The Regional Office for Africa (RAF) is responsible for 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. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the region and, in collaboration with Divisions/Offices/Centres at headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO’s strategic response to regional priorities. RAF 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. RAF develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions including the Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs). The Regional Office 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.

The post is located in the Regional Office for Africa, RAF in Accra, Ghana.

Reporting Lines

The Senior Field Programme Officer reports to the Assistant Director-General/Regional Representative (ADG/RR).

Technical Focus

Programme/project development, management and monitoring.

Key Results

Leadership and technical expertise for the planning, development and implementation of programmes of work, projects, related products and services in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework.

Key Functions

• Leads the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects; directs review of relevant documents and reports; identifies priorities, problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and initiates follow-up actions.
• Coordinates programmes and reviews the assessments of issues and trends for the implementation of programmes and projects and the preparation of impact evaluation or equivalent studies.
• Supervises preparation of various written outputs, e.g. background papers, analyses, substantial sections of reports and studies or inputs to publications.
• Directs substantive support to consultative and other meetings and conferences, to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations.
• Manages outreach activities; designs and conducts training workshops and seminars; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
• Leads field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties.
• Represents the Organization at international meetings and conferences, identifies and implements strategic partnerships, advocates best practices and increased dialogue and develops and negotiates effective working relationships/consensus and agreements with international and national stakeholders.

Specific Functions

• Coordinates RAF Operations Support Group, supervises and monitors the performance of assigned staff in the Regional Office.
• Provides oversight, operational guidance and support to project formulators, budget holders, and Field Programme Support and Monitoring Officers in the region.
• Acts as the delegated budget holder with responsibilities for regional projects as required.
• Ensures and facilitates compliance with established policies and procedures outlined in the Project Cycle Guide by project formulators, operators and budget holders in the region.
• Organizes and oversees capacity building on programme/project management, the Project Cycle Guide and related tools for project formulators, operators and budget holders in the region.

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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in economics, business administration, management, development or related fields.
• Ten years of relevant experience in results-based project/programme planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting systems/appraisal.
• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of another official FAO 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.
• Extent and relevance of experience in programme/project management, in the management/operation of small-, medium and/or large-scale projects at country and regional levels, including in-depth knowledge of related administrative, operational and financial procedures.
• Extent and relevance of experience and skills in project identification, programme and project formulation, analysis, planning and implementation.
• Level of knowledge of results-based management methods and experience in their application.
• Knowledge of field programme issues in the region is considered a strong asset.
• Knowledge of global issues, trends and constraints in development cooperation with particular reference to hunger and poverty reduction.