Programme Specialist

Organizational Setting The Regional Office for RAF 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 offices and divisions at Headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to regional priorities. RAF 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. RAF 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.

Reporting Lines The Programme Specialist reports to the Programme and Budget Officer. He/she acts independently in routine matters,showing a high degree of initiative and independent judgment in performing a broad range of programme, planning and budgeting activities requiring in-depth analysis and interpretation of relevant policies, procedures and best practices and works in close collaboration with managers and staff in the regional and decentralized offices.

Technical Focus 1. Extent of trainings in project management support and programme operations support; 2. Knowledge of the communication and documentation management standards; 3. Knowledge of administrative procedures and policies.

Tasks and responsibilities Coordinate the preparation, submission, revision and follow-up of the Programme of Work and Budget, and the monitoring and provision of information on the implementation of the PWB:

• Coordinate, review and analyze the Periodic Budgetary Reports for final submission to the Office of Strategic Planning; • Assemble and synthesize data from corporate data bases to facilitate the analysis of programmes, projects or activities, and to draft periodic or ad hoc management reports; • Monitor projects and ensure the maintenance and retrieval of programming reference material, documentation, data and information; • Consolidate and monitor various reports on human resources planning and expenditures, the use of non-staff • Resources, the office communication and publishing plans, IT plans, and travel schedules; • Screen incoming correspondence to identify issues requiring further attention and draft related correspondence; • Support knowledge building and knowledge sharing across the office through training of staff and briefing of budget holders on administrative/budgetary/planning/programming/financial procedures and processes; • Review current processes and make recommendations to improve programme/projects administration procedures; • Perform other functions as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING:

Minimum Requirements: • University degree in Management, Accountings, Finances or related fields; • Five years of experience in administrative/ financial/ planning/ programming/ budgeting activities for both Regular Programme and Projects • Working knowledge (Level C) 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 • Extent and relevance of experience in budgeting and planning • Knowledge of French is considered an asset • Excellent knowledge of the MS Office applications, Internet and office technology equipment

Desirable Qualifications And Skills: • Familiarity with FAO and/or UN field programme management procedures and guidelines; • Excellent communications skill, both orally and in writing, on technical materials for audiences at different levels of technical expertise; • Extent of knowledge of corporate information systems such as Oracle, FAO COIN (Country Office Information System) and FAO FPMIS (Field Programme Management Information System); • Knowledge of FAO organizational structure.

Assessment:

Evaluation of qualified applicants may include an assessment exercise and a technical / competency-based interview.