Operations Officer

Job Description

Organizational Setting

The main aim of FAO Country Offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist the governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner. Furthermore, FAO provides vital emergency agricultural and livestock assistance to enable people to produce their own food, generate income and strengthen their resilience. FAO’s Office in Ethiopia is responsible for leading the Organization’s response to threats to food security, agricultural and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of the organization priority activities in the country.

The position is located in the FAO Representation in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Reporting Lines

The Operations Officer reports to the FAO Representative in Ethiopia. He/she will work in close collaboration with the Programme, Administration, Procurement, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Communication teams, and in consultation with the relevant technical units at the Subregional office for Eastern Africa (SFE), the Regional Office for Africa (RAF) and headquarters.

Technical Focus

Operational support function of the field programme including emergency, rehabilitation and development projects, both national and regional/global projects.

Key Results

The provision of operation support services.

• Key Functions
• Acts as a focal point for all project operational matters, organizes and handles the day-to-day operational activities of the field programme (including emergency, rehabilitation and development projects, in national, regional and global projects) and takes action in consultation with supervisors on any issues which arise during the execution period;
• Prepares project task force meetings and provides secretariat support;
• Ensures 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;
• Participates in the preparation of project work plans, monitors progress and identifies corrective measures to overcome operational constraints;
• Reviews 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;
• Prepares and submits the Project Implementation Reports and any other reports required by the Organization;
• Ensures 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;
• Prepares analytical reports on project performances as required;
• Coordinates action concerning the completion of field projects and arranges for timely and adequate reporting, including identification of project follow-up requirements;
• Contributes 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;
• Performs other duties as required.

Specific Functions

• Participates in the preparation of project work plans, monitor progress and, where necessary, identify corrective measures to overcome operational constraints;
• Contributes to the formulation of field projects and programmes, including donor liaison, appraisal and operational clearance of project documents, preparation of budgets, logframes and workplans as appropriate;
• Monitors Letters of Agreement (LoA) and provides operational support, advice and guidance to Service Providers on the management and reporting;
• Within the assigned mandate, support the coordination, monitoring and implementation of operational activities; supervises national and/or international staff as required; provides guidance on project cycle management and operational support functions;
• Liaises with Offices, Centres and Divisions at headquarters, as necessary, on issues related to development and implementation of projects;
• Contributes to the setup of internal controls and quality assurance (such as budgetary controls) in compliance with FAO Financial Rules and Regulations;
• Participates in field missions, including provision of operational and administrative support, data collection, etc.;
• Contributes to the drafting of briefs, reports and statements and correspondence for recipient governments and donors.

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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 (proficient – level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of one of the other official FAO languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
• Competencies
• 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;
• 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 system organizations and other concerned actors;
• Familiarity with UN administrative, operational and financial procedures is an asset.

2009441

CCOG Code

1A11

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

The length of appointment for internal FAO candidates will be established in accordance with applicable policies pertaining to the extension of appointments

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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 persons 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.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.