Programme Officer

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device
The length of appointment for internal FAO candidates will be established in accordance with applicable policies pertaining to the extension of appointments.

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• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO’s values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination　　
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
• FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through 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.

Organizational Setting
The Chief Scientist Stream is the driver to leverage science and innovation in FAO and aims to enable the Organization to reinforce its position as a source of reliable scientific information and a neutral platform at the heart of important discussions. The Office of the Chief Scientist strengthens dialogue on science and innovation, including by developing knowledge and expertise and brings forward science-based evidence on cross-sectoral, multidisciplinary priority issues related to agrifood systems at the global level.

The position is located in the Office of the Chief Scientist at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines
The Programme Officer reports to the Chief Scientist.

Technical Focus
Provide support to the management of the programme of work under Chief Scientist mandate, in the context of the FAO Strategic Framework, and the Agenda 2030.

Key Results
Develop, implement, monitor and evaluate assigned programme/projects.

Key Functions
• Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects, etc.; monitors and analyses programme/project development and implementation.
• Reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions.
• Assists in policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of impact evaluation or equivalent studies, etc.
• Prepares various written outputs, e.g. drafts background papers, analyses, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.
• Undertakes outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
• Coordinates activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).

Specific Functions
• Supports Chief Scientist Stream in line with defined corporate priorities and the Science and Innovation Strategy.
• Supports in partnerships development and monitoring in close collaboration with the Partnerships and UN Collaboration Division (PSU), the South-South and Triangular Cooperation Division (PST) and relevant technical divisions and Decentralized Offices.
• Carries out analysis on policies and trends related to science, technology and innovation.
• Prepares and revises reports, power point presentations, briefing notes and talking points for the Chief Scientist or other senior staff.
• Interacts with collaborative networks of programmes across the Organization to ensure close integration and synergies in programme activities.
• Provides support in the review of documents addressed to FAO Governing Bodies, to ensure coherence and quality.
• Supports the preparation of annual reports work plans to achieve targets of the different units under Chief Scientist Stream.
• Prepares and revises responses to correspondence, comments, statements, and queries of parties, including from external stakeholders and Member Nations.
• Reviews relevant outputs from the Office of the Chief Scientist to ensure quality control and high-quality standards in terms of substance, impact, coherence and compliance with relevant technical and administrative policies.

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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree in business administration or public administration, social science, political science, international development, international relations, or a related field.
• Five years of relevant experience in project or programme planning and management and/ or support to policies related to science and innovation or related area including in UN organizations or other international or regional entities.
• 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
• Team Work
• Communication
• Building effective relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions.
• Extent and relevance of experience in the field of administration, human resources, finance and management.
• Extent and relevance of experience in programme/project formulation, analysis, planning and implementation.
• Extent of knowledge of planning and budgetary processes and associated tools.
• Understanding of FAO policies and programmes is considered a strong asset.

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FAO staff are expected to adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

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• Extension of fixed term appointments is based on certification of performance and availability of funds
• FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment.
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• 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/
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp

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