Project Administration and Operations Consultant

Organizational Setting

The Plant Production and Protection Division (AGP) promotes the transition to sustainable crop production systems. It promotes an integrated approach for crop production policies and practices within the framework of Sustainable Food and Agriculture and its underlying principles\: increasing productivity and resource use efficiency, conservation and management of natural resources, enhancing resilience to climate change and improvement of livelihoods and governance

The post is located in the Rural and Urban Crop and Mechanisation team (AGPML) one of six teams in the Division. AGPML provides advice, technical support and guidance to countries aimed at sustainable crop production intensification (SCPI) as a key contribution to food security, improved livelihoods and diversified diets in both rural and peri-urban contexts. The International Consultant is part of a Team of technical specialists that includes expertise on cropping systems including horticulture crops, cereals, legumes and perennial orchard and plantation crops working together to deliver a programme of work on SCPI that emphasizes sustainable agricultural production and technologies addressed to small holder farmers.

The International Consultant on Administration and Operation will support AGPML for the successful implementation of the Project “Smart Farming for the Next Generation” funded by the Republic of Korea in coordination with FAO country offices and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and Ministry of Agriculture, Republic of Uzbekistan. The project outcome is to optimize sustainable value chains for safe and nutritious vegetable products for profit and business opportunities through improving national capabilities on efficient protected cultivation systems.

Reporting Lines

The International Consultant reports to the Senior Agricultural Officer/Team Leader, AGPML in coordination with the Chief Technical Advisor, Lead Technical Officer and Project Task Force.

The consultant will provide support to the team’s work on the assigned programme/activities. The International Consultant will be involved in cross-sectoral work that includes the Smart Farming Project, contributing to FAO’s strategic objectives of making agriculture more productive and sustainable and providing administrative and logistical support to ensure smooth implementation of the project.

• In accordance with FAO rules, procedures and systems, provide timely and efficient operation and administration support to the successful implementation of the project activities;
• Keep day-to-day contact with the teams in the project countries and provide advice and timely support when needed;
• Closely collaborate with the LTO and CTA in planning and implementing the project activities;
• In cooperation with the LTO and CTA and agreement with the country teams, develop the project workplan, procurement plan, travel plan and HR plan;
• Follow up on the project activities, coordinate the monitoring and evaluation of the project activities; Coordinate timely development of six-month progress reports and submission to the donor; ;
• Provide administrative support to missions of international consultants and FAO Officers, follow up on the mission reports and travel expenses claims;
• Take a lead on keeping the project page on the FAO system up to date;
• assist in organization of workshops and technical meetings;
• participate in project meetings, take notes and develop the reports;
• Support the organization of meetings, consultations and conferences;
• Ensure appropriate oversight on all procurement, human resources and financial transactions;
• Ensure that all FAO activities are administered according to the existing rules and regulations, adhering to the rules of transparency, accountability, fairness and best value for money;
• Supervise the development, selection, awarding, implementation/delivery, payment and closure of any contractual arrangements for the procurement of goods and services in order to ensure compliance with organizational rules and regulations as well as coherence, comprehensiveness and soundness of the contracts;
• Review and prepare routine documentation and correspondence related to assigned procurement actions, including, but not limited to\: identification of potential suppliers , preparation of invitations to bid, bid summaries, purchase orders and/or contract, simple contractual amendments, renewals; obtain clarifications when necessary;
• Any other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

• University degree in business administration, international relations, finance, project administration or any other relevant closely related field
• Working knowledge of English (C Level) and limited knowledge of one of the other FAO languages (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian)
• At least two years of experience in assisting/managing project administration and operations

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

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work is desirable
• Extent and relevance of experience in Finance, Human Resources and Procurement procedures
• Extent and relevance of experience in writing project-related documents and reports
• Familiarity with the work of the UN system and with FPMIS is an asset
• Understanding of FAO policies and programmes is considered a strong asset
• Excellent communication skills
• Knowledge management experience, especially related to FAO, may be considered an asset

Additional Selection Criteria

• Working knowledge of Korean would be a strong asset