Field Administrative and Financial Specialist

The Regional Office for RLC is responsible for leading FAO's response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO's priority activities in the region. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the Region and, in collaboration with departments and divisions at Headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to regional priorities. RLC also advises on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organizational Programme of Work and Budget and implements approved programmes and projects in the region, monitors the level of programme implementation and draws attention to problems and deficiencies. RLC develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions including the Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs).
The Regional Office supports regional policy dialogue on food security, agriculture and rural development issues, facilitates the emergence of regional partnerships, and supports capacity development and resource mobilization for food security, agriculture and rural development in the region.
The post is located in the FAOR Network Unit, RLC.

Reporting Lines

The consultant will report to the RLC-CSF Finance Outposted Office.

Technical Focus

Strengthening of capacity of Country Offices within LAC Region in admin and finance matters, to make them able to face the growth of project portfolio within their specific context.

• Support the Country Offices in revising internal administrative procedures according to the Manual Section aiming the improvement of current procedures in order to cope with the increased workload efficiently, coordinating reviews.
• Problem solving assistance to countries on administrative and finance issues arising during the project life, handling incoming queries and participating on system testing.
• Provide in-country or remote training to newly recruited staff (from the project or CO) as well as refresher trainings as needed and coaching staff, preparing materials and maintaining the knowledge base.
• Provide guidance and assistance on implementing most effective business processes of the day-to-day operations.
• Prepare review and analyse training materials, handbooks, SOPs and workflows to be implemented in rapid growth Country Offices.
• Support countries in the monitoring of their budgets and financial reports.
• Compile Best Administrative practices across the COs in the Region and share that knowledge, provide guidance and coordinate its distribution within the Region.
• Undertake field missions to support the above functions in priority and most needed Countries, as feasible and appropriate.
• Undertake other tasks that maybe relevant to support countries administrative and financial capacities.

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in administrative related fields.
• Seven years of related experience in relevant administrative/financial posts.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English and Spanish is required.

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 assessing the state of current internal controls and implementing needed improvements
• Experience in implementing business process improvements;
• Experience in preparing financial progress and monitoring reports;
• Experience in working with/or in government departments, national and international NGOs and other UN agencies is highly desirable.