Project Management Expert

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• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply;
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

Organizational Setting

The Project Support Division (PSS) coordinates FAO's efforts towards fulfilment of the FAO Strategic Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) via its projects and field programme. The Director, PSS, leads the Organization's work in oversight and monitoring of projects; project cycle management; management of the Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP); due diligence research and risk assessment review of partnerships with non-state actors; and the development and support to new operational modalities.

The Project Cycle Team within PSS, at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, is responsible for developing and keeping up-to-date FAO's corporate policies, approaches, tools and procedures related to project management. As part of this effort, the Project Cycle Team is also managing a roster of Project Management Specialists that can be deployed to serve the implementation of any kind of projects operated by HQ and/or decentralized offices, according to need.

Reporting Lines

The Project Management Expert reports to the Budget Holder, or any other staff delegated specific supervisory functions by the Budget Holder. He/she collaborates closely with the Lead Technical Officer.

Technical Focus

Supports the Budget Holder and is responsible for the day-to-day coordination and management of the project implementation. He/she ensures effective utilization of resources, timely delivery of the work plan, adherence to budgets, management of risks, and problem solving for achievement of project results, within delegated authority and in accordance with project/donor agreements and FAO rules and procedures.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day implementation of the project, including guidance and supervision of project personnel (only affiliate personnel and when possible).
• Ensure the preparation, monitoring and updating of project plans, with particular emphasis on budget management (in accordance with existing rules and regulations) and work plan as well as application of corporate recommended tools.
• Ensure the Logical Framework Matrix (LFM) is complete and up-to-date, and that relevant data is collected for regular monitoring of project results.
• Manage affiliate personnel, goods and services, overseeing the work of implementing partners and service providers.
• Liaise, and maintain positive working relations with stakeholders, through the agreed office channels.
• Liaise with, provide reports to and receive guidance from, governance mechanisms.
• Identify, mitigate and manage potential risks, report and escalate issues when necessary.
• Ensure communications and visibility, in line with project plans.
• Ensure reports are prepared and submitted.
• Ensure all deliverables are completed, project documentation is in order, evaluation is supported as needed, and preparations for project closure are set up.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in public or business administration, finance, accounting, economics, social sciences or any another discipline relevant to the work of the Organization.
• At least ten (10) years of relevant experience in Project and Programme Management. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• Working knowledge of English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese or Russian

FAO Core 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 is desirable.
• Extent and relevance of experience at international level in project implementation and managing operations.
• Extent and relevance of experience in supporting the implementation of complex multi-stakeholder projects.
• Experience in managing projects through external partners and with relevant modalities such as FAO’s Operational Partners Implementation Modality (OPIM) or the UN's Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT) is considered an asset.
• Ability to develop and manage plans for project implementation and coordination of operations.
• Familiarity with UN administrative, operational and financial procedures and understanding of FAO policies and programmes is considered a strong asset.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing)
• Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For more information, visit the FAO employment website
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application

• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.

• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp

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