Operations Specialist

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through FAO’s Strategic Framework 2022-31 by supporting the transformation to More efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri- food systems, for Better production, Better nutrition, a Better environment and a Better life, leaving no one behind. 

Tasks and responsibilities

• Provide operational management and programmatic support to the implementation of the project, including budgetary management and expenditures monitoring.
• Handle day-to-day operational aspects of projects and programmes in accordance with the project management cycle from initiation phase to operational and financial closure.
• Assist the Budget Holder in the overall management of the EU project, including budget allocations, budget revisions, etc.
• Liaise between programme and procurement units to ensure timely delivery of assistance to beneficiaries, following project workplans, budget availability and in accordance with relevant manual sections.
• Coordinate the production and clearance of supporting documents (concept notes, project documents, financial and narrative reports, visibility materials).
• Ensures the timely provision of project inputs (personnel, technical support services, sub-contracts, training, equipment, and supplies) directly by the Organization or, when appropriate, through contractors and in liaison with other support units.
• Ensure preparedness of the field office to scale up following emerging needs.
• Support capacity development of operations unit at the field level, including by attending appropriate meetings and trainings at national level.
• Perform any other duties as may be required.

Candidates Will Be Assessed Against The Following

Minimum Requirements: 

• University degree in public or business administration, finance, accounting, economics, social sciences or another field related to the FAO mandate.
• 7 years of relevant experience in project management especially in the agricultural sector
• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Technical/Functional Skills 

• Extent and relevance of experience in programme/project formulation, analysis, planning and implementation
• Understanding of FAO policies and programmes is considered a strong asset
• Extent and relevance of experience in supporting, advising and guiding the implementation of complex multi-stakeholder projects
• Extent of experience in formulation, implementation and monitoring of projects
• Ability to develop plans for the implementation and coordination of project operations in developing countries, in partnership with UN agencies and other concerned stakeholders and/or partners
• Familiarity with UN administrative, operational and financial procedures is an asset
• Experience working with community, NGOs and farmer groups is a plus.

Source: https://jobs.fao.org/careersection/fao_external/jobdetail.ftl?job=2401028