Operations Assistant (Fisheries)

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

• 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 staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.

Organizational Setting

The project “Responsible Use of Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources for Sustainable Development” is funded by NORAD under the framework of the government of Norway and implemented by FAO in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries in Sri Lanka. Three of the six components (components 1, 2, and 3) of this project will be implemented in Sri Lanka.

Globally, fisheries and aquaculture make substantial contributions to the food security and livelihoods of millions of people. However, there is increasing evidence that climate change will have implications for fisheries and aquaculture production and trade and could consequently impact food security and the livelihoods of millions of people worldwide, thus posing a threat to the achievements of the SDGs. Against this background, component 2 of the project aims to support Sri Lanka to adapt to climate change effectively while ensuring the socio-economic development of the fishery and aquaculture sector. The ultimate goal of this component is to support Sri Lanka in the development and implementation of its National Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) under the Paris Agreement.

In addition to climate change, the fisheries and aquaculture sector faces the occurrence of food loss and waste (FLW), which undermines the sustainability of food systems and ultimately their contribution to food and nutrition security. Under component 5, this project will enhance the sustainable utilization of fisheries and aquaculture products and their contribution to livelihoods and food security through the application of multi-dimensional solutions to reduce FLW in fish value chains.

FAO is recruiting an Operation Assistant, to support the implementation and delivery of components 2 and 5 of this project. The post is based in the FAO Representation in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Reporting Lines

She/he will be working under the overall guidance of the FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives and the direct supervision of the AFAOR (Programme) with technical supervision of the National Project Consultants.

Technical Focus

Implementation of projects in accordance with Project document and implementation plan.
Effective support to the National Project consultants on project implementation.
Visibility initiatives related to the field program.
Regular meeting with National Project Consultants to discuss the progress of the project implementation plan.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Act as a focal point for all administrative and operational matters ensuring the day-to-day implementation of the project;
• Act as a financial focal point ensuring the application of the dedicated resources to the results-based delivery of the expected outputs of the project;
• Support the organization of project meetings, training workshops, and similar events.
• Contribute to the timely mobilization of inputs related to project operations such as personnel, technical support services, subcontracts, training, equipment/supplies, and other needs, in line with the FAO procedures and manual sections.
• Participate in the preparation of project work plan, procurement plan, implementation plan, and communications plan, and review it from time to time the progress, and draws attention to the need for corrective measures if required.
• Assist preparation of the Letters of Agreement (LOA) and commercial contracts, monitor the progress of the activities given. Attend any amendment required in time if necessary
• Initiate procurement actions in time as per the work plan
• Facilitate local and international travel as required
• Monitor the financial progress of the project and attend budget revision if necessary
• Contribute to the preparation of project reports.
• Arrange necessary clearance on the project activities as required
• Undertake any related tasks as requested AFAOR (Programme)

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree(s) in Accountancy and financial management, Business Administration, Social Science, Natural Resources Management, or other relevant disciplines
• Three years of experience in project coordination, preferably in International Organisations.
• A Master’s degree and or relevant professional qualifications will be considered an asset.
• Good working knowledge of English.
• Must be a national of Sri Lanka or a non-national holding a regular work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.