Operations Specialist

Organizational Setting

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.
FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level.
The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources.

The position is envisaged at SB IV SC 8.

Reporting Lines

Under the Overall Supervision of the FAO Representative FAO Pakistan and the Direct Supervision of the Head of the Provincial Office and the Technical Supervision of the Head of the Operations Unit, the incumbent is responsible for managing and providing the full range of operational tasks in support of the field projects and/or programme activities assigned to him/her.

Technical Focus

Supports and provides operational support to the field programme and project activities.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Act as focal point for all project operational matters and for the day-to-day running of the projects assigned to him/her;

• Take overall responsibility over the corporate Project Cycle for those project assigned to him/her;

• Contribute to the preparation and/or assessment of new project as may be requested;

• Review programme and project proposals for the purpose of operational clearance, with a view to assessing their operational feasibility;

• Monitor and review the status of the programme/project implementation to ensure that all operational activities are carried out (recruitments, contracts, procurement, travel, workshops, general operating expenses) in line with the work plan and the project document;

• Identify inconsistencies and delays and submit proposal on how to improve results and increase efficiency;

• 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 the Support Units;

• Coordinate the preparation of project work plans, monitor progress and, where necessary, identify corrective measures to overcome operational constraints;

• Perform project budget monitoring and prepare FBA requests and revisions as required; maintain alerted the Project Task Force about budget expenditures and resources;

• Coordinate timely preparation and submission of the Narrative and Financial Reports to the donor in line with the Funding Agreements and any other reports required by the Organization;

• Ensure the complete and quality of data and documentation, including in the FAO corporate and local systems (iMIS, FPMIS, GRMS, etc) for all assigned operational field projects/activities;

• Ensure preparation of data and analytical reports on project performances, as required;

• Coordinate action concerning the operational and financial closure of field projects and arrange for timely and adequate reporting, including identification of project follow- up requirements;

• Support in preparation and finalization of all documents on the different implementation modalities: Letters of Agreements, Operational Partners Implementation Modality, Cash Transfers, Beneficiary Grants and Vouchers;

• Support in preparation and finalization of the yearly Procurement Plans, HR Plans and LoA plans in line with the projects Annual Work Plans.

• Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced (Masters) University degree in agriculture, economics, business administration and management, international relations or another field related to the work of the Organization

• Minimum 08 years of relevant experience in the management, operation and support of emergency and development projects and programmes

• Working knowledge of English and Urdu

• National of Pakistan

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.

• Extent and relevance of experience in field programme/project operations in the food security and agriculture sector.

• Extent and relevance of experience in coordinating and providing support in the preparation of project proposals, project implementation, budget preparation, monitoring, revision, preparation of financial reports in donor specific formats.

• Familiarity with Project Cycle Management.

• Extent and relevance of experience in programme or project management.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• 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 additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.