National Professional Officer (South-South Cooperation)

• 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 member nations 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 our values. FAO has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and FAO, 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
• The incumbent may be re-assigned to different activities and/or duty stations depending on the evolving needs of the Organization.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

Organizational Setting

The Regional Office for Africa (RAF) is responsible for leading FAO's response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through identifying, planning and implementing 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 Centres/Divisions/Offices at headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to regional priorities. RAF also advises on incorporating regional priorities into the Organization's Programme of Work and Budget, implements approved programmes and projects in the region, monitors 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.

The post is located in the Regional Office for Africa (RAF) in Accra, Ghana.

Reporting Lines

The National Professional Officer (South-South Cooperation) will maintain a direct reporting line to the South-South Cooperation Officer at the Regional Office for Africa (RAF). Additionally, they will function under the broad oversight of the Regional Programme Leader for RAF.

Technical Focus

Programme development, coordination and operational assistance based on the knowledge of the South-South Cooperation or partnerships.

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 the FAO Strategic Framework and defined priority areas; facilitates resource partner meetings, events and outreach campaigns;
• Contributes to the Resource Mobilization and the 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 junior staff; ensures adherence to procedures and work requirements as well as accuracy and diligence of the work provided;
• Performs other duties as required.

Specific Functions

• Supports, facilitates and promotes partnerships and collaborations among countries within Sub-Saharan Africa and other countries of the South. Liaises with governments, organizations and institutions to encourage and promote cooperation.
• Supports, develops, plans and manages projects that advance South-South Cooperation in Sub-Saharan Africa. Ensures the successful execution of these initiatives and effectively manages the resources allocated to these projects.
• Contributes to developing strategies and policies that facilitate the South-South Cooperation, aligning with the specific needs and context of Sub-Saharan Africa within the broader FAO objectives.
• Supports knowledge sharing and capacity building among countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. This could involve coordinating training programs, workshops, and other educational activities focused on agriculture and food security practices that have been successful in other South countries.
• Monitors the progress of the South-South Cooperation initiatives in Sub-Saharan Africa, evaluating their impacts and making adjustments as necessary. Provides regular reports to management and stakeholders.
• Advocates for the value and benefits of the South-South Cooperation in addressing the unique challenges faced by Sub-Saharan Africa. Communicates the results and impacts of these cooperative efforts to various stakeholders, including donors, governments and the broader public.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• National of 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 agricultural development and/or project implementation in an area of FAO's activities in the country.
• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English.
• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of the local language.

Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Extent and relevance of relevant experience in agricultural development related to the South-South Cooperation, partnership, capacity development, training, knowledge sharing and exchange, and international technical cooperation programmes.
• Capacity to develop strategies, prepare and coordinate programmes related to sustainable agricultural development, food security and negotiating agreements.
• Extent and relevance of knowledge and field experience in regions of Africa and extent and relevance of experience with project formulation/implementation, resource mobilization and impact assessment.
• Extent and relevance of experience in capacity building programmes, institutional collaboration and partnership with governments, private sector and development regional, national and local agencies; experience in resource mobilization.
• 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.
• Extent and relevance of experience in the field of policy analysis relating to food and nutrition security, agriculture and rural development.
• Extent and relevance of experience in the identification, formulation and preparation of programme and project proposals as well as programme/project implementation, monitoring and review within the context of the South-South Cooperation or Partnership.
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions.

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

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

The length of appointment for internal FAO candidates will be established in accordance with applicable policies pertaining to the extension of appointments.

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CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click on the following link\: https\://commonsystem.org/cp/default.asp
FAO encourages a positive workplace culture to increase inclusivity and diversity within its workforce. FAO applies measures in which all staff members contribute equally and in full to the work and development of the Organization. This includes\:
• elements of family-friendly policies
• flexible working arrangements
• standards of conduct