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. It fosters relations with regional institutions and entities, operating as a subsidiary of FAO's Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific. SAP is enhancing its country-level engagement through improved coordination, resource pooling, and targeted technical support, aligning with FAO's decentralized operating model.

Job Purpose

This role contributes to strengthening FAO's country-level presence in Tuvalu by enhancing inter-country coordination, supporting adaptive programme delivery, and ensuring alignment with the UNSDCF, CPF priorities, and FAO’s Strategic Framework. The Specialist will integrate programme, operations, and resource mobilization functions to ensure efficient and scalable delivery of FAO’s expanding portfolio. The objective is to support Tuvalu's agrifood systems transformation and bolster FAO's decentralized country office network through effective programme coordination, portfolio management, and strategic engagement with governments, UN partners, and donors.

Responsibilities

Serve as the programme coordination and implementation focal point in Tuvalu, ensuring alignment with national priorities, FAO Strategic Framework, CPF, and UNSDCF. Provide technical support to government counterparts, UN agencies, and regional organizations for effective programme delivery. Consult 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 Tuvalu. Ensure adaptive, portfolio-based programme implementation aligned with evolving country needs and resources, in coordination with SAP and RAP. Coordinate resource mobilization and partnerships to develop project pipelines. Prepare and present project concept notes and proposals for donor funding. Liaise with FAO technical units and operations teams to ensure technical quality, operational efficiency, and compliance. Provide technical support for the efficient utilization and coordination of technical, operational, and financial resources. Lead the coordination of visibility events like World Food Day. Provide inputs for communication materials. Ensure timely provision of information for monitoring and reporting tools. Support the management of a complex project portfolio, ensuring compliance and effective risk management. Support assessments and provide inputs for monitoring and evaluation of FAO 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), and monitoring & evaluation. Working knowledge of English is required.

Skills

Results Focus, Teamwork, Communication, Building Effective Relationships, Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement. Proficient in climate change adaptation/mitigation, sustainable development, climate risk and vulnerability assessment, policy and strategic planning. Strong analytical and report writing skills. Experience working with governments, NGOs, or UN agencies is essential.

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