Project Cycle Management Support Specialist

Overview

Support project cycle management policies and procedures within FAO.

You have:

• Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in development studies, political science, business or public administration, public policy, economics, or another field relevant to the work of the Organisation.
• At least three years of relevant experience in project management, results-based management, outreach and capacity development, project operations or project monitoring and evaluation (M&E).
• Working knowledge (level C) of English.
• Familiarity with FAO Project Cycle, project/programme Monitoring and Evaluation tools and approaches, administrative management practices and operational modalities.
• Demonstrated analytical skills.
• Experience in design and delivery of capacity building programmes in an international context.

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 Project Support Division (PSS) coordinates FAO's efforts towards fulfilment of the FAO Strategic Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) via its projects and field programme. The Director, PSS, leads the Organization's work in oversight and monitoring of projects; project cycle management; management of the Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP); due diligence research and risk assessment review of partnerships with non-state actors; and the development and support to new operational modalities.

The Projects Management Support team manages the corporate operational guidance on the Project Cycle, the appraisal and operational clearance processes for global and interregional projects and operational closure of projects. It monitors the adherence to corporate quality standards and oversees and guides the use of TCP. The work of the team seeks to provide policies, procedures, training, and tools that increase the effectiveness of FAO units implementing projects and programmes, in a broad variety of contexts, with a view to improving their impact and efficient delivery.

The consultant will work in the Projects Management Support team at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, and will support the team on the development, review and outreach of assigned project cycle/ corporate project/programme management policies and procedures.

Reporting Lines

The Specialist reports to the Programme Officer, PSS.

Technical Focus

Project Cycle policy and project management, results-based management, operational guidance and procedures, quality assurance, project operations and corporate project monitoring and evaluation (M&E).

Tasks and responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Programme Officer, Project Support Division, and in close collaboration with other units involved in the development of project/ programme management support within FAO, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

• Contribute to the development and/or update of project and programme monitoring and management policies, procedures, templates, systems and tools as part of the FAO’s Project Cycle and its related Guide into FAO’s Handbook; • Contribute to the development of operational guidelines on project and programme management aspects, including the provision of inputs related to operational and process-related issues; • Support Project Task Forces (PTFs) in project cycle related aspects (from formulation to closure) liaising with relevant stakeholders as needed; • Carry out research on selected aspects of projects, programmes, operations and other activities, including the collection, analysis and presentation of data and other information gathered from diverse sources; • Perform data analysis and support corporate monitoring efforts on project operational and appraisal requirements; • Support the operational clearance and closure of FAO projects in coordination with project task forces in a seamless and timely manner; • Support the work of the Programme and Project Review Committee (PPRC) secretariat at Headquarters and follow up on project appraisals; • Contribute to outreach efforts for the effective and engaging communication of Project Cycle changes and good project management practices, through different channels: organization of webinars, face-to-face meetings, development of power points, drafting of articles, engaging into Community of Practice, etc; • Contribute with training and capacity development activities related to the project cycle and project management, preparing materials and coordinating the organization of events; • Maintain data related to PSS workflows and keep accurate archive of documents as per FAO policies; • Perform other 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 development studies, political science, business or public administration, public policy, economics, or another field relevant to the work of the Organisation; Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience. • At least three years of relevant experience in project management, results-based management, outreach and capacity development, project operations or project monitoring and evaluation (M&E). • Working knowledge (level C) of English.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Familiarity with FAO Project Cycle, project/ programme Monitoring and Evaluation tools and approaches, administrative management practices and operational modalities. • Demonstrated analytical skills. • Drafting skills in English.

Selection Criteria

• Extent and relevance of knowledge of project management, including working knowledge on project implementation and of related operational and financial procedures. • Extent and relevance of experience in development of policies, procedures, and institutional tools for project cycle and/or project management. • Work experience in development or humanitarian project implementation in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable. • Knowledge of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEAL), plus practical experience in their use. • Demonstrated ability to design, initiate and support complex consultative processes involving internal and external stakeholders for policy and procedures development or review. • Experience in outreach and communication. • Experience in design and delivery of capacity building programmes in an international context. • Limited knowledge (level B) of one of another FAO official language: French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese or Russian.

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Potential interview questions

Added 2 days ago - Updated 4 hours ago - Source: fao.org