Programme Management Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to More efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems, for Better production, Better nutrition, a Better environment and a Better life, leaving no one behind.

The Forest and Farm Facility provides direct financial support and technical assistance to strengthen (sub)national, regional, and global forest and farm producer organizations representing smallholders, rural women’s groups, local communities and indigenous peoples’ institutions. FFF offers a range of services to Forest and Farm Producer Organizations (FFPOs) including advocacy, sharing information, training in market analyses and development, incubating and supporting business, providing access to finance and social programmes for their members. Through learning and exchange visits and links to regional and international federations, FFF also strengthens producer organizations and capacity to participate in policy for a at national and global levels.

Reporting Lines

The consultants/subscribers will report to the Manager of the Forest and Farm Facility, Forestry Division.

Technical Focus

The assignments will support the FFF in the operationalization of its institutional mandate related to delivery of support to FFPOs globally.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Conduct operational appraisals including due diligence, quality assurance, review narrative or financial proposals and reports of projects proposed for funding under the FFF contractual modalities (Letters of Agreement - LoAs, Direct Beneficiary Grants - DBGs, Service Contracts) to ensure compliance with relevant policies, procedures, and legal frameworks, identifying potential risks and recommending appropriate risk mitigation strategies. • Support the preparation, opening and closing of LOA and DBG documentation packages. • Support implementation of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks and tools to assess the impact and progress of FFF activities and integrate M&E into project management processes. • Implementation of operational mechanisms and platforms to streamline all processes related to LoAs and DBGs. • Support project cycle management, and effectively tracking and documenting the results of project and programmatic interventions. • Technical assistance to assess the impact of investments on climate change adaptation and/or mitigation. • Support for operational issues related to project cycle, resource mobilization and proposal development. • Support the organization of meetings, workshops, conferences, and participate in duty travels as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in forestry, agronomy, animal production, agricultural or forest economy, science, cultural studies, or related field of study, • A minimum of 5 years work experience with community forestry/agroforestry/agricultural producers and producer organizations. • Working knowledge of English and at least limited knowledge of French or Spanish is the minimum requirement.

FAO Core 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 • Extent and relevance of academic qualifications • Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to write and/or edit documents clearly and concisely in English is considered a strong asset. • Excellent analytical skills and demonstrated sense of initiative are considered strong assets. • Experience with multilateral climate mechanisms is considered an asset. • Demonstrated experience and knowledge of FAO administrative processes and procedures would be an asset.

Selection Criteria

• Familiarity with UN policies and operations is considered an asset. • Familiarity with FAO’s environmental and social safeguard requirements is considered an asset. • Familiarity with FAO’s contractual instruments (Letters of Agreement and Beneficiary Grants) is considered an asset. • Working knowledge of French and/or Spanish languages is considered an asset.