Operations Specialist

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.

• 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

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.