| Organizational Setting The main aim of the FAO at country level, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner. Suriname and FAO have partnered since the country joined the Organization in 1975. Over the past decade, FAO technical assistance has spanned the agriculture, livestock, fisheries and forestry subsectors, primarily focusing on priorities laid down in Suriname’s Agriculture Sector Plan. Suriname has made positive strides towards food security and, in 2014, the country was declared one of the top four Caribbean nations to have achieved the MDG target for hunger eradication. FAO has been identified by the Government of Suriname and the European Commission (EC) as implementation partner for the FAO/EU Suriname Agriculture Market Access Project (SAMAP), on the basis of its comparative advantage and technical expertise in agriculture development in Suriname working with both public and private sector and having specific competences related to food safety and certification, business development and productive alliances. Reporting Lines Under the general supervision of FAO Representative (FAOR) to Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname, the direct supervision of the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) and in close collaboration with the International Operations Officer and members of the SAMAP project team, as well as with other project consultants and technical officers from the Project Task Force. Tasks and responsibilities - Lead the operational implementation of the Matching Grant Facility (MGF) according with the provisions of the MGF Operational Manual.
- In close collaboration with the International Operations Officer, organize and operationalize the grant application process from selection and revision to evaluation and implementation of the SAMAP grant process.
- Identify, revise and propose to the CTA the necessary adjustments and improvements to the Operational Manual and its modalities of implementation as per FAO rules and regulations.
- Proactively engage and facilitate access to MGF information and the application process to potential grantees.
- Organize and deliver information sessions at national, regional, local and community levels; develop practical information material for the MGF application process and support in the dissemination and application process.
- Liaise, coordinate and guide partners on grants implementation, reporting, information sharing and further work planning.
- Coordinate and organize the work of the Service Providers (SP) and other SAMAP resource persons to support the development of project applications and business plans of potential grantees.
- Lead in the organization and implementation of the field verification processes. Coordinate with SAMAP Operational and MNE Specialists in the visiting the project sites at district and community levels.
- Assist in organizing, systematizing and preparing the technical information and other relevant requirements for the MGF procurement processes.
- In coordination with the Operations Specialist organize the signing of grants and transfer of goods and services.
- Monitor and coach the implementation of small grants and large grant business plans, frequently visit the grant supported projects and recipients in the field, identify and report implementation bottlenecks and identify potential training needs.
- Coordinate with the M&E officer the implementation of the monitoring and reporting on the grant implementation, progress and successes for Knowledge Management purposes.
- Monitor and provide regular reports of the implementation of business plans (large grants) and projects (small grants) awarded a grant by the MGF.
- In coordination with the CTA inform stakeholders with respect to the progress of the overall MGF implementation
- Provide technical guidance and inputs in organizing the grant outreach promotion campaign.
- Respond to partners, as required, on the grant agreements and any other relevant information of the MGF implementation process.
- Prepare reports and other relevant written updates on the MGF inputs to the project task force and project steering committee meetings as requested.
- Identify and share best practices and lessons learnt in implementation and management of the grants.
- Ensure that all documentation are properly signed and accurate administrative/financial files and documentation are maintained, as well as correspondence and other available information related to the grants.
- Develop and implement systems for internal control that would ensure compliance with contractual terms and conditions as per grants agreement, in collaboration with the operations manager.
- Perform other related duties as required.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING Minimum Requirements - A University degree in Business Management / Administration / Economics / Finance or a related degree.
- Seven years’ experience at a coordination and/or managerial position in a related field.
- Fluency in spoken and written English and a good working knowledge of Dutch. (Sranan Tongo would be an asset).
- National of Suriname.
FAO Core Competencies - Results Focus
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Building Effective Relationships
- Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills - Demonstrated experience and knowledge of the Suriname agricultural and agribusiness environment, including the private sector.
- Demonstrated skills and track record in coordinating, evaluating and granting financial incentives like grants and or loans, including the management of data.
- Experience in administering investment / loan portfolios and Project Management would be considered an asset.
- Ability to perform a variety of specialized tasks related to Results Based Management (RBM) systems, including support to design, planning and implementation of Grants, managing project data and reporting.
- Demonstrated experience in working with local government, private sector and community stakeholders, including the ability to facilitate understanding between groups with different perspectives and interests, facilitate linkages and build strong and supportive working relationships a wide range of stakeholders.
- Willingness and ability to travel and perform field work in districts and rural communities in particular in the hinterland, as required by the project.
- Experience and/or knowledge of the Suriname private and banking sector is considered a plus.
- Excellent organizational skills. Ability to prioritize work, multi-task and meet deadlines and produce quality results on time with attention to detail.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Good understanding of FAO’s business and its objectives.
- Excellent writing skills, strong networking and relationship building skills, excellent communication and negotiation skills.
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