Programme Officer (Business Process Innovation and Data)

Organizational Setting
The Project Support Division (PSS) coordinates FAO’s efforts towards the effective implementation of the FAO Strategic Framework and the four Betters aiming at achieving the 2030 Agenda, through its projects and programmes. The Director, PSS leads the Organization’s work in project cycle including projects oversight and monitoring; management of FAO’s Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP); development and implementation support of operational modalities; and due diligence and risk assessment of partnerships with non-state actors.
The post is located in PSS at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, and is responsible for supporting the development and improvement of operational and business processes under the Division’s responsibility, with a focus on quality, efficiency and innovation.

Reporting Lines
The Programme Officer (Business Process Innovation and Data) reports to the Senior Programme Officer or Director, PSS.

Technical Focus
Process analysis and innovation, support to tools/product design, information and data analysis. Support the continuous improvement and review of the life cycle of divisional processes and tools to ensure the effectiveness or improve the performance of divisional workflows and processes, and for the alignment of PSS workflows and processes in the development of cross-Organizational initiatives.

Key Results
Develop, implement, monitor and evaluate assigned programmes/projects.

Key Functions
• Carries out basic research on selected aspects of programmes, operations and other activities; collects, analyses and presents statistical data and other information gathered from diverse sources.
• Provides substantive support for policy coordination and evaluation functions, including the review and analysis of emerging development issues and trends, participation in impact evaluation or equivalent studies and audits.
• Participates in survey initiatives; issues data collection tools, reviews, analyses and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares preliminary conclusions.
• Contributes to the preparation of various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analytical notes, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications.
• Undertakes outreach activities; participates in the development of training workshops, seminars; participates in and makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
• Participates in field missions, including provision of substantive and administrative support, data collection, etc.
• Coordinates activities related to budget funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements) and preparation of related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget.), as necessary.

Specific Functions
• Identifies needs and opportunities for workflows and business process improvements through mapping, analysis and stakeholder consultation, raising recommendations for review of processes, tools/product design and development.
• Supports the development of strategy, work plan and budget monitoring, conducting user-centred research to identify improvement solutions based on service users/stakeholder requirements, and identified needed functionalities and objectives.
• Contributes to the alignment with existing and emerging Integrated Management Systems (IMS), Customer Relationship Management System (CRM) and other platforms and corporate tools within FAO and the wider UN Common System, liaising with key Organizational stakeholders.
• Supports the articulation of requirements for corporate systems and engaging owners of corporate systems for developments or Business Change Requests, where required.
• Supports the planning and implementation of new approaches (including tools/product) design and development, organizing sprints and testing, developing feedback mechanisms, and supporting business processes changes launch and related communication, as required with cross-functional teams.
• Supports capacity development and knowledge management initiatives for the implementation of new workflows, processes, systems and tools, including conducting training events and webinars.
• Monitors, reviews and evaluates business processes changes introduced and related tools performance and impact; supports  managing data and backlogs andmaintains records of Business Change Requests and other relevant business processes and related tools development archives.
• Acts as a primary point of contact for users, internal and external vendors, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Supports the development and monitoring of the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for processes/tools improved.
• Performs other related duties as required.

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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree in computer science, business administration, economics, statistics, public administration, engineering or a related field.
• Three years of relevant experience in the review and application of innovative approaches to development of workflows and business processes, related tools, including through digitalization/IT solutions, and familiarity with agile methodology.
• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is considered an asset.
• Extent and relevance of experience in supporting innovative approaches for review, redesign and development of operational processes or workflows, focused on user experience, technical excellence and domain feasibility.
• Demonstrated skills and experience in supporting operational, business and workflow reviews/analysis for functional and non-functional requirements and managing back logs.
• Extent and relevance of experience in agile project management, capacity development, training, knowledge sharing, and external vendor management.
• Prior experience with working in the UN System is considered an asset.
• Knowledge of FAO policies is considered an asset.
• Experience in transformational change processes and change management is considered an asset.
• Technical background with knowledge of software development and experience in the full product life cycle is desirable.