The Project Support Division (PSS) coordinates FAO's efforts towards the effective implementation of the FAO Strategic Framework and the four Betters aiming at achieving the Agenda 2030, through its projects and programmes. The Director, PSS leads the Organization's work in field programme oversight and monitoring; management of FAO's Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP); development and implementation support of operational modalities; and Due Diligence, and risk assessment of partnership with non-state actors.
The PSS New Operational Modalities Team (PSSN) facilitates the efficient and effective delivery of the FAO field programme through new working methodologies such as Cash Transfers, Vouchers and Grants to beneficiaries, as well as project delivery through in-country partners, via the Operational Partnership Implementation Modality (OPIM). The work of PSSN is strongly field-focused, seeking to provide policies, procedures, training and tools that maximize the effectiveness of FAO offices implementing projects, in a broad variety of contexts.
The position is located in PSS at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.
Reporting Lines:
The Programme Officer reports to the Senior Programme Officer heading the PSSN team, under the overall supervision of the Director, PSS.
Technical Focus:
Partner-based project implementation, policy development, project cycle, operational modalities, quality control and compliance, monitoring, results reporting, capacity development and support to field offices and project teams.
Key Functions:
Plans and develops annual work plans to achieve divisional targets in assigned areas.
Collaborates in strategic thinking and related plans to further develop and facilitate implementation of the Corporate Resource Mobilization and Management Strategy (RMMS).
• Ensures support to headquarters divisions/units and Decentralized Offices to mobilize resources/partnerships in line with defined corporate priorities.
Initiates contact with potential partners to explore funding opportunities, leads negotiations of funding agreements and project proposals with governments, international organizations, private sector and civil society partners; maintains effective working relationships with key stakeholders throughout the project cycle, including to support implementation, facilitates monitoring and compliance issues and ensures submission of reports, as required.
Facilitates capacity development efforts in support of staff in all locations with regard to resource mobilization partnerships through policy development, production of training material and delivery of training.
Organizes and facilitates marketing and outreach activities related to the FAO Strategic Framework and defined priority areas; facilitates donor meetings, events and outreach campaigns.
Facilitates the global resource mobilization and ensures support is provided to Regional Initiatives teams; monitors and reports on key results.
Specific Functions:
Leads the development, revision and improvement of corporate policies and procedures governing the Operational Partners Implementation Modality (OPIM), with a focus on efficiency, effectiveness and risk management in project implementation, incorporating results of relevant past Audits and reviews, including a GEF portfolio audit and an OPIM suitability review for GEF projects.
Oversees quality assurance review and clearance of OPIM submissions, including those for GEF funded projects, prior to approval by the appropriate Authorized Official in headquarters.
Ensures and monitors compliance of OPIM implementation with these corporate policies and procedures, globally, escalating any issues to senior management proposing remedies where appropriate.
Leads the development of new tools, instruments and processes in the OPIM work stream and actively contributes to relevant digitalization initiatives in the Division and Organization.
Provides daily management and coordination the OPIM team.
Strengthens the organizational support structure of the OPIM function, both at headquarters and in the Regions through the Regional Operational Partnership Specialists, with a focus on GEF funded projects as a major resource partner.
Leads the development and delivery of OPIM training and capacity building work, and coordinates the outreach and project support function, both centrally and in the Regions through the Regional Operational Partnership Specialists.
Represents FAO in the interagency working group on operational/implementing partners, and contributes to other partnership related interagency and FAO initiatives.
Performs other related duties as required.
Candidates Will Be Assessed Against The Following:
Minimum Requirements:
Advanced university degree in political science, development cooperation, economics, international relations, business or public administration, or another field relevant to the work of the Organization.
Seven years of relevant experience in programme and project management, partnership management, or related area.
Working knowledge (proficient - level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate - level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
