Project Cycle Management 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 to achieve the 2030 Agenda. The Project Support Division (PSS) coordinates FAO's project and field programme efforts towards the FAO Strategic Framework and Sustainable Development Goals. The Projects Management Support team provides corporate operational guidance, manages project cycle processes, and ensures adherence to quality standards, aiming to enhance the effectiveness and impact of FAO projects and programmes globally.

Job Purpose

This role focuses on Project Cycle policy and project management, emphasizing results-based management, operational guidance, and procedures. The specialist will contribute to quality assurance, project operations, and corporate project monitoring and evaluation (M&E). The position involves supporting the development, review, and outreach of project cycle and corporate project/programme management policies and procedures within the Projects Management Support team at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, ensuring effective and efficient project delivery.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Programme Officer, the incumbent will contribute to developing and updating project and programme management policies, procedures, and tools within FAO's Project Cycle framework. This includes developing operational guidelines, supporting Project Task Forces (PTFs) from project formulation to closure, and liaising with stakeholders. The role involves conducting research, analyzing data for corporate monitoring, and supporting the operational clearance and closure of FAO projects. Additionally, the specialist will assist the Programme and Project Review Committee (PPRC) secretariat, contribute to outreach efforts for communicating project cycle changes and best practices through various channels, and support training and capacity development activities. Maintaining workflow data and document archives is also required.

Work Experience

A minimum of three years of relevant professional experience is required in areas such as project management, results-based management, outreach and capacity development, project operations, or project monitoring and evaluation (M&E).

Skills

Key skills include results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing. Familiarity with the FAO Project Cycle, M&E tools, administrative practices, and operational modalities is important. Demonstrated analytical and drafting skills in English are necessary. Experience in project management, policy development, outreach, communication, and capacity building is highly valued. Limited knowledge of another FAO official language is desirable.

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