Programme Officer

Organizational Setting The Chief Scientist Stream is the driver to leverage science and innovation in FAO and aims to enable the Organization to reinforce its position as a source of reliable scientific information and a neutral platform at the heart of important discussions. The Office of the Chief Scientist strengthens dialogue on science and innovation, including by developing knowledge and expertise and brings forward science-based evidence on cross-sectoral, multidisciplinary priority issues related to agrifood systems at the global level.

The position is located in the Office of the Chief Scientist at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines The Programme Officer reports to the Chief Scientist.

Technical Focus Provide support to the management of the programme of work under Chief Scientist mandate, in the context of the FAO Strategic Framework, and the Agenda 2030.

Key Results Develop, implement, monitor and evaluate assigned programme/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, analyses, 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 • Supports Chief Scientist Stream in line with defined corporate priorities and the Science and Innovation Strategy. • Supports in partnerships development and monitoring in close collaboration with the Partnerships and UN Collaboration Division (PSU), the South-South and Triangular Cooperation Division (PST) and relevant technical divisions and Decentralized Offices. • Carries out analysis on policies and trends related to science, technology and innovation. • Prepares and revises reports, power point presentations, briefing notes and talking points for the Chief Scientist or other senior staff. • Interacts with collaborative networks of programmes across the Organization to ensure close integration and synergies in programme activities. • Provides support in the review of documents addressed to FAO Governing Bodies, to ensure coherence and quality. • Supports the preparation of annual reports work plans to achieve targets of the different units under Chief Scientist Stream. • Prepares and revises responses to correspondence, comments, statements, and queries of parties, including from external stakeholders and Member Nations. • Reviews relevant outputs from the Office of the Chief Scientist to ensure quality control and high-quality standards in terms of substance, impact, coherence and compliance with relevant technical and administrative policies.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 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 planning and management and/ or support to policies related to science and innovation or related area including in UN organizations or other international or regional entities. • 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. • Extent and relevance of experience in the field of administration, human resources, finance and management. • Extent and relevance of experience in programme/project formulation, analysis, planning and implementation. • Extent of knowledge of planning and budgetary processes and associated tools. • Understanding of FAO policies and programmes is considered a strong asset.