Project Support Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (RLC) 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 departments and divisions at headquarters, develops, promotes, and oversees FAO's strategic response to regional priorities.

RLC 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. RLC develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions, including regional political and 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 consultant will report directly to the Senior Field Programme Officer, FAO RLC

Technical Focus

Project support, results-based management, operational and monitoring guidance and procedures, and financial services.

Tasks and responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Senior Field Programme Officer, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

• Manage and supervise the development and implementation of FAO's monitoring, evaluation, and reporting system in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) - OnTrack.
• Guide, advise, and build the capacity of decentralized offices in the use of the OnTrack monitoring system as well as financial/operational guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Provide technical leadership to the OnTrack team in the formulation and implementation of monthly work plans to roll out the OnTrack monitoring system in at least 10 country offices.
• Review the OnTrack development and implementation plan in the region to enhance quality control, ensure compliance, streamline workflows, and improve oversight of results-based management.
• Plan and organize internal consultations with Project Task Forces, including the Budget Holders (BHs) and Lead Technical Officers (LTOs), of the Decentralized Offices to improve the performance of the OnTrack system.
• Lead the conceptualization, development, and testing of new reports, formats, and modules available at the OnTrack MER system to facilitate the management of project cycle (from identification to operational/financial closure).
• Summarize lessons learned and best practices of the OnTrack MER system for the development of other corporate project management systems.
• Perform other tasks as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in business administration, financial management or any other field relevant to the work of the field programme.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in operations, project management, and monitoring, including practical experience in developing project monitoring tools and systems, preferably in Latin America and the Caribbean.
• For Consultant, working knowledge (level C) of Spanish and limited knowledge of English. For PSA, working knowledge (level C) of Spanish.

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 finance, planning, operations, monitoring, and management of development projects.
• Knowledge of results-based management.
• Familiarity with FAO Project Cycle, policies and procedures, Monitoring and Evaluation tools and approaches.

Selection Criteria

• Experience in operations, project management, and monitoring.
• Experience in the delivery of training for field teams.