Senior Programme Specialist

Organizational Setting

FAO Afghanistan is investing, across all 34 provinces, in resilience reinforcing actions that focus on protecting agriculture livelihoods and local ecosystems, boosting local production of nutritious foods and cash incomes, and safeguarding critical agriculture sectoral development gains achieved over the past couple of decades through revitalizing rural markets and economy. In 2022-2023, FAO will, under the life-saving assistance Outcome (1) of the UN Transitional Engagement Framework (TEF), focus on the following four priority actions: (i) Safeguarding Wheat Seed Security, (ii) Enhancing Local Production of Nutritious Food, (iii) Livestock Protection and Dairy Sector Support, and (iv) Restoring Irrigation Structures to Boost Cash Incomes. Additionally, FAO will contribute towards resilience-building activities under Outcome 2 of the TEF.

Reporting Lines

The Senior Programme Specialist works under the overall guidance of the FAO Representative and the direct supervision of the Assistant FAOR (Programme) and the Emergency and Rehabilitation Officer / Head of Emergency and Resilience Team, in close collaboration with operations, project management and administrative staff of FAO in Afghanistan.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will contribute to the development of overall programming of FAO in Afghanistan including the project concept notes and project documents as per FAO project cycle guidelines and provide technical support to the programme unit. The incumbent will also update FPMIS tasks relevant to the programme unit.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Contribute to the formulation and preparation of programme, project and work plan proposals for the country; participate in the preparation of draft field project documents and technical clearances and final approval under different funding arrangements;
• Provide information and technical support for project formulation, implementation, monitoring and reporting, in line with the FAO Project Cycle;
• Provide technical support to the Programme colleagues on the implementation of the FAO Strategic Framework (Four Betters);
• Support the achievement of the SDG agenda during the project preparation and implementation of the projects;
• Support the project formulator with the preparation and presentation of project proposals and fully-fledged project documents mainstreaming FAO Programme Priority Areas (PPA);
• Create the pipeline concept notes in FPMIS (FAO Field Programme Management Information System) and as per the project cycle complete the project formulation in close consultation and coordination of the project tasks force members;
• Review and make recommendations to improve current programme/projects administration procedures and processes;
• Support efficient coordination between FAO Regional offices across Afghanistan for operational matters relevant to programme/projects;
• Provide support to drafting and reviewing TCP/TCP-f project proposals;
• Act as a focal point for all project/programme development matters, organize and handle the day-to-day activities of the field programme and take action in consultation with supervisors on any issues which arise during the execution period;
• Prepare project task force meetings and provide secretariat support;
• Ensure the timely provision of project inputs (personnel, technical support services, subcontracts, training, equipment and supplies) directly by the Organization or, when appropriate, through contractors and in liaison with other support units;
• Participate, as requested by the Supervisor, in the One-UN processes pertaining the Programme Management Team (PMT), Transitional Engagement Framework (TEF), Special Trust Fund for Afghanistan (STFA), and support FAO’s participation in the related working groups thereof;
• Liaise with partners, UN agencies and other organizations on different matters as required;
• Undertake field visits as required and collect information and lesson learnt from the ongoing projects to develop new ideas for the project concept notes;
• Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced (Master’s) degree or University (Bachelor’s) degree in Business Administration, General Management, Economics, Agriculture or closely related field;
• For advanced degree at least seven (7) years of professional experience the provision of Programme/project development and support services, administration, M&E, operations, or other related disciplines with UN Organizations, international NGOs, or in a multi-cultural offices environment is required;
• For university degree at least ten (10) years of professional experience in the provision of Programme/project development and support services, administration, M&E, operations, or other related disciplines with UN Organizations, international NGOs, or in a multi-cultural offices environment is required;
• Working knowledge (level C) of English and local languages (Pashto and/or Dari);
• National of Afghanistan.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Previous work experience and familiarity with UN agencies administrative, finance and operations system are desirable;
• Ability to develop plans for the implementation and coordination of projects, in partnership with UN agencies and other concerned stakeholders and/or partners;
• Familiarity with agriculture/food security issues and development/humanitarian contexts is desirable;
• Ability to manage tight deadlines and multiple work streams;
• Ability to operate effectively in a team, contributing positively to team operations and working relationships.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help please contact: [email protected]
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.