Programme Support Specialist

The Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU) is responsible for developing, promoting and leading FAO’s response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO’s priority activities in the region. REU also advises on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization’s Programme of Work and Budget and implements approved programmes and projects in the region, monitors the level of programme implementation and draws attention to problems and deficiencies. REU supports regional policy dialogue on food security, agriculture and rural development issues, facilitates the emergence of regional partnerships, and supports capacity development and resource mobilization for food security, agriculture and rural development in the region. REU is managing also national programmes and projects in countries of the region.

The Programme Support Specialist reports to the Regional Programme Leader.

Support for the planning, development, monitoring and reporting of regional work programme, including coordination and operational assistance.

Under the overall supervision of the Regional Programme Leader (RPL) and in close collaboration with the RPL team, the incumbent will support planning and programming, as well as monitoring outputs under the three Programme Priority Areas (PPAs) in Europe and Central Asia Region. Specifically:

• Support regional programme coordination including planning and implementation of FAO Strategic Framework in the region;

• Contribute to the corporate output level planning, monitoring and year-end reporting exercises at the regional level;

• Support the formulation and review of the Regional Work Programme

• Assist in operational implementation and support monitoring the implementation and budget of the Regional Work Programme

• Prepare background documents and reports as requested, by using FAO systems.

• Any other related activities, as required.

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in social, economic, agricultural, environmental sciences or another field relevant to the work of the Organization

• One year of relevant experience in support to monitoring and reporting of multi-disciplinary activities in international and/or technical organizations

• Working knowledge of English

• Results Focus

• Teamwork

• Communication

• Building Effective Relationships

• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable

• Extent and relevance of experience in supporting programme/project development and management

• Extent and relevance of experience in assisting in the identification, formulation and preparation of programme and project proposals as well as programme/project implementation, monitoring and review

• Demonstrated understanding of the purpose and functions of the technical programme, operational guidelines and project/programme management procedures, preferably those adopted by the United Nations or FAO

• Working knowledge of Russian will be considered an asset