The Regional Office for RAP 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 departments and divisions at Headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to regional priorities. RAP 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. RAP 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.
Main Purpose
The Field Programme Associate plays a lead role in the coordination of field programme/project support services. He/she performs a broad range of programme, planning and budgeting activities requiring in-depth analysis and interpretation of relevant policies, procedures and practices. The incumbent provides procedural guidance to managers and staff in Office.
Supervision Received/Exercised
The Field Programme Associate reports to the FAO Field Programme Officer / GEF project Budget Holder in RAP. The incumbent works with wide latitude for independent action and gives guidance and advice to clerical and/or junior programme support staff. He/she works collaboratively with various Project Management Offices (PMOs) operating under the projects subject to RAP BH management responsibility and/or project implementation and execution partners as well as internally with administrative/financial staff of the FAO RAP and/or relevant Country Offices.
Working Relationships
The Field Programme Associate maintains a wide range of contacts with managers, staff and stakeholders inside and outside the Organization. The incumbent collaborates closely with colleagues in the Regional, Subregional and Country offices and relevant headquarters departments, ensuring the quality and consistency of programme and project support services.
Key Functions/Results
Ensure effective operational support to the FAO field programmes and projects executed in the Office; ensure consistency with the Organization's operational requirements and the FAO's rules and regulations;
Participate in the identification, formulation and preparation of programme, project and workplan proposals in line with the new Project Cycle Guide; participate in the preparation of draft project documents; ensure high quality and consistency;
Ensure that the necessary financial and human resources are in place and that the appropriate goods and services are procured for the effective functioning of projects, in collaboration with others on the project team;
Coordinate the monitoring and review of project implementation to ensure that all operational activities are carried out in line with the work plan and the project document; coordinate the review of inputs, expenditures and time frames; identify inconsistencies and delays and, when necessary, propose corrective measures to overcome operational constraints;
Accompany field visits to project sites and/or accompany project managers and/or experts in their meetings with donors and government officials;
Coordinate the collection, maintenance, distribution and consolidation of technical and operational data. ensuring that all project-related data and documentation is up-to-date in the Field Programme Management Information System (FPMIS): analyse and summarize data from various sources, including FAO corporate systems, draft periodic or ad hoc management reports, verify data, answer queries and obtain additional information on transactions and operational matters;
Prepare and finalize correspondence of operational nature regarding programme / project matters; initiate correspondence to verify data, answer queries, and obtain additional information on transactions and operational matters, as required.
Ensure appropriate recording and administrative processing of requests and inputs for FAO's assistance received by Government, donors or other organizations.
Review current processes and make recommendations to improve programme/projects' operational and administrative procedures.
Perform other duties as required.
Impact Of Work
The incumbent's work impacts directly on the smooth and efficient operations of the field programme/project activities of the Office. He/she plays a lead role in the coordination and provision of the programme operational support services for the successful achievement of the Office's mandate.
Candidates Will Be Assessed Against The Following
Minimum Requirements
Education: Secondary School Education
Experience: Five years of experience in administrative/ financial/ planning/ programming/ budgeting activities for both Regular Programme and Projects
Languages: Working knowledge (Level C) of English
IT Skills: Ability to effectively use standard office software, such as MS Office (Windows, Word, Outlook, Excel, Power Point, Exchange). Ability to effectively use project management software and other information systems /databases.
