National Professional Officer at Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

The Regional Office for 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 departments and divisions 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.

Reporting Lines
The National Professional Officer (South-South Cooperation) reports to the South-South Cooperation Officer.
Technical Focus
Programme development, coordination and operational assistance based on the knowledge of the local conditions, culture, language and institutions of the country of assignment.

Key Results
Effective and efficient coordination and provision of the technical and operational support of the programme and project activities in the area of South-South Cooperation (SSC).

Key Functions

• Supports the preparation of annual south-south cooperation work plans to achieve FAO’s targets;
• Collaborates with and supports FAO's regional initiatives, regional office and respective country Offices to mobilize resources and south-south cooperation partnerships in line with defined corporate priorities;
• Liaises with government authorities and local, national and international institutions as well as private sector and civil society partners to explore funding opportunities; supports negotiations of funding agreements and project proposals;
• Maintains effective working relationships with key stakeholders throughout the project cycle, including to support implementation, facilitate monitoring and compliance issues and submission of reports, as required;
• Supports capacity development efforts in support of staff with regard to Resource Mobilization and SSC partnerships through policy development, the production of training material and delivery of training;
• Participates in the organization of marketing and outreach activities related to FAO's Strategic Objectives and defined priority areas; facilitates resource partner meetings, events and outreach campaigns;
• Contributes to the Resource Mobilization and South-South Cooperation functional networks and supports Regional Initiatives teams; monitors and reports on key results;
• Participates in the identification, formulation and preparation of programme and project proposals and monitors and reviews the status of programme/project implementation to ensure that all operational activities are carried out in line with the work plan and the project document; identifies inconsistencies and delays and, when necessary, proposes corrective measures to overcome operational constraints;
• Briefs, trains and supervises lower grade level programme staff regarding all aspects of the job. Ensures adherence to procedures and work requirements and accuracy and diligence of the work provided.
• Performs other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• National of the country of assignment (Ghana)
• Advanced University degree in agriculture, agricultural economics, forestry, fisheries, or any other field related to the work of the Organization
• Two years of relevant experience in a technical area relevant to FAO's global mandate and/or project implementation linked to FAO's activities in the country
• Working knowledge (Level C) of the official language used for FAO communication with the country (English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese or Russian)
• Working knowledge (Level C) of the local language (if not English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian or Chinese)
• Limited knowledge (Level B) of English (if the main communication language is French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian or Chinese)

Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable
• Extent and relevance of experience in programme/project development and management in south-south cooperation projects and programmes
• Demonstrated understanding of the purpose and functions of the technical programme, operational guidelines and project/programme management procedures, preferably those adopted by the United Nations or FAO
• Experience in institutional collaboration and partnership with governments, private sector and development regional, national and local agencies
• Extent of relevant experience in capacity development, training, knowledge sharing, and international technical cooperation programmes