Organizational Setting The Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa (RNE) leads FAO's support to countries in the Region in transforming their agrifood systems to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It identifies regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development and ensures the planning and implementation of FAO's strategic response in the Region through a multidisciplinary approach. It implements approved programmes and projects, monitors programme implementation, and ensures that they contribute to addressing regional priorities. RNE also advises on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization's Strategic Framework and Programme of Work and Budget. RNE supports regional policy dialogues, facilitates the emergence of regional partnerships, and supports knowledge exchange, capacity development and resource mobilization for food security, agriculture and rural development in the Region. It develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions including the Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs). The position is located in the Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa (RNE) in Cairo, Egypt. Reporting Lines The Senior Programme Officer (Rural Transformation) reports to the Deputy Regional Representative.
Technical Focus Rural development and agrifood systems transformation; smallholder empowerment and access to resources; inclusive value chains; social and economic inclusion; rural communities access to social protection systems; youth employment; women's empowerment and gender equality; producer organizations and collective action; digital innovation, extension and advisory services; sustainable and climate-smart agriculture. Key Results
Provides leadership and technical policy expertise for the planning, development and implementation of divisional programmes of work, projects, products and services in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework and in alignment with the Organization's Gender Policy.
Key Functions Plans, manages or leads highly specialized or multidisciplinary teams of assigned programmes/projects. Leads the preparation and/or review of Country Programming Framework (CPF) and its operationalization and workplans, as well as supporting budgets and/or resourcing strategies. Coordinates programme/project formulation activities. Leads resource mobilization activities; establishes partnerships to explore funding opportunities, leads negotiations of funding agreements and project relationships with key stakeholders throughout the project cycle, including support to implementation; facilitates monitoring and compliance issues and ensures submission of reports. Leads and/or participates in large, complex field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties as well as drafting mission summaries, etc. Leads and/or collaborates in, provides technical backstopping to and ensures the quality/effectiveness of capacity development and knowledge sharing activities within the country such as policy support, organizational development and individual learning events, including preparation of related information, learning and on-line tools. Monitors programme/project activities in the country.
Specific Functions Leads and facilitates the overall development and implementation of RNE's rural transformation agenda. Coordinates the identification of policy trends and implications, monitors and advocates on relevant policy issues for the strategic planning and implementation of RNE's rural and agrifood system transformation agenda. Coordinates the development of studies, methodologies, tools and approaches covering multidisciplinary aspects of rural and agrifood system transformation to generate evidence, inform policies, develop capacities and facilitate uptake. Leads the development of regional knowledge exchange platforms, communities of practice, thematic networks to promote inclusive rural transformation and foster collaboration and partnerships for wider impact. Contributes to the development of RNE's vision, strategy and programme development with specific focus on rural transformation and economic inclusion issues, and coordinates with leaders of other Regional Priorities and Technical Officers to ensure complementarities and leverage collective impact. Leads and coordinates RNE policy advice and technical support to promote policy dialogues, partnerships and resource mobilization on agriculture and rural development matters in the countries of the region. Acts as primary focal point for interactions with the coordinators of FAO Programme Priority Areas and technical units of relevance to the rural transformation agenda in headquarters and in the other regions and subregions and ensures that regional priorities are well reflected in corporate initiatives. Contributes to the organization of the Near East Regional Conference and other statutory and technical meetings organized by RNE from the perspective of rural transformation and its positioning within the regional development policy agenda. Provides advice and technical backstopping to project formulators, personnel and budget holders of FAO-funded projects during formulation and implementation. Manages and monitors budget, key deliverables, project results and main targets to ensure timely result-based delivery of RNE's Rural Transformation programme, and draws lessons for advancement and upscaling.
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Minimum Requirements Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in an area related to the activities of the Organization, i.e. agriculture, forestry, fishery, economics, social science, business administration, political science or closely related field. Ten years of relevant experience in project or programme management, including planning and both at national and international level. Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
Competencies Results Focus Leading, Engaging and Empowering Communication Partnering and Advocating Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement Strategic Thinking
Technical/Functional Skills Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is essential. Work experience in the Near East and North Africa is desirable. Extent and relevance of experience in the following fields: rural development and agrifood system transformation; smallholder empowerment and access to resources; inclusive value chains; social and economic inclusion; rural communities access to social protection systems; youth employment; women's empowerment and gender equality; producer organizations and collective action; digital innovation, extension and advisory services; sustainable and climate-smart agriculture. Extent and relevance of experience in the field of developing and managing country field programme from design to delivery (programme/project identification formulation, analysis, planning, implementation and monitoring and evaluation). Extent and relevance of experience in the management of technical cooperation projects and programmes, including the management of emergency, recovery and rehabilitation related programmes. Proven track record in resource mobilization. Extent and relevance of experience in and ability to negotiate with senior officials in national governments, inter-governmental organizations and other institutions and in designing collaborative networks and joint programmes. Familiarity with UN system-wide policies and processes applying to decentralized locations is desirable.
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