Programme Director

Organizational Setting

The Memorandum of Understanding of the Technical Cooperation Programme (2019 – 2025) concluded between FAO and the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MoEWA) on behalf of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) aims at supporting the Ministry in achieving its strategic objectives related to the: (a) conservation and sustainable management of the natural resources and the environment; (b) achievement of water security; (c) contribution to sustainable food security; (d) sustainable development for the sectors with comparative advantages; (e) attainment of sustainable and high-quality services and products; and (f) operationalization of private sector involvement and the role of cooperatives and non-profit organizations.

The Programme Management Unit of the FAO-KSA Technical Cooperation Programme is responsible for the overall management of the Programme and in particular for: (a) providing administrative and financial support for the implementation of the Programme activities and operations; (b) monitoring and reporting on the Programme progress and assessing its performance to ensure achieving the desired results; (c) documenting and communicating results of the Programme, developing and disseminating information and knowledge on best practices with the MoEWA and other partners; (d) identifying and formulating the required FAO technical assistance to the MoEWA) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; and (e) providing other advisory services within the mandate of FAO to the MoEWA as determined in consultation with the Ministry itself.

Reporting Lines

The Programme Director reports to the Assistant Director-General/Regional Representative (ADG/RR) for the Near East and North Africa, RNE.

Summary of Duties and Functions

Under the overall guidance of the ADG/RR for RNE, and in collaboration with the concerned technical Offices, Centres and Divisions at FAO headquarters, the Programme Director will:

• Provide policy advice to the Government in relation to the implementation of the FAO-Kingdom of Saudi Arabia agreement including strategy and priority formulation for projects under its umbrella;
• Exercise overall management responsibility over all activities in the Programme Management Unit, including supervision of all personnel and recruitment of local employees and effectively manage the office, human and financial resources;
• Coordinate and lead the planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring and reporting of the Programme and provide guidance to Chief Technical Advisers (CTAs), Technical Advisers, national and international experts, to ensure that the results and recommendations for the projects are consistent, complimentary and in line with the Programme expected results/overall government objectives;
• Provide functional guidance to CTAs, Technical Advisers, and to the international and national experts involved in the implementation of activities under the individual projects and components of the FAO-KSA Technical Cooperation Programme;
• Build consensus with the MoEWA on issues relating to the FAO-KSA Technical Cooperation Programme, either raised by the Ministry or by FAO;
• Identify and implement appropriate monitoring mechanisms for the smooth and cost-effective implementation of the Programme, including the follow-up on the performance of the projects;
• Enhance the projects’ implementation to guarantee the achievement of their objectives and those of the overall Programme, through consultations with officials and FAO concerned technical Offices, Centres and Divisions;
• Establish appropriate accounting procedures and in particular that expenditure adheres to the programme budget, is properly recorded, documented and accounted for in accordance with FAO rules and regulations;
• Be responsible for FAO internal and external audit review missions; collaborate closely with external evaluation teams and provide them with all the necessary support, including logistical support and ensure the implementation of agreed actions;
• Oversee the implementation of the various Memoranda of Understanding, Letters of Agreement and contracts as and when required for projects under this Programme;
• Represent the Organization at relevant Programme Governance and Coordination Committees as well as ad hoc meetings as deemed necessary, and act as Chairperson of the Local Contracts' Committee and co-signatory on the Imprest Account funding individual project accounts;
• Lead the activities to keep under constant review the financial position of the Programme as well as the call for funds, and advise FAO on contributions;
• Upon request by the Government and FAO, submit six-monthly and annual progress reports as well as technical reports, supervising and coordinating their preparation;
• Prepare the final report for the entire Programme, in consultation with the CTAs, the National Professional Officers, Technical Advisers, relevant FAO technical Offices, Centres and Divisions, which will be submitted within three (3) months before the completion of the Programme;
• Explore opportunities for new projects under the FAO-KSA Technical Programme and lead the formulation of new projects;
• Build strategic partnerships with relevant stakeholders;
• Manage all matters related to the security and safety of FAO personnel and their eligible dependants whilst ensuring full adherence to the UN Security Policy, rules and regulations as well as to security-related instructions issued by FAO;
• Improve the observance of legal, statutory or regulatory obligations; FAO's ethical standards and its internal Human Resources rules and policies, including the application of FAO zero tolerance policies on prevention of sexual abuse and harassment, and gender parity. Promote and nurture staff development in addition to welfare;

• Perform other duties as required.

  CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced University degree in agriculture-related field or in a field relevant to the work of the Organization;
  • Minimum twelve years of relevant experience in resource mobilization, development or humanitarian funding;
  • Extensive experience in project/programme management and demonstrated professional competence and mastery of subject matter;
  • Management and strategic leadership of a high order in the relevant subject areas;
  • Ability to lead and work effectively with a diverse team of people of different national and cultural backgrounds in an international setting;
  • Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and Arabic.