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;
(i)    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. 

FAO in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (MAFAR) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is implementing a Government Cooperative Programme funded by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The project, Development of Sustainable Fishery Value Chains in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, aims to sustain and improve productivity and resilience of aquaculture/fisheries enterprises in the Bangsamoro region in Mindanao. Specifically, this project will focus on improving efficiency and sustainability of local aquatic food value chains and market linkages, increase capacity of small-scale producers to augment their income through entrepreneurship using alternative species and processing for value-addition, empower them and their organizations on improved and resilient aquaculture/fisheries technologies and appropriate postharvest processing, and enhance the knowledge and skills of MAFAR and LGU fishery personnel on monitoring and managing fish stock.

The position is located in Mandaluyong City, Philippines.

Reporting Lines

The National Operations Specialist will be under the direct supervision of the FAO Representative in the Philippines, working in close coordination with the Assistant FAO Representatives for Programme and Administration and collaboration with Project Team Leaders/Coordinators.

Technical Focus

The National Operations Specialist performs a wide range of operational management functions at the FAO Philippines country office including monitoring of project implementation, resources and progress, resolving outstanding operational issues, coordination of administration and logistical arrangements as well as liaison with the projects’ Funding Liaison Officer (FLO), Lead Technical Officer (LTO) and Budget Holder in HQs and RAP.

Tasks and responsibilities

The National Operations Specialist shall perform the following tasks:

•    Acts as a focal point for all project operational and financial matters, organizes and handles the day-to-day operational activities and takes action in consultation with the FAO Representative on any issues which arise during the execution period;

•    Monitors the project work plan, budget, procurement and recruitment plans and milestones to ensure best use of project resources, recommends actions to avoid projects slippage and proposes mid-term corrective action as the case necessitates;

•    Ensures the timely provision of project inputs (technical services, personnel, contracts, training, equipment and supplies) directly by the Organization or, when appropriate, through contractors and in liaison with the Programme  and Administration Units;

•    Participates in the preparation of project work plans, monitors progress and identifies corrective measures to overcome operational and financial constraints;

•    Reviews and monitors the project budget, prepares requests for Field Budget Authorizations (FBAs) 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;

•    Monitors implementation of effective internal controls in projects in the areas of finance, procurement, travel  and asset management in accordance with the highest professional standards, while ensuring timely delivery of outputs in accordance with established policies and procedures.

•    Ensures the completeness, quality and timeliness of data and documentation in the FAO corporate systems (e.g. GRMS, FPMIS, PIRES) in accordance with specific corporate quality frameworks and standards.

•    Coordinates and supports preparations for project mid-term monitoring and evaluation activities, including drafting ToRs for the evaluators;

•    In close consultation with Project Team Leaders, oversee the recruitment of project staff/consultants;

•    Provides support to project task force, steering committee meetings, project workshops as required;

•    Prepares analytical reports on project performances as required;

•    Monitors adherence to relevant FAO and donor policies and processes;

•    Carry out any other relevant duties within his/her technical competence as may be requested by the FAO Representative.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•    Advanced degree in operations management, project management, strategic management, business administration agribusiness management, or similar.
•    At least 7 years of relevant experience in project management and strategic planning at national and/or international levels.
•    National of the Philippines.
•    Working knowledge (Level C) of English.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Familiarity with and understanding of the work of international organizations, regional entities and national governments
•    In-depth knowledge of project management and strategic planning, budgets and financial reporting
•    Excellent leadership and communication skills.
•    Ability to promote efficiency toward achieving project objectives and advanced knowledge of best business practices.
•    General knowledge and skills in the use of standard office software, such as MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION