Project Support Specialist (2 positions)

Organizational Setting

The South-South and Triangular Cooperation Division (PST) was established in 2020 and it aims to be a hub for knowledge generation and exchange to promote the uptake of sustainable agricultural practices, technologies, and innovations to address challenges in agriculture and rural development facing developing countries. PST also oversees, coordinates and facilitates South-South and Triangular Cooperation partnerships across the Organization as an effective mechanism for implementing FAO’s Strategic Framework, through the exchange of development solutions, promotion of platforms for knowledge management and networks, mobilization of upstream policy support, and fostering enabling environment for effective SSTC among countries in the Global South. The incumbent is located in the South-South and Triangular Cooperation Division (PST) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy

The call for expression of interest aims at identifying highly qualified and motivated candidates (Junior Support Project Specialist, category C and Project Support Specialist, category B) for our divisional roaster to support the PST teams.

Reporting Lines

The Specialists will report directly to the assigned Senior/Programme Officer, PST, under the overall guidance of the Director, PST.

Technical Focus 

The Specialists will support the projects’ implementation in line with FAO’s Strategic Framework and the FAO SSTC Guidelines for Action.

 

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Conduct the administrative and operational tasks related to the implementation of project activities, in accordance with FAO rules, procedures and systems;
•    Support the projects management and coordination;
•    Provide assistance in the routine liaison with the donor and key national stakeholders targeted by the projects;
•    Compile and analyze any data/information related to project implementation;
•    Compile any needed info/documentation for the implementation of technical activities;
•    Contribute to timely preparation and submission of project reports; briefs and other relevant documents
•    Set-up an update projects-related database;
•    Support any resource mobilization activities arising from the projects;
•    Support the organization of training activities undertaken by the projects;
•    Contribute the development of any documentation generated for/by the projects (PPT presentations, project briefs, etc.);
•    Regularly monitor and keep up to date PST ongoing and pipeline projects pages through FAO Field Programme Management Information System corporate programme management tool (FPMIS), ensuring the completeness and quality of the data and documentation;
•    Assist in all the activities related to the preparation and organization of meetings/events/workshops, supporting all logistical aspects and drafting meetings reports (minutes);
•    Assist in the preparation of outreach materials and communication products;
•    Perform any other duties as required.

 

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

Junior Project Support Specialist (Category C):
•    University degree in social sciences or closely related field.
•    Working knowledge of English (C Level) and limited knowledge of one of the other FAO languages (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian) for COF.REG. For PSA.SBS a working knowledge of English.
•    Minimum one year of experience in managing projects and/or risk management.

Project Support Specialist (Category B):
•    University degree in social sciences or closely related field.
•    Working knowledge of English (C Level) and limited knowledge of one of the other FAO languages (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian) for COF.REG. For PSA.SBS a working knowledge of English.
•    Minimum five years of experience in managing projects and/or risk management.

 

FAO Core 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 is desirable
•    Extent and relevance of experience in liaison and coordination with multiple stakeholders
•    Extent and relevance of experience in compiling information and data
•    Extent and relevance of experience in report writing
•    Familiarity with the work of the UN system, project cycle, understanding of FAO implementation modalities and systems (e.g. FPMIS)
•    Excellent communication skills
•    Knowledge management experience, especially related to FAO, may be considered an asset
•    Demonstrated ability to formulate, draft and finalize clear technical and policy documents, guidelines and manuals, in English