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- 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
Organizational Setting
In the partnerships and outreach stream, the Project Support Services Division (PSS) has the lead responsibility for ensuring that corporate guidance on Project Cycle and Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP), New Operational Modalities and Due Diligence are fit for purpose and contribute as part of a reinvigorated business environment to the Strategic Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Director, PSS, leads the Organization's work in oversight and monitoring of the field programme; project cycle management; management of the TCP; prospect research and review of partnerships with non-state actors; and the development and support to new operational modalities.
The consultancy position is located in the New Operational Modalities Unit, which facilitates the efficient and effective delivery of the FAO field programme through new working methodologies such as OPIM, Cash Transfers, Vouchers and Grants to beneficiaries. The work of the Unit is strongly field-focused, seeking to provide new or update/adapt policies, procedures, training and tools that maximize the effectiveness of FAO offices implementing projects, in a broad variety of contexts, respond to users’ needs and corporate requirements.
Reporting Lines
The Consultant reports to the Programme Officer (Operational Partners Implementation Modality).
Technical Focus
Operational modalities and procedures, policy setting, quality assurance, compliance and capacity development, with focus on Operational Partners Implementation Modality.
Tasks and responsibilities
Under the overall supervision of the Senior Programme Officer / Head of the New Operational Modalities Team, Project Support Division, the direct supervision of the Programme Officer for Operational Partners Implementation Modalities (OPIM) and in close collaboration with other organizational units involved in the delivery of OPIM within FAO, the incumbent will perform the following duties:
• Lead the quality assurance of OPIM submissions of the assigned portfolio for compliance with Manual Section 701 provisions and requirements;
• Liaise with Project Formulators (PF) and Budget Holders (BH) to provide guidance and oversee the preparation of OPIM submissions by programme and operations staff;
• Provide substantive advice on necessary actions and hands-on support during implementation of OPIM projects through clarifications on correct OPIM implementation;
• Lead the development of tools and technical guidance to support PF/BH in the design and implementation of projects/programmes implemented through partners;
• Liaise with relevant stakeholders in the organization to identify and implement required procedures based on the needs from implementation experience of projects/programmes implemented through partners;
• Contribute to the roll-out of the policies and procedures for OPIM and capacity development with regard to OPIM through the contribution to production of training material and delivery of training in Regional and Country Offices, and in HQ;
• Develop and provide trainings to Regional Operational Partners Specialists and other new OPIM personnel;
• Contribute to the development of policies for implementation of projects/programmes through partners;
• Formulate technical guidelines and supporting materials on OPIM to enhance capacity building on OPIM across the organization;
• Lead identification of solutions for complex cases thorough analysis for suggested way forward;
• Contribute to development of monitoring approaches and oversight tools for OPIM projects;
• Plan and carry on required monitoring actions on implementation and compliance of all OPIM projects with FAO policy, procedures and other requirements and ensure necessary follow up with BH;
• Coordinate and supervise documents collection and ensure that all required documents and records for OPIM projects are accurate, complete and up-to date;
• Undertake missions to Country and Regional Offices where OPIM Projects are ongoing to provide technical support on OPIM related matters as necessary;
• Perform other related duties related to programme activities as required.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• Advanced University degree in development studies, business or public administration, political science, law, public policy, international relations or another field relevant to the work of the Organisation.
• At least five years of relevant experience, including at least two at the international level.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English and limited knowledge (level B) of another FAO language (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian) for COF. Working knowledge of English for PSA.
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus.
• Teamwork.
• Communication.
• Building Effective Relationships.
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement.
Technical/Functional Skills
• Knowledge of Risk Based Management Approach and Results Based Management.
• Familiarity with FAO Project Cycle, GEF minimum fiduciary standards, administrative management practices and operational modalities.
• Knowledge of UN agencies harmonized procedures and Resources Partners requirements for implementation of projects/programmes through partners.
• Demonstrated analytical skills.
• Drafting skills in English.
Selection Criteria
• Demonstrated experience in formulating, applying and/or or conducting quality assurance processes for UN policies related to implementation of projects and programmes through partners.
• Technical knowledge of best practices in using Implementing/Operational Partnerships for design and delivery of projects/programmes;
• Knowledge of risk-based management approaches, plus practical experience in their use.
• Previous experience in design and delivery of capacity building programmes in an international context.
• Demonstrated ability to initiate and support complex consultative processes involving internal and external stakeholders.
Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency