Back Programme Officer (Policy Coordination)

Organizational Setting

The Subregional Office for Mesoamerica (SLM) is responsible for developing, promoting, overseeing and implementing agreed-upon strategies and projects for transforming food, agriculture and rural development. It also develops and maintains relations with subregion-wide institutions. The Subregional Office is a subsidiary of the FAO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (RLC).

The position is located in the Subregional Office for Mesoamerica in Panama City, Panama.

Reporting Lines

The Programme Officer (Policy Coordination) reports to the Subregional Coordinator for Mesoamerica.

Technical Focus

Development, implementation and evaluation of projects, with an emphasis on inclusive rural transformation, climate change adaptation, resource mobilization and fostering strategic partnerships and South-South cooperation.

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, analysis, 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

  • Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects.
  • Contributes to preparing technical analysis and various written outputs, such as background papers, reports and studies.
  • Assists in policy development through the review and analysis of issues and trends.
  • Collaborates in the formulation of strategies and policies to promote high-level policy dialogue on food security, climate action and inclusive development.
  • Promotes platforms for the exchange of good practices and experiences within projects and programmes.
  • Provides technical support for resource mobilization and fostering strategic alliances to achieve regional priorities.

     

    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 management, administration or related area.
    • Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

       

      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 Latin America and the Caribbean, is desirable.            
        • Extent and relevance of experience in project management and programme development in the field of agrifood systems, food security and nutrition, agriculture and rural development, climate change and environment and/or economic and social development.
        • Extent and relevance of experience in technical assistance, advisory and policy development is considered a strong asset.
        • Extent and relevance of experience in stakeholder engagement, partnership building and resource mobilization preferably with institutions involved in South-South cooperation.
        • 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.
        • Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of Spanish is highly desirable.