National Programme Specialist

Organizational Context

The FAO Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands (SAP), established in 1996 in Samoa, coordinates FAO's work across 13 Pacific member countries and one Associate Member. SAP develops, implements, and oversees programmes addressing food security, nutrition, agriculture, and rural development. As a subsidiary of FAO's Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP), SAP is enhancing its country-level engagement through improved coordination, resource pooling, and technical support. The Specialist will be instrumental in operationalizing FAO's presence in Niue, ensuring effective programme delivery aligned with national needs and regional priorities.

Job Purpose

This role contributes to strengthening FAO's country-level presence in Niue within the framework of FAO's evolving decentralized operating model. The Specialist will enhance cross-country coordination, support adaptive programme delivery, and ensure alignment with the UNSDCF, CPF priorities, and FAO’s Strategic Framework. A key aspect of the role involves integrating programme, operations, and resource mobilization functions. This integration aims to ensure the efficient and scalable delivery of FAO's expanding portfolio of work, thereby maximizing impact and effectiveness in supporting national development objectives.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary focal point for programme coordination and implementation in Niue, ensuring alignment with national priorities, FAO Strategic Framework, CPF, and UNSDCF. Provide technical support to government counterparts, UN agencies, regional organizations, and partners to facilitate effective programme delivery and coordination. Engage in consultations with national stakeholders to identify priority areas for FAO support, including TCP pipeline development and partner-funded initiatives. Coordinate and support the implementation of ongoing agriculture, food security, and emergency projects in Niue. Ensure adaptive and portfolio-based programme implementation in line with evolving country needs, project pipelines, and available resources, in coordination with SAP and RAP. Coordinate resource mobilization and partnerships to develop project pipelines and enhance FAO's capacity to meet partner needs. Prepare and present project concept notes, proposals, and other programme documents for donor funding. Liaise with FAO LTOs, technical units, and operations teams to ensure technical quality, operational efficiency, and compliance in project implementation. Support the efficient utilization and coordination of technical, operational, and financial resources to enhance delivery and impact across multiple countries. Provide technical support for organizing visibility events like World Food Day. Contribute inputs to communication and visibility materials. Ensure timely provision of information for monitoring and reporting tools, coordinating with the subregional M&E Specialist. Support the management and oversight of the project portfolio, ensuring compliance with FAO operational standards and effective risk management. Support assessments and provide technical and operational inputs for monitoring and evaluation of FAO's interventions. Assist senior colleagues in strengthening coordination with national counterparts and partners for effective project implementation and capacity development.

Work Experience

Three years of relevant experience in programme/project management, policy analysis (agriculture, food security, rural development), or monitoring & evaluation. Experience working with governments, NGOs, or UN agencies is desirable.

Skills

Results Focus, Teamwork, Communication, Building Effective Relationships, Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement. Knowledge of climate change adaptation and mitigation, sustainable development, and climate risk/vulnerability assessment. Expertise in policy and strategic planning. Strong analytical and report writing skills. Proficiency in developing capacity building materials and conducting assessments. Experience working with governments, NGOs, or UN agencies.

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