Programme Management Specialist (UN coordination)

Organizational Setting

The Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa (RNE) leads FAO’s support to countries in the Region in transforming their agri-food systems to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It identifies regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development and ensures the planning and implementation of FAO’s strategic response in the region through a multi-disciplinary approach. It implements approved programmes and projects, monitors programme implementation, and ensures that they contribute to addressing regional priorities. RNE also advises on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization’s Strategic Framework and Programme of Work and Budget. It supports regional policy dialogues, facilitates the emergence of regional partnerships, and supports knowledge exchange, capacity development and resource mobilization for food security, agriculture and rural development in the region. It develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions including the Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs).

The objective of the Call is to attract suitable individuals to undertake A, B or C level consultancies in the area of programme management with a focus on UN inter-Agency coordination. Individuals meeting the requirements of the Call will be included in the Regional Roster. Experts who are registered in the Roster are available for consideration whenever relevant opportunities arise.

Reporting Lines

The Programme Management Specialist (UN coordination) will work under the overall supervision of the Regional Programme Leader for Near East and North Africa and the direct supervision of appropriate thematic manager.

Technical Focus

Coordinating Inter-agency coordination across regional United Nations partners in the framework of the Issue Based Coalitions and associated inter-agency activities.

Tasks and responsibilities

The incumbent will support FAORNE Programme Leader in raising the profile of the Issue-Based Coalition (IBC) on Climate and Food Security for the Arab region to make it an effective tool for delivering key regional results in support to the achievement of the SDGs. In order to achieve this, the consultant will perform the following tasks, in close collaboration with ESCWA, UNEP and UNESCO, co-convenor of the IBC with FAO:

• Review recommendations made on IBC received from the Joint Secretariat of the Regional Collaborative Platform (RCP) for the Arab countries. Review demand from Resident Coordinators (RCs) in the countries of the region and engage in a conversation with RCs to guide IBC work planning;
• Liaise with all partner institutions to identify opportunities for joint work under the IBC in relation with the thematic areas covered by the IBC and in response to issues identified by RCs.;
• Facilitate interactions among partners and foster dialogue for the development of a joint and integrated programme of work through regular meetings; Monitor progress in accordance with the agreed work plan and prepare periodic report with the support of IBC members;
• Coordinate activities led by FAO, including related to the follow-up of the Food Systems Summit in collaboration with relevant FAO Officers
• Perform a stakeholder analysis on IBC themes and propose a revision of partnership including non-UN institutions.
• Populate and maintain the IBC knowledge platform hosted by ESCWA. Ensure its visibility and access by potential users
• Manage FAO contribution to the MANARA portal managed by ESCWA on behalf of
• Coordinate FAO contribution to inter-agency cooperative activities
• Coordinate FAO contribution to the Programme Support Group (PSG) for the Arab countries
• Draft a concept note for a project to be implemented by the partners of the IBC for submission to donors interested in funding integrated regional programmes in support to the SDGs
• Perform other duties as they arise in support to regional UN coordination.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in an area related to the activities of the Organization, i.e. agriculture, forestry, fishery, economics, social science, business administration, political science or closely related field
• At least 12 years for Level A, 5 years for Level B and 2 years for Level C of relevant experience in project or programme planning and management, including at national and international level
• For consultants: Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of one of the other official languages of the organization (French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian or Chinese).
• For PSA: Working knowledge of English.

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, particularly in field positions is desirable
• Extent and relevance of experience and skills in programme management, implementation and monitoring
• Ability to write clear analytical reports and concept notes
• Knowledge management skills
• Ability to comprehend basic technical issues related to various disciplines of interest to FAO
• Extent of knowledge of Arabic and/or French are considered as an asset