Programme and Operations Specialist

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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

Organizational Setting

The position is located at the FAO Representation in Georgia under the European Neighbourhood Programme for Agriculture and Rural Development (ENPARD) IV programme. The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by the FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.’;

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Georgia and the Assistant FAO Representative, direct supervision of the ENPARD Programme Manager, in close collaboration with the National Operations Specialist, colleagues from the Programme and Administration teams and other ENPARD IV team members and other project staff in Georgia, as well as relevant local stakeholders, the incumbent will liaise with relevant technical and programme staff at FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia as well as Headquarters.

Technical Focus

Ensure the correct implementation of the FAO ENPARD programme in Georgia, including planning, formulation, monitoring and reporting The incumbent will be supporting the day to day operational and programmatic matters from identification to closure as detailed in the below tasks and responsibilities.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Participate in the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects;
• Monitor and analyse programme/project development and implementation;
• Review relevant documents and reports; identify problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaise with relevant parties; identify and track follow-up actions;
• Prepare various written outputs such as drafts background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.;
• Undertake outreach activities; conduct training workshops, seminars, etc.; make presentations on assigned topics/activities;
• Provide support in the preparation of technically sound project proposals for submission to resource partners and in FPMIS, in full conformity with FAO’s Project Cycle Guide and the established workflows, and with a main focus on the elements from the operational clearance and on budget preparation;
• Support the budget holder in handling day-to-day operational activities of the field and take corrective measures on problems which arise during the execution period;
• Organize project task force (PTF) meetings and ensure the secretariat of such meetings; supports the organization of Project Steering Committees (PSC) meetings;
• Ensure 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 by liaising with other’ support units;
• Participate in the preparation of project work plans, monitor progress and, where necessary, identify corrective measures to overcome operational constraints;
• Review and monitor project budget and prepare requests and revisions as required; maintain and alert about budget expenditures and resources; review project’ transaction listings with a view to identifying errors in accounting against budget lines;
• Coordinate the timely preparation of project progress and final narrative reports, contribute with inputs to project/programme briefs and comprehensive reports, elaborate progress and final financial reports for financial clearance (in cases where projects require a non-standard financial report);
• Ensure the completeness and quality of data and documentation in the FAO corporate systems (GRMS, FPMIS, etc.) for all assigned operational field projects/activities;
• Contribute to the formulation of project proposals according to FAO’s procedures and prepare project documents for technical clearance and final approval under different’ funding arrangements;
• Coordinate action concerning the project completion and closure of projects including timely closure of all outstanding commitments and surrendering/transferring of project assets;
• Contribute to communicating project results and ensuring project visibility for the resource partner;
• Act as a panel member for selection of international and national consultants in the Office;
• Performs other duties as required

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in public or business administration, finance, accounting, economics, social sciences, agricultural science or other fields related to the FAO mandate;
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in project/programme management/operations
• Working knowledge of English

FAO Core Competencies

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

Selection Criteria

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work
• Extent and relevance of experience in programme/project formulation, implementation and monitoring
• Extent and relevance of experience in supporting, advising and guiding the implementation of complex multi-stakeholder projects
• Familiarity with UN administrative, operational and financial procedures is an asset
• Previous experience in the management of EU funded project is an asset

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

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
• 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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