press releases and publications; provides FAO's information, knowledge and resources to government, NGOs, the private sector and other local entities on food, nutrition and agriculture situations; and supports the implementation of FAO's regulatory frameworks (Codex Alimentarius, Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, Safe Use of Pesticides, etc.) in the country; • Coordinates and manages the maintenance of country data on food, crops, livestock, forestry and fisheries including information on external aid in FAO's corporate systems and monitor and communicate changes in national policies affecting the agricultural sector; • Produces technical, economic and policy studies as required and participates in the development of country level development frameworks such as the Country Programming Framework (CPF) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF); • Identifies, formulates and prepares programme and project proposals, monitors and reviews the status of the programme/project implementation to ensure that all operational activities are carried out in line with the work plan and the project document; identifies inconsistencies and delays and submits proposals to the FAO Representative on how to improve results and increase efficiency; • Briefs, trains and supervises lower grade level programme staff regarding all aspects of the job. Ensures adherence to procedures and work requirements and accuracy and diligence of the work provided; • Performs other duties as required.

Specific Functions

• Prepares Letters of Agreement, Memorandums of Understanding and other operational instruments to facilitate implementation of project activities, in close coordination with other FAO Ukraine relevant sections; • Supports overall operational coordination of FAO Ukraine projects, including EU-funded projects (GCP/UKR/012/EC and others) in the Western Region of the country, particularly development interventions; • Represents FAO in technical and coordination forums, particularly in the Western Region of Ukraine; • Facilitates day-to-day interaction with local authorities and relevant stakeholders, particularly to support implementation of EU-funded projects and initiatives; • Oversees implementation of FAO Ukraine activities in the Western Region of Ukraine, in full coordination with relevant sections and respective project coordinators; • Assists preparation of work plans, procurement plans, travel plans and other programmatic and operational documents required to facilitate smooth implementation of FAO projects under his/her supervision; • Provides technical input in preparation of project profiles, concept notes and project briefs; • Ensures sound dissemination and programmatic use of project-related information harnessing the tools provided by FAO Ukraine for such purpose as info-grams, dashboards, factsheets, bulletins, etc; • Prepares and drafts progress and final reports for projects under his/her coordination, in close coordination with FAO Ukraine MEAL (Monitoring Evaluation Accounting and Learning) team, Technical Experts and other FAO Ukraine sections; • Prepares updates on the progress of all ongoing activities and any upcoming events observing FAO MEAL Standard procedures; • Assists with provision of project-related information that is required to contribute with technical and programmatic discussions at national level; • Ensures the corporate image of FAO at all fora and all activities on the ground are technically sound and meet expectations of government, donors and the local communities.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• National of Ukraine. • Advanced university degree in agriculture, agricultural economics, forestry, fisheries, or any other field related to the work of the Organization. • Five years of relevant experience in agricultural development and/or project implementation in an area of FAO's activities in the country. • Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and of the local language.

Competencies

• Results Focus • Teamwork • Communication • Building Effective Relationships • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions. • Extent and relevance of experience in programme/project development and management. • Demonstrated understanding of the purpose and functions of the technical programme, operational guidelines and project/programme management procedures, preferably those adopted by the United Nations or FAO. • Extent and relevance of experience in the field of policy analysis relating to food and nutrition security, agriculture and rural development OR extent and relevance of experience in the collection of country data on food, crops, livestock, forestry and fisheries. • Extent and relevance of experience in the identification, formulation and preparation of programme and project proposals as well as programme/project implementation, monitoring and review.