Organizational Setting
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives while preserving the planetโs resources and reducing the environmental impact.
FAO in Iraq is working towards climate-resilient and low-emission agrifood systems while taking into consideration all agricultural sectors, related value chains and ecosystems in a holistic way and recognizing the importance of a balance between the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. Additionally, to respond to the challenges related to water scarcity, FAO is and will work to enhance the climate resilience of farming communities in Southern Iraq by increasing and stabilizing water availability at the farm gate; optimizing agriculture and water productivity; and reducing the adaptation deficit of farming communities via specific and tailored trainings and capacity development processes.
Reporting Lines
Under the overall guidance/supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR) and the direct supervision of the FAO Deputy Representative, ย and in close collaboration with the Regional office and HQ, the Operation Specialist will perform the below tasks.
Tasks and responsibilities
โข ย ย 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;
โข ย ย Prepares project task force meetings and provides secretariat support ;
โข ย ย 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;
โข ย ย Participates in the preparation of project work plans, monitors progress and identifies corrective measures to overcome operational constraints;
โข ย ย 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;
โข ย ย Prepares and submits the Project Implementation Reports and any other reports required by the Organization;
โข ย ย 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;
โข ย ย Prepares analytical reports on project performances as required;
โข ย ย Coordinates action concerning the completion of field projects and arranges for timely and adequate reporting, including identification of project follow-up requirements;
โข ย ย 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;
โข ย ย Performs other duties as required.
โข ย ย Support FAO Iraq in preparation of short project proposals, concept notes and project documents and work plans, - Support other projects with livestock technical inputs.
โข ย ย prepare progress reports, and completion report and other routine reports in accordance with FAO procedures and specific requirements of the program;
โข ย ย Carry out any other duties related to the project as may be requested.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
โข ย ย University degree in public or business administration, finance, accounting, economics, social sciences or another field related to the FAO mandate
โข ย ย Three years of relevant experience in project management/operations and support
โข ย ย Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish)
FAO Core Competencies
โข ย ย Results Focus
โข ย ย Teamwork
โข ย ย Communication
โข ย ย Building Effective Relationships
โข ย ย Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skillsย
โข ย ย Extent and relevance of experience in programme/project formulation, analysis, planning and implementation
โข ย ย Understanding of FAO policies and programmes is considered a strong asset
โข ย ย Extent and relevance of experience in supporting, advising and guiding the implementation of complex multi-stakeholder projects
โข ย ย Extent of experience in formulation, implementation and monitoring of projects
โข ย ย Ability to develop plans for the implementation and coordination of project operations in developing countries, in partnership with UN agencies and other concerned stakeholders and/or partners
โข ย ย Familiarity with UN administrative, operational and financial procedures is an asset