Programme Officer

Organizational Setting The Markets and Trade Division (EST) monitors and analyses developments and trends in international, regional and national agricultural commodity markets and the factors affecting them, collecting and disseminating up-to-date and comprehensive market and policy information for the major traded commodities and those important to food security. It also undertakes forward-looking outlook studies. The Division analyses issues that affect global food and agricultural markets and trade, including analysis of trade policies and agreements, and provides technical support and capacity development to FAO Members in all these areas. Through its Global Information and Early Warning System on Food and Agriculture (GIEWS), the Division is responsible for FAO's early warnings on food shortfalls and food security problems. The Division houses the secretariats of the Committee on Commodity Problems (CCP) and its subsidiary Intergovernmental Groups (IGGs), the G20 Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS) and the World Banana Forum (WBF). The Division is also responsible for FAO flagship report The State of Agricultural Commodity Markets (SOCO). The position is located in the Markets and Trade Division (EST) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines The Programme Officer reports to the Director, EST.

Technical Focus Operational support and oversight to the planning and implementation of the programme of work; divisional budget management and financial planning and monitoring; internal control, fraud and risk management and business continuity planning; training focal point; guidance and support to EST teams in the implementation of divisional strategies and priorities.

Key Results Develop, implement, monitor and evaluate the operations of assigned programmes/projects.

Key Functions • Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects, etc.; monitors and analyses programme/project development and implementation. • Reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions. • Assists in policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of impact evaluation or equivalent studies, etc. • Prepares various written outputs, e.g. drafts background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc. • Undertakes outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities. • Coordinates activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).

Specific Functions • Assists in the preparation of the Programme of Work and Budget (PWB) documents and reports, in collaboration with other Division, Units and Decentralized Offices on joint Organizational Outputs as required, and coordinates the compilation, analysis and monitoring of the Division's results-based outputs in Programme Planning, Implementation Reporting and Evaluation Support System (PIRES). • Develops and implements work programme and budgetary monitoring tools and processes to facilitate financial management, planning and monitoring. • Supports financial and budget planning, monitoring, and reporting, including analyszing budget and financial information and performance to support decisions and timely actions. • Collaborates with the Budget Holders, in ensuring the preparation of Periodic Budgetary Reports, for submission to the Office of Strategy, Planning and Resources Management (OSP). • Oversees FAO project cycle at the divisional level, for all programme/projects at all stages, ensuring results-based focus and adherence to FAO procedures and processes. • Supports knowledge building in the Division, acting as the divisional human development and training focal point. • Analyses administrative and financial data to inform programme management decision-making. • Liaises with, and provides support to, the budget holders for effective budget planning, monitoring, adjustments and consistency with the overall Programme of Work and Budget. • Collaborates with other UN agencies as appropriate on administrative and financial matters related to the work programme of EST, as appropriate. • Oversees compliance with corporate requirements in relation to Audit and Internal Controls. • Contributes to strategic oversight within the Division's management team, providing advice on operational and audit matters as well as on fraud and risk management and systems controls and making proposals for improving processes and strengthening capacities in the Division. • Liaises closely with the Resource Mobilization Division (PSR) concerning interactions with donors and to ensure compliance with FAO's financial and administrative procedures. • Liaises closely with the Corporate Logistics and Operational Support Stream (CS) on financial and administrative procedures. • Performs other related duties, as required.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________ CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements • Advanced university degree in business administration or public administration, social science, political science, international development, international relations or a related field. • Five years of relevant experience in project or programme management, administration or related area. • Working knowledge (proficient - level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate - level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Competencies • Results Focus • Team Work • 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 in managing and coordinating technical and/or operational programmes, including the 'project cycle'. • Extent and relevance of experience in programme/project formulation, analysis, planning and implementation, project operations (budget transfers, staffing and recruitment, travel, procurement, contracts and Letters of Agreement - LoAs). • Extent of knowledge of planning and budgetary processes and associated tools. • Understanding of FAO policies and programmes is considered a strong asset. • Experience in the development of tools for work planning, monitoring and reporting.