Programme Support Specialist
Support planning and development of programmes in food security and agricultural investment
Overview
Support planning and development of programmes in food security and agricultural investment
You have:
- University degree in economics, development studies, political science, social science, international relations, business administration, management, information systems, communication or related fields
- From one to fifteen years of relevant experience in results-based project/programme planning and monitoring
- Working knowledge of English, French or Spanish and limited knowledge of one of the other two or Arabic, Chinese, Russian
Contract
This is a PSA contract. More about PSA contracts.
****Organizational Setting****
The Investment Centre Division (DPI) promotes investment in food security, agriculture, rural development, natural resource management and agro-processing in developing countries and countries in transition, assisting governments and country stakeholders, main development partners, in particular international financing institutions with the strategic planning and implementation of their investments to achieve food security and nutrition, make agriculture, forestry and fisheries more sustainable and productive, reduce rural poverty, make food value chains more efficient and inclusive and promote climate change adaptation and/or mitigation.
DPI is a multidisciplinary division composed of three regionally focused services, namely Africa Service, Asia and the Pacific Service, and Europe, Central Asia, Near East, North Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean Service
Reporting Lines
The Consultant reports to a DPI Officer and/or to a Service Chief.
Technical Focus
Support for the planning, development, monitoring of programme of work with FAO development partners, including coordination and operational assistance.
Tasks and responsibilities
The Consultant will:
- Participate in the development and monitoring of assigned programmes and projects, and provide technical or administrative support, identifies problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions, liaises with relevant parties, identifies and tracks follow-up actions (for consultants only);
- Review and monitor the preparation of relevant project documents, substantial sections of reports, studies, and inputs to publications;
- Contribute into corporate exercises for planning, monitoring and reporting on results achieved through projects design, implementation support, sector studies, strategies, policy dialogue and capacity development activities;
- Contribute in the production of analytical tools, background papers, analysis, or concept notes;
- Coordinate activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepare related documents/reports;
- Provide support in the production of communication, advocacy materials and outreach activities;
- Assist in policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, corporate policies and procedures, development partners’ requirements and draft proposals;
- Undertake field missions as and when required (for consultants only);
- Perform any other related duties as required.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
- University degree in economics, development studies, political science, social science, international relations, business administration, management, information systems, communication or related fields
- From one to fifteen years of relevant experience in results-based project/programme planning and monitoring, including practical experience in project formulation, appraisal, implementation, monitoring, communication and/or in financial and budget planning
- Working knowledge of English, French or Spanish and limited knowledge of one of the other two or Arabic, Chinese, Russian (for consultants). Working knowledge of English, French, Spanish, Arabic or Russian (for PSAs).
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 and knowledge in results monitoring and reporting
- Extent and relevance of experience in programme/project monitoring and administrative support
- Extent and relevance of experience in multilateral and international agencies
- Familiarity with UN system, procedures and operational activities
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe a successful project you've worked on? | This question gauges your practical experience and ability to articulate project successes. | Highlight key outcomes, your specific contributions, and any challenges you overcame. |
| How do you manage competing priorities in project deadlines? | Assessing time management and organizational skills is crucial for this role. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What techniques do you use for effective team collaboration? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you ensure accuracy in monitoring program results? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What trends do you think are shaping the future of agriculture and food security? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |