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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
FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.
Organizational Setting
The Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI) is one of FAO's core technical divisions under the Natural Resources and Sustainable Production stream at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. The Division collaborates with Members and partners to promote for the responsible and sustainable management of aquatic food systems, aiming for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life. To fulfil its mandate, the Division focuses on the global development of fisheries and aquaculture through the implementation of its Blue Transformation a strategic approach that outlines a vision for sustainable and resilient aquatic food systems. Additionally, it extends support to Members through normative instruments and in collaborations with regional fishery bodies (RFBs) established within the framework of the FAO Constitution. The position is either home-based or located at FAO headquarters, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, Rome, Italy.
The FISH4ACP project (“Sustainable development of fisheries and aquaculture value chains in Africa, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries”) is led by the Organisation of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and funded by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. FISH4ACP aims at improving the sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture value chains through five main components/specific objectives\: i) Robust fisheries and aquaculture improvement strategies are developed and agreed with stakeholders; ii) Economic performance of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in selected value chains is improved; iii) Inclusiveness and the social sustainability of selected value chains are improved; iv) The environmental sustainability of selected value chains is enhanced; and v) MSMEs in selected value chains have access to additional sources of finance and investment.
The New Aquatic Food Value Chains development project (NAVAC), also funded by the EU aims to promote sustainable healthy diets for the most vulnerable in fragile contexts. The project will specifically focus on the development of new aquatic products that can provide key nutrients to vulnerable populations, provide livelihoods, and generate jobs through the development of sustainable aquatic food value chains.
Reporting Lines
The Junior Operations Consultant reports to the relevant NFI Programme officer (Operations) and collaborates with relevant NFI staff.
Technical Focus
Provision of support to the operational, administrative and financial implementation of both projects.
Tasks and responsibilities
• Assist in the operational implementation of FISH4ACP and NAVAC project activities, including support to the preparation, processing and closure of Letters of Agreement (LoAs), MS502 contracts for goods and services, and Field Budget Authorizations (FBAs), ensuring compliance with FAO rules and procedures.
• Support day-to-day operational follow-up with project recipient countries, in coordination with Operations countries focal points and under the guidance of the Programme Officer (Operations).
• Provide administrative support to project activities, including missions, workshops, training sessions, meetings, and other events in line with approved work plans.
• Contribute to budget monitoring activities, including monthly financial tracking, reviewing transactions in FAO systems, preparing routine financial reports, and supporting budget revisions and budget equalizations.
• Support the preparation of project progress reports, briefing notes, meeting minutes, and documentation for Project Steering Committee Meetings, ensuring alignment with FAO and EU requirements.
• Assist in maintaining monitoring tools, including the Human Resources Tracking Tool, non-staff human resources timecards’ compliance checks, and other project management tools.
• Participate in project meetings and internal task force discussions, taking notes, preparing summaries and supporting follow up actions.
• Support the preparation, organization and holding of value chain stakeholders workshops, including coordination and liaison with FAO-established multi-stakeholder partnerships.
• Under the supervision of the Programme Officer, support the preparation of Project Steering Committee meetings with external donors, including limited coordination liaison.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, International development studies or a related field. Consultants with bachelor’s degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• At least one year of relevant experience related to project or programme management, project operations, project cycle, finance or related area. Experience with FAO or other UN agencies is preferable.
• Working knowledge of English.
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Proven experience in database management is considered an asset.
• Extent and relevance of experience in Africa and Near-east region is considered an asset.
• Ability to plan and organize own work, deliver results and meet deadlines.
• Ability to write clear and concise technical documents in English and/or French/Spanish.
• Ability to effectively support multi-disciplinary teams.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. Proven experience in translating complex data into clear visuals using PowerPoint is considered a strong asset.
Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing)
- Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list
- 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 more information, visit the FAO employment website
- Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
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
• 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/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.
• 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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