Senior Programme Officer (Rural Transformation)

Organizational Context

The Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa (RNE) is responsible for leading FAO's efforts in transforming agrifood systems across the region to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. It identifies regional priorities for food security, agriculture, and rural development, ensuring FAO's strategic response is planned and implemented through a multidisciplinary approach. RNE also advises on integrating regional priorities into FAO's strategic framework and supports policy dialogues, partnerships, knowledge exchange, capacity development, and resource mobilization.

Job Purpose

This role provides leadership and technical policy expertise for the planning, development, and implementation of divisional programs, projects, and services, aligning with FAO's Strategic Framework and Gender Policy. The incumbent will lead and manage multidisciplinary teams, oversee the preparation and operationalization of Country Programming Frameworks, and coordinate program formulation. A key focus will be on leading resource mobilization activities, establishing partnerships, negotiating funding agreements, and facilitating monitoring and compliance. The position also involves leading complex field missions, providing technical backstopping for capacity development and knowledge sharing, and monitoring program activities.

Responsibilities

Lead and facilitate the development and implementation of RNE's rural transformation agenda, coordinating the identification of policy trends and advocating on relevant issues. Develop studies, methodologies, and tools for rural and agrifood system transformation to generate evidence, inform policies, and build capacity. Lead the creation of regional knowledge exchange platforms and communities of practice to promote inclusive rural transformation and foster collaboration. Contribute to RNE's vision and strategy, focusing on rural transformation and economic inclusion, ensuring complementarity with other regional priorities. Coordinate policy advice and technical support to promote dialogues, partnerships, and resource mobilization for agriculture and rural development. Serve as the primary focal point for interactions with FAO headquarters and other regions on rural transformation initiatives. Contribute to regional conferences and meetings, positioning rural transformation within the regional policy agenda. Provide technical backstopping for project formulation and implementation, managing budgets, deliverables, and results to ensure timely delivery of the Rural Transformation program.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten years of relevant experience in project or programme management, including planning at both national and international levels, is essential. Experience in more than one work location, particularly in field positions, is required. Experience in the Near East and North Africa region is desirable.

Skills

Extensive experience in rural development and agrifood system transformation, smallholder empowerment, inclusive value chains, social and economic inclusion, rural social protection, youth employment, women's empowerment, producer organizations, digital innovation, and sustainable agriculture is required. Proven ability to develop and manage country field programs from design to delivery, including monitoring and evaluation. Experience in managing technical cooperation projects and programs, including emergency and rehabilitation initiatives, is necessary. A strong track record in resource mobilization and the ability to negotiate with senior officials are essential. Familiarity with UN system-wide policies and processes in decentralized locations is desirable.

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