PROGRAMME OFFICER, P4

Org. Setting and Reporting

The mandate of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is to promote sustainable and inclusive development and regional connectivity in the Asia-Pacific region. The role of ESCAP as a regional development arm of the United Nations Secretariat is to support its membership with policy-oriented research and analysis and with normative, technical and capacity-building assistance to respond to the development priorities and changing needs of countries in Asia and the Pacific. The Centre for Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization (CSAM), a regional institution of ESCAP, supports member States efforts towards sustainable agricultural mechanization for the attainment of the internationally agreed development goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals in Asia and the Pacific. CSAM's work promotes policy dialogue, information exchange and cooperation among all pertinent stakeholders, setting of testing standards and protocols, facilitation of regional agro-business and trade, and related capacity building in the region. This position is located in the Centre for Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization (CSAM). The incumbent reports to the Head of CSAM.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Head of CSAM, the incumbent is required to perform the following functions: • Assist the Head of CSAM in: (a) the formulation and implementation of the substantive work programme of the Centre, in accordance with the guidelines provided by the ESCAP Commission and CSAM's Governing Council, and ensure that programme activities are carried out effectively, and reported to the Executive Secretary of ESCAP and other relevant constituencies in a timely manner; (b) planning, developing, implementing, monitoring and evaluation of substantive projects, flagship activities, technical cooperation programmes and other core initiatives of CSAM, including related publications, reports, research, websites and other relevant outputs. • Related tasks may include (i) formulating proposals for development strategies, policies and measures for presentation to intergovernmental bodies and others, (ii) attending international, regional, and national meetings to hold discussions with representatives of other institutions, (iii) organizing expert group meetings, seminars, etc. on development issues and CSAM's areas of work, (iv) preparation of speeches and other inputs for presentations by the Head of CSAM and ESCAP senior management. • Serve as Programme Manager of (i) Regional Forum on Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization & Regional Council of Agricultural Machinery Associations (ReCAMA) (ii) Asian and Pacific Network for Testing of Agricultural Machinery (ANTAM) (iii) Integrated Straw Management and other programmes of CSAM at the regional/subregional levels through South-South cooperation modality and assist the Head in developing and implementing programmes targeted at the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States in the region. Facilitate close integration across different programmes of the Centre, and support junior staff, reviewing their work and providing feedback. • Related tasks may include (i) undertaking official missions to member states, either alone or as a participant in a diverse team, as part of the Organization’s technical cooperation activities, (ii) preparation of global, regional, national or sector analyses that provide a basis for advising national governments on economic development issues, (iii) conducting related training seminars and workshops for government officials and others, and (iv) assisting with the formulation of technical modalities for the evaluation of assigned individual technical cooperation projects. • Assist the Head in coordination of mobilization of funding resources for the Centre's programmes and projects, including from the host country. Conduct suitable outreach activities amongst relevant constituencies, stakeholders/partners, both internal and external, in order to raise the profile and awareness of the Centre and its work. • Plan and manage analytical and normative research studies on topics related to sustainable agricultural mechanization, including assessment, identification and sharing of good practices and link to capacity building programmes. • Assist the Head in the preparation, organization and servicing of the Governing Council meetings of the Centre, the Committee on Environment and Development and the ESCAP Commission, including via contributing to the preparation of annual reports, official documentation and related submissions on CSAM for such intergovernmental forums. • Assist the Head in maintaining close working relations with the host Government and Governments of ESCAP member states as well as with international organizations such as FAO, WFP, IFAD, UNIDO, UNDP and United Nations Country Team of China to foster partnership building and to promote and facilitate technical cooperation related to the Centre’s core programme on Agro-Technology Transfer and Innovation at the regional/sub-regional levels through South-South Cooperation modality. • Assist the Head in building and enhancing the institutional and human resource capacities of the team, including by (i) serving as the Officer-in-Charge and/or representing the Head at external meetings, forums and other events during the Head's absence, (ii) organization of regular knowledge sharing sessions for/amongst the Centre's staff and (iii) providing continual guidance and supervision to relevant staff. • Other duties assigned by the Head of the Centre.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or other specialized field. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. • Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. • Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. • Building Trust: Provides an environment in which others can talk and act without fear of repercussion; manages in a deliberate and predictable way; operates with transparency; has no hidden agenda; places confidences in colleagues, staff members and clients; gives proper credit to theirs; follows through on agreed upon actions; treats sensitive or confidential information appropriately.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Agriculture, Engineering, Business administration, or related field is required. A relevant first-level university degree in the above fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job - Specific Qualification

Relevant training in Intergovernmental Meetings Management is desirable. Relevant training in ERP system, such as Umoja/SAP or similar, is desirable.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in programme management in the field of agricultural mechanization is required. At least 5 years of work experience in managing agricultural engineering, climate change resilience and ecosystems programme in the Asia-Pacific region is required. At least 5 years of work experience, in the area of formulation of standards within the agricultural sector, in the United Nations Common System is required. At least 3 years of work experience in deputizing and maintaining close working relations with stakeholders in a regional level executive office or equivalent is desirable. Experience in project formulation related to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in food systems is desirable. Experience in promoting organizational visibility in local and international context is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).

Required Languages LanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingEnglishUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level II Assessment Qualified applicants may be evaluated through a competency-based interview and/or other assessment methods. Special Notice Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. ESCAP is committed to promoting diversity and gender equality within the Secretariat. Women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. Pursuant to section 6.9 of ST/AI/2010/3/Rev. 1, interns, consultants, individual contractors and gratis personnel may not apply for or be appointed to any vacancy in the Professional or higher categories within six months of the end of their current or most recent service. This post is funded from extra budgetary resources. The initial appointment is for a period of one year. Extension of appointment is subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. 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