Programme Officer (Technical Cooperation Programme)

Organizational Setting The Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) is responsible for leading FAO's response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO's priority activities in the region. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the region and, in collaboration with centres/divisions/offices at headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to regional priorities. RAP also advises on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization's Programme of Work and Budget and implements approved programmes and projects in the region, monitors the level of programme implementation and draws attention to problems and deficiencies. RAP develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions including the Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs). The Regional Office supports regional policy dialogue on food security, agriculture and rural development issues, facilitates the emergence of regional partnerships, and supports capacity development and resource mobilization for food security, agriculture and rural development in the region.

The position is located in the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) in Bangkok, Thailand.

Reporting Lines The Programme Officer (Technical Cooperation Programme) reports to the Senior Field Programme Officer, RAP.

Technical Focus Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP)echnical Cooperation Programme) management as per the TCPechnical Cooperation Programme (TCP) guidelines and policies. Oversight of the design, implementation, monitoring and reporting of TCP projects in various areas of FAO's mandate at regional and country level.

Key Results Comprehensive technical, statistical, analytical and/or policy analysis services and the development of specialized tools, methodologies, systems and/or databases to support the planning, implementation/delivery and monitoring of the programme of work and related products, projects, publications, and services.

Key Functions • Acts as focal point for requests from Decentralized Offices for information or guidance related to the specific approval criteria, standards and policies governing the TCP; • Monitors the effective commitment of the regional allocation, alerts the Assistant Director-General/Regional Representative (ADG/RR) to any risks of over- or under-commitment or of unbalanced allocations between countries or subregions or between national projects and (sub)regional projects, and proposes corrective measures and possible methodologies for managing the allocation, as required; • Manages and monitors the TCP pipeline for the countries of the region; • Prepares regular and ad hoc reports on the commitment of the regional TCP allocation and on any problems encountered; • Keeps FAO Representatives and Subregional Coordinators regularly informed of the state of country and subregional pipelines and of the possibilities for further TCP funding; • Receives requests for TCP assistance from FAO Representatives, Subregional Coordinators and the Regional Office, analyses the number of approved projects and the state of the pipeline to ascertain the possibility for accommodating the request and informs the concerned oOffice of any problems in this regard; • Analyses and processes requests for budget revisions; • Oversees the information management related to the TCP and, in particular, supervises and guides the staff responsible for entry of TCP data into the Field Programme Management Information System (FPMIS); • Contributes to the corporate monitoring of the effective implementation of TCP projects, with particular focus on the respect for the TCP standards and policies and on the achievement of stated results, and prepares regular and ad hoc reports; • Contributes to the preparation and revision of TCP guidelines, policies and procedures; • Liaises with the Programme Officer, PSS, on day-to-day operational matters requiring a standardized approach across regions and to fulfil corporate reporting and monitoring requirements; • As requested by the ADG/RR, participates in and provides support to the process of prioritization and formulation of regional projects or other TCP projects being formulated at the level of the Regional Office.

Specific Functions • Facilitates full and timely approval and delivery of the TCP regional allocation for demand-driven, strategic and catalytic high quality technical assistance interventions; • Reviews and advises formulators on the eligibility of proposals for TCP funding and acts as funding liaison focal point in project task forces; • Engages in appraisal of project documents, preparation of budgets, in line with relevant policies and procedures; • Analyses and processes requests for budget revisions; • Closely monitors the progress and delivery of TCPs at regional and country levels and provides support and advice where needed; • Works closely in the Country Support and Field Programme Team to identify common design and implementation bottlenecks and advises on possible corrective actions where required; • Supports monitoring of results and catalytic effects at country, regional and corporate level, including beyond project closure; • Performs other duties as required. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements • Advanced university degree in economics, social sciences, agriculture or other fields related to the mandate of the Organization. • Seven years of relevant experience including practical experience in one or more of the following: formulation, appraisal, implementation, including operations support, and/or monitoring of field projects in developing countries. • 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 • 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; • Extent and relevance of academic qualifications; • Extent and relevance of experience and skills in project identification, formulation and analysis; • Extent and relevance of experience in programme/project implementation in developing countries in the region; • Extent and relevance of experience in project or programme monitoring; • Ability to write clear and concise analytical reports for management; • Extent and relevance of experience with using Excel and corporate databases; knowledge of the Field Programme Management Information System (FPMIS) would be an advantage; • Ability to provide guidance and advice to regional and country colleagues with a client oriented approach; • Ability to mobilize resources.