Senior Field Programme Officer
Organizational Context
The Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU) leads FAO's regional response to priorities in food security, agriculture, and rural development. It oversees country offices, ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, and collaborates with headquarters to implement FAO's strategies across the region. REU supports the formulation and implementation of country programmes and projects, contributing to the FAO Strategic Framework and UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks. The office also leads regional conferences, maintains relations with regional institutions, and enhances operational support services to accelerate programme achievement.
Job Purpose
This role provides leadership in results-based field programme management, implementation, and coordination across the region. It supports regional resource mobilization, engages with the private sector and civil society, and offers operational support and capacity building to project stakeholders. The position involves managing field projects as a Budget Holder, overseeing the project cycle, forecasting, monitoring results, and managing Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) resources. Key results include providing leadership and technical expertise for the planning, development, and implementation of programmes and projects aligned with FAO's Strategic Objectives.
Responsibilities
Leads the development, implementation, and evaluation of assigned programmes and projects, identifying priorities and proposing corrective actions. Coordinates programmes, reviews trends, and prepares impact evaluations. Supervises the preparation of background papers, reports, and publications. Directs support for meetings and conferences, including agenda setting and document preparation. Manages outreach activities, conducts training, and delivers presentations. Leads field missions and provides guidance to consultants and government officials. Represents the Organization at international meetings, identifies strategic partnerships, and negotiates agreements with stakeholders. Manages and supervises the Regional Field Programme Team, country projects, and Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) Measures. Advises countries on operational project management and FAO policies. Monitors and reports on field programme implementation, providing forecasts and trend analysis. Coordinates resource mobilization, South-South Cooperation, and partnerships with non-state actors, governments, and academia. Supports Budget Holders in project appraisal and quality assurance, ensuring results-based management principles are applied. Collaborates with regional programme teams and contributes to the Senior Management Team.
Work Experience
Requires at least ten years of relevant experience in results-based project/programme planning, implementation, and monitoring systems/appraisal. Experience in programme/project management at country and regional levels, including administrative, operational, and financial procedures, is essential. Experience partnering with resource partners and non-state actors, particularly the private sector, is also crucial. Experience in contributing to UN reform on operational issues and applying results-based management methods is desirable.
Skills
Essential skills include work experience in multiple locations, especially in field positions. Extensive experience in programme/project management at country and regional levels, with knowledge of administrative, operational, and financial procedures, is required. Proficiency in partnering with resource partners, non-state actors, and the private sector is necessary. Experience contributing to UN reform on operational issues and applying results-based management methods and project evaluation is important. Knowledge of field programme issues and experience in the Europe and Central Asia region are considered strong assets.