Back National Operational Partners Implementation Modality (OPIM) Coordinator

Organizational Setting

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.

FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level. 

The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources. 

Specifically, FAO Country Offices: 
(i)    advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate;
(ii)    provide technical assistance and deliver core services; 
(iii)     assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation; 
(iv)    position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and 
(v)    ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.  

For more than four decades, FAO has been working with the Government of the Philippines, civil society, community-based organizations, the academe and the private sector to address challenges in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector. Joint efforts have included increasing sustainability in agricultural production, promoting value-adding practices, mechanization and modernization through improving post-harvest management, enhancing productivity and increasing the resilience of agriculture-based livelihoods to natural disasters, climatic hazards and armed conflict. 

The position is located in the FAO Country Office in the Philippines.

Reporting Lines

The National OPIM Coordinator reports to the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) in coordination with the National Technical Assistance Coordinator (Climate Change Adaptation Specialist).

Technical Focus

Coordination of funds transferred to and managed by FAO’s operational partners for the project Adapting Philippine Agriculture to Climate Change (APA), facilitate transactions between FAO and the operational partners, ensuring narrative and financial reports and other such documentation are completed in accordance to the operational partners agreement (OPA).

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Serve as the primary coordinator of funds transferred to and managed by FAO’s operational partners for the project Adapting Philippine Agriculture to Climate Change (APA), facilitate transactions between FAO and the operational partners, ensuring narrative and financial reports and other such documentation are completed in accordance to the operational partners agreement (OPA);
•    Liaise with FAO regional office and headquarters on Operational Partners Implementation Modality (OPIM) processes.
•    Regularly monitor project budget to ensure that resources are allocated effectively according to the work and financial plan.
•    Review and certify work and financial plans and progress reports submitted by operational partners;
•    Serve as the administrative team lead of the FAO technical assistance team, providing support and/or coordinating concerns on recruitment, procurement, travel and logistics, and other administrative matters;
•    Oversee the work and performance of national operations specialists on their respective assignments;
•    Provide regular updates to senior management on the progress of the project, including any challenges or risks that may impact the project’s timeline or budget.
•    Prepare and present reports to senior management that summarize the project’s progress, including key milestones achieved, budget status, and any changes to the project plan.
•    Carry out any other relevant duties within his/her technical competence as may be requested by FAO.

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, and other related fields 
•    At least ten (10) years of experience on project management (administrative and operations)
•    Full proficiency / working knowledge (level C) of English
•    A national of the Philippines 

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    General knowledge and skills in the use of standard office software, such as MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point).
•    Familiarity with FAO operational procedures is an advantage
•    In line with FAO policy, commitment to placing accountability to people affected by disaster framework at the core of FAO’s emergency policy and practice, from preparedness up to the onset of an emergency in all phases of the programme cycle

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION