Operational Support Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Forestry Division (NFO) leads FAO's work in promoting sustainable forest management and providing leadership on the environmental, social and economic dimensions of forestry, including its contributions to poverty reduction and food security and nutrition. It liaises with Members, civil society and the private sector in aspects ranging from development of effective forest policies to forest conservation and management issues and strengthens the role of forests in climate change mitigation and adaptation. The Division also collects, analyses and disseminates information on the world's forest resources and on the production, trade and consumption of wood and non-wood forest products. The Forest and Farm Facility (FFF) Team is a partnership between FAO, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) and AgriCord, housed in the NFO and supported under an umbrella programme and a multi-donor Trust Fund, focusing on climate-resilient landscapes and improved livelihoods. FFF sees the Forest and Farm Producer Organizations (FFPOs) which represent smallholders, rural women's groups, local communities and indigenous peoples' institutions as the key agents of change in rural landscapes. The position is located in the Forest and Farm Facility (FFF) Team of the Forestry Division (NFO) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines

The Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the Manager/OiC of the Forest and Farm Facility (FFF) and the direct supervision of the Lead FFF Forestry Officer. They may be called upon to collaborate with other FAO Divisions and teams.

Technical Focus

The Specialist will support effective programme operations, coordination, and delivery.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Specialist will contribute to and/or take responsibility for one or more of the following tasks:

•     Provide day-to-day operational support to the FFF programme team.
•     Assist in the preparation, amendment, and closure of service contracts, LoAs, and DBGs, budget tracking, and reporting in line with FAO rules and procedures. 
•     Support the review of supporting documentation, interim and final reports submitted by Regional FFPOs and implementing partners. 
•     Support FFF operations with the closure of FFF Phase II including checking reports, payments and all relevant documentation provided for over 200 grants. 
•     Support the operational development of project and program documents using FAO’s project cycle. 
•     Support organization of missions, workshops, and events. 
•     Contribute to smooth communication and follow-up with regional and country teams.
•     Assist as required with improved documentation, monitoring, and knowledge management. 
•     Track opportunities for funding for FFPOs and value chain actors. Task includes expanding the already existing initial list and conducting periodic monitoring/tracking of opportunities. 
•     Support operational appraisal of project proposals for FFPOs and SMEs funding opportunities, ensuring completeness and compliance with requirements. 
•     Assist in capturing good practices, lessons learned, and results from project implementation for programme final reporting and closure. 
•     Contribute to the consolidation of data and information across FFF countries, including funds and financing sources with potential interest for FFPOs (possibly with focus in selected countries/regions). 
•     For Consultant: Assist in maintaining contacts/cultivate relationships with selected financing institutions that participate in blended finance meetings and matchmaking events (possibly with focus in selected countries/regions).

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     For Consultants: Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO with specialization in international development, natural resource management, business administration, economics, management, or related field. In alternative, a first-level degree and two additional years of relevant experience may be considered. 
•     For PSA.SBS: University degree or specific technical specialization in international development, natural resource management, business administration, economics, management, or related field.  
•     Minimum of 3 years of relevant working experience in programme or project support, preferably within FAO or similar organizations. 
•     Working knowledge (level C) of English.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Strong organizational, analytical, and writing skills. 
•     Familiarity with FAO’s contractual modalities and operational procedures is an asset.

Selection criteria

•     Limited knowledge (intermediate - level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) would be considered an asset