Programme Support Specialist

Support the planning, development, and monitoring of programmes of work with FAO partners.

This opening expired 27 days ago. Do not try to apply for this job.

FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Open positions at FAO
Logo of FAO

Application deadline 27 days ago: Sunday 24 May 2026 at 21:59 UTC

Open application form

Overview

Support the planning, development, and monitoring of programmes of work with FAO partners.

You have:

  • Advanced university degree in economics, development studies, political science, social science, international relations, business administration, management, information systems, communication or related fields.
  • For category C, at least one year, for category B, at least 5 years and for category A, at least 10 years of relevant experience in results-based project/programme planning and monitoring.
  • Working knowledge (level C) of English, French or Spanish.
  • Limited knowledge of one of the other two or Arabic, Chinese, Russian would be an asset.

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

The FAO Investment Centre (CFI) provides investment and finance solutions that lead to more efficient, sustainable, inclusive and resilient agrifood systems. Working in over 120 countries, the Centre provides a full suite of investment and finance support to FAO Members. It partners with governments, international and national financing institutions, the private sector and farmers, research institutions and academia to improve the quality and quantity of agrifood investment. The Centre's four main areas of work include support to strategic investment planning and policy, public investment, private investment, and innovative finance. These are complemented by the knowledge for investment and capacity development for investment programmes that serve to share knowledge, learn and build capacities at country level. For additional information on the FAO Investment Centre, its activities, partners and the organizational structure please visit the following link.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent reports to a CFI 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

• 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 prepares 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

• Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in in economics, development studies, political science, social science, international relations, business administration, management, information systems, communication or related fields, or relevant educational background including specific academic or technical qualifications within the required field of expertise. • For category C, at least one year, for category B, at least 5 years and for category A, at least 10 years of relevant experience in results-based project/programme planning and monitoring, including practical experience in project support and monitoring, communication and/or in financial and budget planning • Working knowledge (level C) of English, French or Spanish. Limited knowledge of one of the other two or Arabic, Chinese, Russian would be an asset.

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 provide an example of a project you implemented and the steps you took to ensure its success? To understand your project management skills and your ability to deliver results in complex environments. Highlight specific actions you took, challenges faced, and the outcomes.
How do you handle conflicts or disagreements within a team when working on a project? To assess your teamwork and conflict resolution skills in collaborative settings. Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies do you use to monitor and evaluate program effectiveness? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a time when you had to analyze complex data to inform a policy or decision. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Have you ever had to prepare a budget for a project? What was your approach? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you give an example of how you communicated important project information to stakeholders? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What do you consider essential elements for successful stakeholder engagement? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you stay updated on trends in agrifood investment and policy? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 3 months ago - Updated 27 days ago - Source: fao.org