Organizational Setting
The main aim of the FAO country offices, 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.
The position is located in the FAO Representation in Islamabad, Pakistan.
Reporting Lines
The Operations officer reports to the FAO Representative (FAOR) in Pakistan, under the overall guidance of the Deputy FAOR and the Assistant FAOR- Programme. He/she will work in close collaboration with the administration, operations, finance and communication teams and in consultation with the relevant technical units in FAO Pakistan, the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP), and FAO headquarters.
Technical Focus
Leads and coordinates the operational support function of the field programme, including development, emergency and rehabilitation projects.
Key Results
Effective and efficient coordination, as well as provision of the operational support to the field programme and project activities.
Key Functions
• Manages day-to-day operations on matters relating to the implementation of FAO field programmes, including emergency, rehabilitation and development project operations;
• Participates in the design and formulation of project proposals, ensures quality assurance under different funding arrangements;
• Coordinates project budget preparation, financial control, human resource management, travel, logistics, missions and operation backstopping to field offices;
• Oversees the support and strengthening of the operational structure, including training of national personnel, to ensure the necessary operational capacity is maintained for the implementation of the FAO field programme;
• Coordinates the preparation of emergency, rehabilitation and development project work plans, monitors progress and identifies corrective measures to overcome operational constraints;
• Liaises with FAO technical units to ensure technical quality in programme and project activities;
• Analyses the Government requests for emergency, rehabilitation and development assistance and develops project and programme proposals to mobilize donor (and aid programmes of the UN system) funds for FAO operations in line with the Country Programming Framework (CPF);
• Supports resource mobilization efforts by liaising with donors, (in line with the Resource Mobilization Strategy);
• Coordinates the preparation of briefs, financial and programme/project implementation reports, including final statements to governments and donors;
• Builds and maintains partnerships with relevant stakeholders and/or partners to develop capacity for efficient field programme/project delivery;
• Coordinates field monitoring, programming and assessment missions as required to assess the emerging needs and implementation of the project as well as to plan project activities;
• Liaises with other UN organizations and partners (non-governmental organizations, national authorities and donors, etc.) at the appropriate level on emergency response and development assistance;
• Coordinates and participates in technical and international meetings;
• Performs other related duties as required.
Specific Functions
• Contributes to resource mobilization efforts for the FAO programme by reviewing the quality and provides timely inputs to programme preparation as well as preparation of programmatic and strategic documents and project proposals
• Supervises team working in the Operations Unit and leads staff towards high performance, efficiency and collaboration;
• Advises the programme management of the Office by participating in internal meetings, facilitating information sharing, planning/coordinating internal activities as well as supporting day-to-day operations of FAO Pakistan projects;
• Monitors FAO Pakistan's Regular Programme (RP) resrouces and extra-budgetary projects budget and oversees budget preparation, funding allocation, budget revisions, field budget authorizations (FBAs), staff planning, etc. and prepares regular financial reports;
• Supports and advises country project design/formulation with proper project implementation modalities;
• Acts as a member of the Local Purchase Committee (LPC) and provides advice on procurement-related procedures;
• Supports the country office on operational procedures (opening and closure of projects, budget monitoring, budget revisions, etc.) and on the use of FAO systems: FPMIS, GRMS, IMIS, etc.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree in agriculture, economics, business administration and management, international relations or another field related to the work of the Organization;
• Seven years of relevant experience in the management, operation and support of emergency - rehabilitation and development programmes;
• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of another FAO official language (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 field programme/project operations in the food security and agriculture sector.
• Familiarity with FAO's Project cycle guidelines and knowledge of FAO processes and administrative systems is considered a strong asset.
• Extent and relevance of experience in liaising with international donor organizations and development partners and in preparing proposals for funding, monitoring budgets and preparing financial reports in donor specific formats.
• Ability to develop plans for the implementation and coordination of project operations in developing countries, in partnership with the United Nations (UN) agencies and other concerned actors.
• Extent and relevance of experience in programme or project management.
This vacancy is archived.