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.
FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.
The Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa (RNE) 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 oversees the network of Country Offices and the Subregional Office(s) for North Africa and for the Gulf Cooperation Council States and Yemen. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the region, and, in collaboration with Divisions, Offices and Centres at headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to regional priorities and the implementation of the Organization’s strategies through programmes and projects across the region.
The Regional Office supports the formulation and implementation of the Country Programmes and Projects, including Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs), and their contribution to the FAO Strategic Framework and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) at the country level, advising Decentralized Offices on corporate priorities such as the Strategic Framework and on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization's Programme of Work and Budget.
The Regional Office leads, formulates, implements, monitors and reports on the Organization’s programmes and budget in the region and draws management attention to problems, deficiencies and risks.
The Regional Office leads the preparation of the Regional Conferences and the Statutory Bodies in the region.
The Regional Office develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions, including the Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs), and participates in the United Nations Regional Architecture, such as UN Regional Forums on Sustainable Development and UN Regional Collaborative Platforms and related mechanisms.
The Regional Office delivers an improved, integrated and collaborative business model to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, consistency, innovation, agility and responsiveness in logistical, operational, financial and other support services at all levels to accelerate the achievement of the Organization’s programme in the region and ensure compliance with the Internal Control Framework.
The position is located in the Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa in Cairo, Egypt.
Reporting Lines
The National Professional Officer (South-South and Triangular Cooperation) reports to the Senior Partnerships Officer (Resource Mobilization).
Technical Focus
South-South and Triangular Cooperation Programme development, coordination and operational assistance based on the knowledge of the local conditions, culture, language and institutions of the country of assignment.
Key Results
Effective and efficient coordination and provision of technical and operational support of the programme and project activities in the area of South-South Cooperation (SSC).
Key Functions
• Supports the preparation of annual South-South Cooperation work plans to achieve FAO's targets.
• Collaborates with and supports FAO's regional initiatives, Regional Office and respective Country Offices to mobilize resources and South-South Cooperation partnerships in line with defined corporate priorities.
• Liaises with government authorities and local, national and international institutions as well as private sector and civil society partners to explore funding opportunities; supports negotiations of funding agreements and project proposals.
• Maintains effective working relationships with key stakeholders throughout the project cycle, including supporting implementation, facilitating monitoring and compliance issues and submission of reports, as required.
• Supports capacity development efforts in support of staff with regard to resource mobilization and SSC partnerships through policy development, the production of training material and delivery of training.
• Participates in the organization of marketing and outreach activities related to FAO's Strategic Objectives and defined priority areas; facilitates resource partner meetings, events and outreach campaigns.
• Contributes to the resource mobilization and South-South Cooperation functional networks and supports Regional Initiatives teams; monitors and reports on key results.
• Participates in the identification, formulation and preparation of programme and project proposals and monitors and reviews the status of programme/project implementation to ensure that all operational activities are carried out in line with the work plan and the project document; identifies inconsistencies and delays and, when necessary, proposes corrective measures to overcome operational constraints.
• Briefs, trains and supervises junior staff; ensures adherence to procedures and work requirements as well as accuracy and diligence of the work provided.
• Performs other duties as required.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• National of the country of assignment.
• Advanced university degree in agriculture, agricultural economics, forestry, fisheries, social sciences or any other field related to the work of the Organization.
• Three years of relevant experience in a technical area relevant to FAO's global mandate and/or project implementation linked to FAO's activities in the country.
• Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and Arabic.
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, particularly in field positions, is desirable.
• Extent and relevance of experience in programme/project development and management in South-South Cooperation projects and programmes.
• Demonstrated understanding of the purpose and functions of the technical programme, operational guidelines and project/programme management procedures, preferably those adopted by the United Nations or FAO.
• Experience in institutional collaboration and partnership with governments, private sector and development regional, national and local agencies.
• Extent of relevant experience in capacity development, training, knowledge sharing and international technical cooperation programmes.