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.
The Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU) 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 for Central Asia. 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. REU also provides services to employees throughout the region in organizational, project and programme management, administration, financial, human resources management, procurement and information technology related matters.
Reporting Lines
With overall guidance of the Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative (ADG-RR), the Programme Management Specialist reports to the Deputy Regional Representative for Europe and Central Asia (DRR).
Technical Focus
Supporting Country Programme teams including coordination and monitoring of UN Country Teams discussions and preparation of reports and briefs to the DRR particularly in relation to Western Balkan countries. Supporting the management of Regional Governing Bodies and the liaison with its members and Commissions’ Secretaries and other external partners as required exercising initiative and judgement.
Tasks and responsibilities
• Coordinate the planning and management of the office of the DRR and ensure timely and quality completion of the tasks and responsibilities assigned to the DRR.
• Oversee and support all aspects of the FAO Governing and Statutory Bodies in the Europe and Central Asia region, including their planning, development, execution and report drafting. Regularly brief and report to the DRR, Senior Management, FAO Representatives, and country offices on Governing Bodies' issues. Coordinate and monitor all related activities, support financial planning, maintain records, and draft Letters of Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding/Responsibilities with host governments or partner organizations for meeting arrangements.
• Liaise as necessary with key partners including members of the Europe Regional Group (ERG), Government Focal Points, Ministries, Embassies, Permanent Representations of FAO Members, Civil Society Organizations, Intergovernmental Organizations, International non-governmental organizations, and non-state actors. Lead official communication and protocol actions, and ensure proper procedures are followed.
• Coordinate matters in connection to regional administration and corporate exercises, such as Country Annual Reports, Regional Synthesis Report, Risk log, Business Continuity Plan, and other regional level corporate reporting and monitoring exercises. Support the regional network related matters:
o Provide variety of support tasks to the ADG and DRR’s offices including but not limited to tasks pertaining to the DRR’s role as ‘de facto head of office’ in the Western-Balkan countries (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia).
o Coordinate the management of all relevant matters in relation to the FAO offices as instructed by DRR;
o Liaise with UN Resident Coordinator and UN Agencies present in the respective countries. Attend UN Country Team meetings as requested.
• Coordinate and support the respective country teams in completing the corporate exercises in planning, monitoring and timely reporting: developing country briefs, annual reports, risk matrixes, BCPs, etc. Review reports prepared by the country offices prior to the clearance of the DRR.
• Support technical teams in relation to technical areas lead by the DRR, specifically: E-Agriculture and One Health.
• Support the work of the Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative (ADG-RR), and the REU Senior Management (SMT). Brief and report to SMT on requested matters relevant for the Senior Management.
• Provides training, mentorship and day-to-day supervision for Programme/Meeting Assistant. In liaison with the office of the ADG-RR, provides training and support in day-to-day supervision of Office Assistants.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree in international relations, economics, diplomacy, or other related field (first level degree with minimum seven years of relevant experience will be accepted in lieu of advanced degree
• Five years of relevant experience in one or more of the following areas: programme management, project management, diplomacy, foreign affairs;
• Full proficiency/Working knowledge of English.
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 working with international organizations, diplomatic bodies and Governments;
• Extent and relevance of experience in supporting programme/project development and management;
• Excellent management and communication skills, and ability to write and/or edit documents clearly and concisely in English is considered a strong asset
• Familiarity with and understanding of the work of international organizations, regional entities with national governments and other non-state actors in the Europe and Central Asia region
• Good understanding of the governance aspects of the UN
Familiarity with project/programme management procedures and administrative processes preferably those adopted by FAO.