(RFP500608) Specialist, Programme Management and Operations (Rome, Italy)

• Support the planning, execution, and day-to-day monitoring of project activities within the Business Development and Diversification (BDD) Unit.
  
• Assist in ensuring the operational effectiveness of projects and partnerships, supporting high-quality programme delivery.
  
• Support project design, implementation, and evaluation activities.
  
• Contribute to the effective implementation of initiatives under the Cacao Connect Initiative.
  
• Support operational coordination, procurement processes, and project governance activities.
  
• Act as an operational liaison between HQ teams, country offices, and external partners.
  
• Liaise with external technical partners, and stakeholders involved in project initiatives.
  
• Support senior management by providing timely operational updates and analytical input on projects and partnerships.
  
• Participate in field missions, regional meetings, and partner engagement activities.
  
• Coordinate tasks for consultants, interns, and support staff involved in project activities.
  
• Coordinate daily project workflows, monitoring, and reporting activities.
  
• Support the drafting and preparation of project documents such as Terms of Reference, work plans, concept notes, and reports.
  
• Assist with procurement requests, contract processing, and budget monitoring processes.
  
• Support the preparation of donor deliverables and ensure compliance with reporting requirements.
  
• Contribute to the planning and coordination of workshops, missions, and stakeholder meetings.
  
• Coordinate effectively communication across teams and partners to guarantee timely delivery of outputs.
  

Requirements

• Postgraduate degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Law, or a related field.
  
• Preferably at least 3-5 years of relevant professional experience in international development, project or programme management, procurement, or coordination within international organizations, NGOs, or multilateral institutions.
  
• Demonstrated experience managing complex projects and coordinating multiple stakeholders.
  
• Experience supporting project implementation, monitoring, and reporting.
  
• Experience in procurement processes, budget monitoring, and donor compliance is considered a strong asset.
  
• Experience working in international or multi-country environments is desirable.
  

• Strong project management and coordination skills.
  
• Good understanding of donor compliance, reporting requirements, and project governance.
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, Knowledge of French and Spanish is preferred.
  
• Strong organizational and analytical skills with attention to detail.
  
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.
  
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and online collaboration tools.
  

Benefits

• Be Italian nationals holding a valid passport or identity card.
  
• Or be EU citizens holding a valid passport or identity card and confirmation of registration from the Registrar’s Office (Anagrafe).
  
• Or Non–EU citizens holding a valid Italian work permit (permesso di soggiorno per lavoro subordinato).