Programme Support Specialist

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supports the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems globally. The FAO Investment Centre (CFI) provides investment and finance solutions to FAO Members in over 120 countries, partnering with governments, financing institutions, the private sector, and academia to enhance agrifood investment. Its work spans strategic investment planning, public and private investment, and innovative finance, complemented by knowledge sharing and capacity development programmes.

Job Purpose

This role provides crucial support for the planning, development, and monitoring of work programmes in collaboration with FAO development partners. It involves essential coordination and operational assistance to ensure the effective execution of projects and initiatives. The position contributes to the overall success of the FAO Investment Centre's objectives by facilitating smooth project lifecycles and fostering strong partnerships with external stakeholders, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and timely delivery of results.

Responsibilities

The Programme Support Specialist will participate in the development and monitoring of assigned programmes and projects, offering technical or administrative support. This includes identifying and addressing problems, liaising with relevant parties, and tracking follow-up actions. The role involves reviewing project documents, reports, studies, and inputs for publications. Contributions will be made to corporate exercises for planning, monitoring, and reporting on results from project design, implementation support, sector studies, and policy dialogue. The specialist will coordinate budget and funding activities, prepare related documents, and support the production of communication and advocacy materials. Assistance will also be provided in policy development, including reviewing trends and drafting proposals. Field missions may be undertaken as required.

Work Experience

A minimum of one year of relevant experience is required for Category C, five years for Category B, and ten years for Category A. Experience should focus on results-based project/programme planning and monitoring, including practical experience in project support, monitoring, communication, and financial/budget planning.

Skills

Key competencies include Results Focus, Teamwork, Communication, Building Effective Relationships, and Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement. Functional skills involve work experience in multiple locations or areas, extensive experience in results monitoring and reporting, programme/project monitoring and administrative support, experience with multilateral and international agencies, and familiarity with the UN system and its operational activities.

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