Senior Policy and Programme Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for Better production, Better nutrition, a Better environment and a Better life, leaving no one behind.

The Senior Policy and Programme Specialist will provide policy and programme support for the implementation, coordination and monitoring of a portfolio of projects, with a primary focus on the project "Support to Mediterranean Dialogue to Tackle the Food Crisis." The incumbent will also support the implementation of FAO Food Coalition initiatives, including efforts to strengthen the resilience of agrifood systems to shocks, working closely with relevant technical teams and the budget holder to ensure effective delivery of project outputs and results.
The position is located in the Office of the FAO Chief Economist, at FAO headquarters.

Reporting Lines

The Senior Policy and Programme Specialist reports to the Senior Technical Officer and works in close collaboration with the Office of the Chief Economist and relevant divisions/units and decentralized offices.

Technical Focus

Provide overall technical, coordination, project and programme support to Office of the Chief Economist in line with selected activities, objectives and priorities of the Office of the Chief Economist.

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Coordinate and lead the implementation, and operational delivery of programme and project activities, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and donor requirements.
•     Facilitate collaboration across technical units and departments to mobilize expertise, resources, and strategic partnerships in support of programme objectives.
•     Design, develop, and implement policy-related initiatives, including policy dialogue processes and multi-stakeholder engagement mechanisms at national, regional, and global levels.
•     Support the implementation of policy recommendations aimed at strengthening sustainable and inclusive agrifood systems.
•     Monitor programme and project implementation, including progress against work plans, budgets, contractual arrangements, and contribute to timely reporting for management and funding partners.
•     Coordinate administrative and operational processes related to project delivery, including partnership agreements, procurement actions, consultant management, and contractual documentation.
•     Prepare technical and briefing materials, reports, presentations, and other knowledge products to support decision-making, policy engagement, and programme visibility.
•     Maintain effective communication and collaboration with government counterparts, development partners, research institutions, private sector actors, and other stakeholders to promote programme objectives and ensure coordinated implementation.
•     Represent the programme in internal and external meetings, conferences, and events, and contribute to knowledge exchange and partnership-building efforts.
•     Participate in recruitment and talent management processes, including serving on evaluation panels and supporting selection procedures in accordance with organizational policies.
•     Perform other related duties as required to support the effective delivery of programme and organizational priorities.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     Minimum 10 years of relevant working experience. 
•     Advanced University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in agricultural economics, business administration, development economics, political science, social sciences, other area relevant to FAO work or equivalent working experience. Consultants with bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
•     Working knowledge of English is requested. Limited knowledge (B) of another FAO official language is an advantage.  

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Extent and relevance of experience in project management and policy support related to food security, nutrition and agrifood systems.
•     Ability to multitask and prioritize the work
•     Demonstrated knowledge of international working and communications practices, and governance and business structures found in developing countries.
•     Ability to plan and organize work, deliver results and meet deadlines.
•     Excellent oral and written communication skills.