National Operations Specialist

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;
(v)    ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.  

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) seeks to provide technical support to the Government of Bangladesh to facilitate the implementation of the Agriculture Sector Transformation Programme (ATP), under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA). This initiative is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and is anticipated to be executed over a period of 38 months. The Government of Bangladesh has designated the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) as the principal implementing partner within the ATP framework. The project aims to achieve several objectives, including:

•     conducting policy, institutional, and investment gap analyses to inform an effective action plan for agriculture sector transformation.
•    identifying and establishing effective pathways for prioritizing and coordinating resources and partnerships.
•     enhancing collaboration with the private sector.
•    improving the scale and efficacy of investments in agrifood system research and innovation.
•    increasing initiatives to safeguard environmental health, particularly in light of climate vulnerability.

The National Operations Specialist will support efficient project execution by managing operational, financial, and logistical processes across all stages. This role involves overseeing contracts and LoAs, ensuring compliance with FAO, UN, and donor guidelines, while handling procurement, recruitment, budget monitoring and other relevant tasks. 

The position is located in the FAO country office in Bangladesh.

Reporting Lines 

The National Operations Specialist is a SC8 position. Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Bangladesh and Deputy FAO Representative; working in close consultation with the Assistant FAO Representative and the Senior Technical Advisor (STA); the incumbent will report to the National Project Coordinator. The National Operations Specialist will support the various activities of the project in close collaboration with project team, FAO country team, relevant government institutions, national and international stakeholders.

Technical Focus

The technical focus of the assignment includes managing operational, financial, and logistical processes, efficient resource utilization, assisting implementation of annual work plans, developing budgets, ensuring stakeholder engagement, and timely delivery of outputs.

Tasks and Responsibilities 

•    Assist the smooth operational, administrative, logistic, financial implementation of project activities through different stages of the Project Life Cycle;
•    Support the preparation of Letter of Agreements (LoAs) and contracts, government and donor requirements and procedures; follow-up on submission of reports and payments to Service Providers;
•    Assist in the preparation of project documents, work plans, procurement plan, mid-term and final project reports from an operational perspective, for technical clearance;
•    Assist in the implementation of subsequent stages of the project life cycle (recruitment, procurement, budget handling, report writing, correspondence, special reports, evaluations and justifications as required);
•    Ensure travel plans & procurement plans are in place on a quarterly basis and continuously updated in line with the organization rules and procedures; 
•    Liaise with HR Section and assist in processing the recruitment of International & National consultants that will work on project activities;
•    Assist in the efficient project’s financial flow mechanisms and in ensuring timely availability of resources for the smooth implementation of project activities including tracking of budget monitoring and field expenditures;
•    Develop, review and clear all administrative & financial documents submitted to FAO Representative for approval and signature  by ensuring appropriateness, correctness and compliance with the approved budget & FAO Rules and Regulations; 
•    Assist to maintain effective delivery follow-ups control tracking the delivery of goods and services;
•    Assist in planning, organizing and coordinating workshops, trainings, field missions and other events of the project in close consultation with the project staff;
•    Maintain the document filing system both in hard and electronic copy, type correspondence and documents, receive and screen correspondence, attach necessary background information and maintain records of the communications;
•   Assist in any other tasks under the project.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING:

Minimum Requirements

•    Advanced degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related discipline or any closely related discipline from any recognized university
•    Six years of relevant practical experience with any foreign-aided project, international development organization or reputed multinational organization; out of which minimum 3 years of practical experience in project/office operational activities, and progressively responsible experience in operations works
•    Working knowledge (level C) of English
•    National of Bangladesh

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Knowledge of computerized accounting to produce several financial reports/analyses and maintain financial correspondence independently; 
•    Skilled in procurement, store recording, petty cash handling, logistics supports, developing filing systems and reference materials; 
•    Deep understanding of Letter of Agreement (LoA), developing LoA with different parties and follow it up for progress and payment;
•    Experience working in UN and other international systems including FAO will be considered as an asset; 
•    Good command on Windows-based programs such as Word and Excel, PowerPoint, Accounting programs, and experience in handling of web-based management systems and ERP systems, preferably Oracle Cloud;
•    Communicate effectively with people at all levels, and collaboratively work as a member of a team;
•    Demonstrated ability to work independently in a multicultural team, and interpersonal skills.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION