Operations Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Regional Office for REU 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. REU also advises on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization’s 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. REU 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.

Reporting Lines

The Operations Specialist reports to the FAO Regional Programme Leader in the Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU). He/She will work under the direct supervision of the Programme Coordinator in Kiev and will be working in close collaboration with the international and national FAO technical staff in Ukraine, with staff in charge of administration and finance, with relevant stakeholders, and will liaise with relevant technical and programme staff at FAO Regional Office and headquarters.

Technical Focus

Lead and coordinate the operational support function of the field programme including emergency, rehabilitation and development projects, in national, regional and global projects

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Act as a focal point for all project operational matters, organize and handle the day-to-day operational activities of the field programme (including emergency, rehabilitation and development projects, in national, regional and global projects) and take action in consultation with supervisors on any issues which arise during the execution period;

• Prepare project task force meetings and provides secretariat support ;

• 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 in liaison with other support units;

• Participate in the preparation of project work plans, monitors progress and identifies corrective measures to overcome operational constraints;

• Review and monitors the project budget, prepares requests and revisions as required, maintains and monitors budget expenditures and resources, reviews project transaction listings with a view to identify errors in accounting against budget lines;

• Prepare and submit the Project Implementation Reports and any other reports required by the Organization;

• Ensure the completeness and quality of data and documentation in the FAO corporate systems (e.g. GRMS, FPMIS), for all assigned operational field projects and activities;

• Prepare analytical reports on project performances as required;

• Coordinate action concerning the completion of field projects and arranges for timely and adequate reporting, including identification of project follow-up requirements;

• Contribute to the formulation of project proposals according to FAO's procedures and prepares project documents for technical clearance and final approval under different funding arrangements;

• Perform other duties as required.

• Participate in the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects, etc.; monitors and analyses programme/project development and implementation;

• Review relevant documents and reports; identify problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions;

• Assists in policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of impact evaluation or equivalent studies, etc.;

• Prepare various written outputs, e.g. drafts background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.;

• Undertake outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities;

• Coordinate activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepare related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in public or business administration, finance, accounting, economics, social sciences or another field related to the FAO mandate

• Five years of relevant experience in project management/operations and support

• Working knowledge of English, French or Spanish and limited knowledge of one the other two or Arabic, Chinese, Russian

• 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, particularly in field positions is desirable

• Extent and relevance of experience in programme/project formulation, analysis, planning and implementation

• Understanding of FAO policies and programmes is considered a strong asset

• Extent and relevance of experience in supporting, advising and guiding the implementation of complex multi-stakeholder projects

• Extent of experience in formulation, implementation and monitoring of projects

• Ability to develop plans for the implementation and coordination of project operations in developing countries, in partnership with UN agencies and other concerned stakeholders and/or partners

• Familiarity with UN administrative, operational and financial procedures is an asset

• Knowledge of Russian is an asset