Programme Support Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food And Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Subregional Office for the Pacific (SAP) covers 14 member countries. These countries are Cook Islands, Micronesia (the Federated States), Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau (territory of New Zealand), Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. FAO SAP is responsible for developing, promoting, overseeing and implementing strategies with the member countries for addressing subregional agriculture, food, nutrition and rural development priorities. The Subregional Office is a subsidiary of FAO’s Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) in Bangkok.

Reporting Lines

The Program Support Specialists will each be under the direct supervision of the Nutrition and Food Systemsand will be in regular consultation and coordination with the Assistant FAO Representatives (AFAOR) and Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) under FAOSAP. The incumbents shall provide administrative and technical support for the identification, design and implementation of projects and programs within the countries covered by FAOSAP.

Technical Focus

The Programme Support Specialist undertakes high level and specialized Programme support. He /she supports work of the unit and ensures quality, transparency and consistency of functions and processes. The job role requires in-depth knowledge and interpretation of FAO policies, procedures and practices. The incumbent provides procedural and policy support to managers and staff in the work unit. The Programme Support Specialist maintains a wide range of contacts with managers and staff within and outside the organization. He/ she works closely with colleagues at various level in the Programme team in the handling of specialized processes and the provision of experienced Programme support.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Support and contribute to the planning, development, monitoring and reporting of programme and projects including the development of project documents for resource mobilization; • Facilitate consultations with countries to identify their needs; • Support Follow ups with consultants and national counterparts over project implementation; • Facilitate capacity building with governments, and stakeholders; • Keep track of financial transactions related to Letters of Agreements (LoAs) and Service Contracts; • Support the planning and delivery of conferences, and enabling the participation of various stakeholders; • Make arrangements for meetings, seminars and events: implement logistics, prepare correspondence, compile and distribute documents, make administrative arrangements • Provide technical contributions to work planning, project design, etc… • Collect and compile data on programme/ project activities to support reporting on programme/ project delivery; • Provide information on programme/ project expenditures and status of programme/ project budget; • Process, format and proof-read reports, documents, publications and correspondence related to the work of the unit from draft texts; • 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; • Support the review and monitor the preparation of project documents, reports, studies, and provide inputs; • Facilitate activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and related documents/reports; • Provide support in the production of communication, advocacy materials and outreach activities; • Initiate and follow up on administrative and financial actions related to staff management, non-staff support, travel, payments, and procurement; • Review and direct correspondence, calls and queries to appropriate contacts; provide for background information; respond to routine enquiries; • Perform other related duties, as assigned by the supervisor

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in agriculture, nutrition, dietetics, fisheries, forestry, economics, development studies, political science, social science, international relations, business administration, management, information systems, communication or related fields; • At least two years of relevant experience in project/programme planning and monitoring and implementation • A good knowledge of the English language and ability to work in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams is essential. • National of Samoa or residents in Samoa with a regular work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus • Teamwork • Communication • Building Effective Relationships • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Extent and relevance of experience and knowledge in supporting identification, design and implementation of projects and programs; • 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