Senior Field Programme Officer

Organizational Setting

The Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) 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 the Divisions,Offices and Centres at headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to regional priorities. RAP 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. RAP develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions including the Regional 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.

The position is located in the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok, Thailand.

Reporting Lines The Senior Field Programme Officer reports to the Assistant Director General/Regional Representative (ADG/RR) for Asia and the Pacific.

Technical Focus Overall oversight, quality assurance, and strategic and operational planning and capacity development for effective management action on the field programme across the region.

Key Results Leadership and technical expertise for the planning, development and implementation of programmes of work, projects, related products and services in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework.

Key Functions • Leads the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects; directs review of relevant documents and reports; identifies priorities, problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and initiates follow-up actions. • Coordinates programmes and reviews the assessments of issues and trends for the implementation of programmes and projects and the preparation of impact evaluation or equivalent studies. • Supervises preparation of various written outputs, e.g. background papers, analyses, substantial sections of reports and studies or inputs to publications. • Directs substantive support to consultative and other meetings and conferences, to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations. • Manages outreach activities; designs and conducts training workshops and seminars; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities. • Leads field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties. • Represents the Organization at international meetings and conferences, identifies and implements strategic partnerships, advocates best practices and increased dialogue, and develops and negotiates effective working relationships/consensus and agreements with international and national stakeholders.

Specific Functions • Leads the Country Support and Field Programme Stream (including delegated project Budget Holders, FAO's Technical Cooperation Programme - TCP, Emergency response, FAO Representatives Network, Country Programming Framework – CPF, and programme/project quality assurance, risk management, M-E and Learning, and project cycle and operational partnerships regional advice and support) and the Partnerships and Resource Mobilization (RM) Stream. • Manages and oversees the associated administration, work plan, and staff and non-staff human resources for the Streams. • Ensures oversight of the projects in need of management action in the region and provides regular reports to management. • Provides close monitoring and organizes ad hoc support to FAO Representatives (FAORs) in the development and implementation of large and high-risk projects and new operational modalities. • Supports RAP Management in developing and implementing initiatives to enlarge the field programme; advances the programmatic approach, results-based management, adequate internal control, and efficiency and effectiveness in field programme operations. • Leads planning and implementation of project cycle and operational modality capacity development activities. • Fulfills assigned project cycle quality assurance roles. • Manages the RAP Global Environment Facility (GEF) fee account and ensures its strategic planning and use for operational and technical capacities to implement GEF programming. • Ensures field programme inputs and systematic follow-up of audit and evaluation management actions with a particular focus on RAP's regional programme and partnership work. • Leads RAP efforts to enhance country office support and project/programme management capacity development, in coordination with technical modules, administrative services stream, and strategic planning and budgeting. • Leads and/or participates in task forces to develop and implement corporate and regional initiatives.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________ CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements • Advanced university degree in economics, business administration, management or related fields. • Ten years of relevant experience in results based project/programme planning, implementation and monitoring systems/appraisals. • Working knowledge (proficient - level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate - level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Competencies • Results Focus • Leading, Engaging and Empowering • Communication • Partnering and Advocating • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement • Strategic Thinking

Technical/Functional Skills • Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions. • Extent and relevance of experience in programme/project management, in the management/operation of small-, medium and/or large-scale projects at country and regional levels, including in-depth knowledge of related administrative, operational and financial procedures. • Extent and relevance of experience and skills in project identification, programme and project formulation, analysis, planning and implementation. • Level of knowledge of results-based management methods and experience in their application. • Knowledge of field programme issues in the Asia-Pacific Region is considered a strong asset. • Knowledge of global issues, trends and constraints in development and humanitarian cooperation with particular reference to agrifood systems transformation, food security, rural poverty reduction and climate resilient agriculture.