Overview
The Programme Specialist will support the implementation and coordination of projects and programmes under the FAOSAP portfolio, contributing to the transformation of agrifood systems in Small Island Developing States.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead overall project planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting.
- Prepare and coordinate annual and detailed work plans, procurement plans, budgets, and implementation schedules.
- Lead the preparation, review, and clearance of TORs.
- Monitor and evaluate the work of consultants, contractors, and implementing partners.
- Organize and lead Project Steering Committee meetings, Annual Review and Planning meetings.
- Ensure effective financial management.
- Prepare donor reports, progress updates, and project documentation.
- Maintain regular coordination with government focal points.
- Ensure implementation of the project communication and visibility plan.
- Prepare project closure documentation.
- Represent FAOSAP in national, regional, UN, and donor meetings.
- Provide technical guidance and backstopping to project teams.
- Apply technical expertise in crops and horticulture, livestock, climate-smart agriculture, nutrition, food loss and waste reduction, value-chain development, agribusiness, and policy development.
- Support development and implementation of national and community-level interventions.
- Conduct regular field missions to countries.
- Review and clearing technical outputs and reports.
- Support development of training materials, capacity-building programmes, and knowledge products.
- Facilitate cross-country learning, documentation of best practices, and regional knowledge exchange.
- Build partnerships with regional organizations, academic institutions, private sector entities, and development partners.
- Strengthening synergies between assigned projects and other FAOSAP initiatives.
- Support resource mobilization efforts.
- Undertake any other duties required to ensure the successful implementation of the project.
Required Experience
At least 5 years of relevant experience in Programme/Project management, International Development, Monitoring and Evaluation, Agrifood Systems, Donor-funded projects or UN/International Organizations or a related field.
Qualifications
Advanced University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Business Administration, Project Management, International Development, Agriculture or a related field. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
